Technical Design Associate

Zumiez

  • Lynnwood, WA
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 20 days ago
Job Description:Job Title: Associate Technical DesignerOrganization Structure: Reports To Technical Design ManagerFLSA status: Hourly, Non-Exempt – Full TimeDepartment: PBS (Private Label & Brand Services)Location: In-office at the Zumiez Home Office, Lynnwood, WAPosition SummaryThe Associate Technical Designer is responsible for the technical development of assignedapparel categories from initial prototypes through final production approval. This role requiresstrong communication and problem-solving skills, as well as an advancing level of technicalexpertise and leadership skills. This person brings an understanding of product development andproduction processes, with the confidence to offer solutions to their design partner formaintaining design intent while assuring the best fit and construction for the functionality of theproduct. The Associate TD leads fit sessions for assigned categories, identifying potentialproduction, quality, or costing challenges, engaging with all team partners and external vendorsto ensure Zumiez’s brand standards are met. The Associate TD is also responsible for theorganization and management of assigned projects (non-fit submit category or constructionbased) critical to the day-to-day organization and operations of the team.Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Product Development Oversight:
o Manage the technical design process from initial prototype through production forassigned categories, ensuring quality, fit and brand consistency.o Oversee all sample stages (prototype, fit, pre-production, and top of production),ensuring adherence to specifications and brand guidelines.o Update and maintain tech packs, incorporating accurate construction details,pattern modifications, and grading adjustments.
  • Fit and Construction Management:
o Lead fit sessions on live models or mannequins, assessing fit, balance, andconstruction for functionality and design integrity.o Analyze samples to identify fit and quality issues, providing correctiverecommendations with detailed comments, sketches, and photos.o Ensure vendor adherence to fit corrections and issue updated grading guidelinesupon fit approval.o Independently conducts fit evaluation on live model and dressform.
  • Pattern and Block Development:
o Evaluate and refine existing patterns, fit blocks, and grade rules to streamlineprocesses and improve consistency across factories and brands.o Develop and maintain block specs and pattern libraries, ensuring all categoriesalign with Zumiez’s fit standards.o Utilize CLO3D software for pattern development and digital fitting to buildefficiencies and reduce physical samples.
  • Collaboration and Communication:
o Partner closely with Design, Product Development, and Production teams toensure alignment on fit, quality, and timeline objectives.o Clearly and concisely communicates fit comments, corrections, and technicalrecommendations to overseas vendors, providing timely feedback to maintainworkflow.o Work with vendors to resolve production challenges, ensuring that technicalrequirements are met and that any deviations are promptly addressed.
  • Leadership:
o Advancing in knowledge of fit analysis, pattern adjustments, and constructiontechniques, sharing knowledge with Assistant team members and Interns (whenavailable)o Partners and collaborates with other Technical Design members to discover orimplement processes that refine and improve efficiencies and elevate the overallquality of the product.o Maintains professionalism and upholds Zumiez’s values of collaboration,empowerment, and personal development.o Demonstrates advancing technical knowledge and ownership of assigned projectsto support a strong team atmosphere and product execution consistent withZumiez brand standards.
  • Sample Tracking and Quality Control:
o Maintains sample tracking logs to monitor product progression from initialprototype through top of production (TOP) approvals.o Review pre-production (PP) and TOP samples to confirm adherence to approvedfit, construction, and quality standards before bulk production.o Collaborate with the Production team to identify and resolve issues related tosample approval timelines.
  • Process Improvement and Innovation:
o Benchmarks fit and quality standards against leading fashion brands to ensureZumiez remains competitive in the market.o Investigates opportunities for process improvements allowing for adaptation toevolving business needs.o Stays informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices toadvance technical design processes.Skills and Abilities• Technical Skills:o Willing to grow and advance proficiencies in CLO3D and Adobe Illustratoro Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office 365, Word and Excel.o Working knowledge of pattern development and grading, construction techniques,and fabric behavior consistent to the Associate level.o Ability to modify patterns, of easy to moderate complexity, for development andproduction using flat pattern techniques, 3D pattern software and other digitaltools.o Demonstrates consistent accuracy and attention to detail in all deliverables
  • Soft Skills:
o Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills withcoworkers, and outside vendor contacts; able to collaborate across teams andcultures.o Must be a self-starter, able to multi-task and work independentlyo Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.o Strong analytical, problem-solving, and time-management abilities; able tomanage multiple priorities concurrently.o Experience working with overseas vendors, where ESL needs are considered.o Demonstrates passion and commitment for the work assigned.o Ability to thrive and grow in a collaborative environment.Experience and Educationo Minimum 3-5 years of technical design experience with expertise in categoriesMens and Womens Knits. Some experience in Mens or Womens Woven UpperBody garments is a plus.o Demonstrated proficiency in pattern development, with working knowledge ofspec development, assignment to points of measurement, and garmentconstruction at a factory level.o Comfortable leading fit sessions with proven ability to resolve fit and constructionchallenges.o Associates or bachelor's degree in Patternmaking, Fashion Design, ProductDevelopment, or a related field with coursework in textiles, patternmaking, andapparel design.Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those thatmust be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform theessential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands
to keyboard, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Prolongedperiods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The employee must occasionallylift and/or move up to fifteen pounds.
  • Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in an
office environment. The noise level is generally moderate.Benefits:
  • Hourly Range: $26.50-$28.85
  • Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance, following an initial wait period
  • 401(k) plan after meeting eligibility requirements
  • Basic life insurance and supplemental voluntary life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Sick Leave, following an initial wait period
  • Paid Vacation, following an initial wait period
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Employee Discount on Zumiez product
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) after meeting eligibility requirements
  • Bonus Eligible
Updated Aug 15, 2025

Zumiez