What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Designer position at Weissman?
At Weissman, located in St. Louis, Missouri, we've been the heartbeat of the dance community for 60 incredible years. As a privately held, medium-sized company, we're not just another manufacturer - we're the driving force behind the dance industry's most stunning costumes and dancewear. From digital sketch to delivered product, we handle every step in-house, infusing passion and expertise into every creation.
What drives us? Our extraordinary team! We've cultivated a talent base skilled in merchandising, marketing, design, and more, constantly investing in our people, products, and technology to stay ahead.
Why join us? Because here, you're not just an employee - you're a valued member of a passionate community dedicated to making dreams a reality. We're not just creating costumes and dancewear; we're empowering performances, sparking creativity, and celebrating the artistry of dance. If you're ready to unleash your creativity, be part of something bigger, and make an impact in an exciting, dynamic industry, Weissman is the place for you. Come, let's dance towards a future where dreams take center stage.
A Brief Overview
Weissman is looking for a Technical Designer to bring precision, creativity, and expertise to our product development team. In this role, you will ensure the fit, construction, and quality of our garments meet the highest standards, working closely with designers, merchandisers, and global vendors to bring designs to life. From evaluating samples and conducting fit sessions to developing technical packages and managing specifications, you’ll play a key role in creating dancewear that performs as beautifully as it looks.
If you have a strong background in technical design, garment construction, and product development—especially with knitwear, dancewear, or swimwear—we want to hear from you! This is a dynamic opportunity to contribute to a fast-paced, collaborative team where your expertise in pattern making, grading, and fit will directly impact the success of our collections. Join Weissman and help shape the future of performance apparel!
Location
St. Louis, MO (Hybrid)
Job Title
Technical Designer
Where to apply
What you will do
- Evaluate garment samples for fit, measurements, and construction to ensure consistency with Weissman’s standards, manufacturer capabilities, and cost specifications.
- Adhere to company policies and standards for Technical Design, including fit, grading, measuring, construction, quality, and tolerances.
- Communicate daily with vendors and the factory floor to ensure prototype integrity, respond to technical and construction inquiries, and relay necessary changes.
- Develop technical packages in IMS and Illustrator, incorporating technical sketches, construction details, measurement specifications, and Weissman’s grade rules and tolerances.
- Manage the development of 70-110 styles per year, ensuring technical accuracy and alignment with seasonal product timelines.
- Oversee the yearly adoption of 35-55 styles, collaborating with cross-functional teams to refine designs for production readiness.
- Conduct individual fit sessions, document findings, and communicate necessary adjustments to vendors.
- Organize and maintain technical packages and samples for accessibility and reference by team members.
- Track and document development tasks, ensuring clear reporting and accessibility of key technical design information.
- Collaborate with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, Product Management, and QA to support product development, initiatives, and continuous improvements.
Education Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's Degree (BS/BA) in Fashion Design, Product Development, or a relevant field is preferred.
Experience Qualifications
- 4-6 years experience in technical design, with a comprehensive understanding of the apparel development and production process is required.
- Experience working specifically with knit garments; experience in dancewear and/or swimwear is preferred.
- Proven ability to work with both domestic and offshore vendors on specifications and the approval process is required.
Skills and Abilities
- In-depth knowledge of production pattern making, grading, and garment construction.
- Strong understanding of spec revisions, pattern corrections, sewing techniques, and fitting procedures.
- Familiarity with technical sketching, measuring standards, and fit evaluation processes.
- Understanding of development and production processes, including stitch/seam types, cutting, marker making, and manufacturing principles.
- Knowledge of garment testing and basic product costing processes.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps for technical design tasks.
- Experience using PDM/PLM or other specification software systems to manage product development.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain detailed, accessible records.
- Effective communication skills to clearly convey technical information to vendors and internal partners.
- Problem-solving skills to quickly address product issues and implement solutions during the development process.
- Ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Ability to work independently and adapt quickly to changing project demands.
What Do We Offer?
Joining Weissman isn't just about a job; it's about embracing a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your life inside and outside of work. From a fantastic PTO plan, paid holidays, and flexible scheduling to weekly pay and parental/adoption leave, we prioritize your well-being and work-life balance. Our commitment extends to your future, with a 401(k) matching program, tuition reimbursement, and continuous learning opportunities.
You'll also have access to top-tier individual and family insurance packages, medical and dependent care FSAs, and minimal copays for primary care and specialist visits. Vision and dental plans, company-funded HRA, and comprehensive disability and life insurance packages underscore our dedication to your health and security. We believe in supporting you holistically, offering an Employee Assistance Program, voluntary life insurance, and a range of monthly company-sponsored events.
At Weissman, your workplace isn't just friendly and attractive—it's a community where your well-being matters. Join us and thrive in an environment where your success and happiness are paramount.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $1.00 - $500,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in St. Louis, MO 63139
Salary : $1,000 - $500,000