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Apparel Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apparel Design Manager-81Eighty

Frisco, TX ยท On-site

$178K/yr

Lead and manage the apparel design and product development team-including apparel designers, technical designers, product developers, and sample coordinators-while partnering cross-functionally to ...

Designing apparel concepts and products that meet Puma's global performance brand and quality ... Partner with Developers and World Cat sourcing offices to implement a clear understanding of ...

Designing apparel concepts and products that meet Puma's global performance brand and quality ... Partner with Developers and World Cat sourcing offices to implement a clear understanding of ...

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Apparel Engineer information

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$25

$53

$76

How much do apparel engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for apparel engineer in the United States is $53.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.27 and $62.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Apparel Engineer job?

An Apparel Engineer is responsible for optimizing the design, production, and manufacturing processes of clothing and textile products. They work on improving garment construction, selecting suitable materials, and ensuring efficient production techniques. Their role involves working with designers, manufacturers, and quality control teams to enhance product performance and cost-effectiveness. Apparel Engineers also analyze industry trends, implement new technologies, and ensure compliance with safety and sustainability standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Apparel Engineer position, and why are they important?

Success as an Apparel Engineer requires expertise in textile science, garment construction, production processes, and often a degree in apparel engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software for pattern design, production management systems, and knowledge of industry standards such as ISO certifications is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help facilitate collaboration and innovation. These competencies are crucial for optimizing manufacturing efficiency, ensuring product quality, and driving improvements in design and production within the apparel industry.

What types of teams or departments do Apparel Engineers typically work with during the product development process?

Apparel Engineers often collaborate closely with design teams, production managers, quality assurance professionals, and sourcing specialists throughout the product lifecycle. They play a key role in translating design concepts into manufacturable garments, providing technical input on material selection, construction methods, and process optimization. Many Apparel Engineers also work alongside suppliers and vendors to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards. This collaborative environment allows them to address design feasibility, control costs, and help deliver high-quality products to market efficiently.

More about Apparel Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Apparel Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Apparel Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Apparel Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Apparel Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Apparel Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,552 per year, or $53.6 per hour.
Tech Lead, Mechanical Engineering (NPI, Apparel & Accessories)

Tech Lead, Mechanical Engineering (NPI, Apparel & Accessories)

Whoop

Boston, MA โ€ข On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

At WHOOP, we're on a mission to unlock human performance and health span. As a member of the Mechanical Engineering Apparel & Accessories team, you'll help shape the future of wearable technology by developing innovative, high-performance products that integrate seamlessly into users' lives.

WHOOP operates with urgency because our mission demands it. We build products for people who push their limits-and we hold ourselves to the same standard. We expect engineers to go deep technically, collaborate relentlessly, and take pride in execution. The pace is fast, expectations are high, and the work is deeply meaningful. This isn't a role where you follow a blueprint. If you're energized by complex challenges, cross-functional collaboration, and the opportunity to ship hardware at scale, this role will push you-and reward you.WHOOP is seeking a Tech Lead, Mechanical Engineering - Apparel & Accessories to lead the development of next-generation wearable accessories and band platforms. This is a player-coach role responsible for both leading a team of mechanical engineers and directly contributing to product design and technical development.

You will guide the team responsible for designing and launching new WHOOP accessory lines while establishing strong engineering standards, managing technical risk, and ensuring high-quality execution from concept through production. You will work cross-functionally with Industrial Design, Electrical Engineering, Product Management, Operations, and external manufacturing partners to bring innovative wearable products to market.

This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives at the intersection of technical leadership, product development, and team mentorship.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers responsible for WHOOP accessory and band product development.
  • Set technical direction, engineering standards, and development processes for accessory product lines.
  • Guide engineers through design reviews, technical challenges, and cross-functional decisions.
  • Balance team leadership responsibilities with hands-on engineering contribution.ย 
  • Drive mechanical architecture decisions for wearable accessories, ensuring optimal form, fit, function, durability, and manufacturability.
  • Create and review high-fidelity CAD models, assemblies, and production drawings.
  • Work closely with Industrial Design to translate aesthetic vision into manufacturable mechanical solutions.
  • Contribute directly to detailed mechanical design and prototyping.
  • Lead mechanical design reviews and drive cross-functional alignment with Product, Electrical Engineering, Operations, and global manufacturing partners to successfully launch new accessories.
  • Support engineering validation builds (EVT/DVT/PVT) and manufacturing ramp activities.
  • Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) strategies across accessory products.
  • Partner with suppliers to explore materials, manufacturing processes, and cost optimization opportunities.
  • Support second sourcing and supply chain resilience for key components.
  • Define and maintain best practices for mechanical design, documentation, validation, and risk management.
  • Up to 20% international travel to contract manufacturers and suppliers.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • 8+ years of mechanical design experience inย  consumer electronics or wearable hardware products.
  • 5+ years of working with Tier 1 and 2 contract manufacturers in Asia and North America.
  • Key contributor to the launch of 3+ consumer hardware products, with deep understanding of the full product development lifecycle and supplier engagement.
  • Experience leading or mentoring engineers in a technical leadership role.
  • Strong proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar) and production-level design practices.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to work well within teams in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts internally to leadership and externally to suppliers and contract manufacturers.
  • Deep knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes relevant to wearable accessories, including plastics, elastomers, textiles, and overmolding.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to influence product decisions.
  • Strong passion for product development and attention to detail.
This role is based in the WHOOP office located in Boston, MA. The successful candidate must be prepared to relocate if necessary to work out of the Boston, MA office.ย 
ย 
Interested in the role, but don't meet every qualification? We encourage you to still apply! At WHOOP, we believe there is much more to a candidate than what is written on paper, and we value character as much as experience. As we continue to build a diverse and inclusive environment, we encourage anyone who is interested in this role to apply.
ย 
WHOOP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates inย E-verifyย to determine employment eligibility.ย  It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
ย 
The WHOOP compensation philosophy is designed to attract, motivate, and retain exceptional talent by offering competitive base salaries, meaningful equity, and consistent pay practices that reflect our mission and core values.
ย 
At WHOOP, we view total compensation as the combination of base salary, equity, and benefits, with equity serving as a key differentiator that aligns our employees with the long-term success of the company and allows every member of our corporate team to own part of WHOOP and share in the company's long-term growth and success.
ย 
The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $140,000-$195,000. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within each range, individual pay is based on factors such as job-related skills, experience, performance, and relevant education or training.ย 
In addition to the base salary, the successful candidate will also receive benefits and a generous equity package.
ย 
These ranges may be modified in the future to reflect evolving market conditions and organizational needs. While most offers will typically fall toward the starting point of the range, total compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, expertise, and alignment with the role's requirements.
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About Whoop

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At WHOOP, we're on a mission to unlock human performance. WHOOP empowers users (Olympians, Professional Athletes, Fitness Enthusiasts, etc) to perform at a higher level through a deeper understanding of their bodies and daily lives.

Industry

Fitness and sports centers

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

2012