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Apparel Technical Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Clare V

Senior Technical Designer, Apparel

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

The Senior Technical Designer, Apparel serves as the technical expert across all apparel categories ... This role partners closely with Design, Product Development, Production, Quality, and global ...

Fabletics

Manager, Technical Design

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Attend fittings to develop and establish Regular and Plus size apparel. * Establish fit and quality ... Build and maintain technical design data libraries in Centric PLM. * Create fit blocks and product ...

FAM Brands

Technical Designer

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, Apparel Development, or related field. Experience: * 3-7 years of experience in apparel technical design, pattern making, and ...

FAM Brands

Technical Designer

Beverly Hills, CA

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, Apparel Development, or related field. Experience: * 3-7 years of experience in apparel technical design, pattern making, and ...

FAM Brands

Technical Designer

Beverly Hills, CA

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, Apparel Development, or related field. Experience: * 3-7 years of experience in apparel technical design, pattern making, and ...

24 Seven Talent

Technical Design Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$40K - $47K/yr

Technical Design Assistant A well-established athleisure brand based in Los Angeles, CA is seeking ... Seniority level Entry level Employment type Temporary Job function Design Industries Retail Apparel ...

24 Seven Talent

Technical Design Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$40K - $47K/yr

Technical Design Assistant A well-established athleisure brand based in Los Angeles, CA is seeking ... Seniority level Entry level Employment type Temporary Job function Design Industries Retail Apparel ...

Gap, Inc.

Manager, Technical Design

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Significant technical design experience with fabric and garment construction, pattern/blocks and ... Prior experience working in an apparel retail company * Ability to assess relatively complex ...

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All JobsApparel Technical Design JobsApparel Technical Design Jobs in California

Apparel Technical Design information

See California salary details

$35K

$79.2K

$124.3K

How much do apparel technical design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for apparel technical design in California is $79,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $90,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is apparel technical design?

Apparel technical design is the process of transforming fashion design concepts into ready-to-produce garments by focusing on fit, construction, and technical specifications. Technical designers work closely with fashion designers, pattern makers, and manufacturers to create detailed tech packs, oversee sample development, and ensure garments meet quality and sizing standards. They act as the bridge between creative design and production, solving technical issues to ensure the final product fits well and is manufacturable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apparel technical designer?

To thrive as an Apparel Technical Designer, you need a strong background in garment construction, pattern making, and textile knowledge, often supported by a degree in fashion design or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as Adobe Illustrator or CLO 3D), technical specification tools, and garment fitting procedures is essential. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate with design and production teams and ensure accuracy in technical packages. These capabilities are crucial for delivering well-fitting, manufacturable apparel that meets design intent and quality standards.

How does an apparel technical designer typically collaborate with pattern makers and production teams during the development process?

Apparel Technical Designers work closely with pattern makers to ensure that design sketches are translated accurately into production-ready patterns. They review and adjust technical specifications, fit samples, and construction details, often providing feedback after fittings. Collaboration with production teams is essential for troubleshooting manufacturing issues, refining garment construction methods, and ensuring that finished products meet quality and fit standards. Regular communication and teamwork help streamline the process from initial concept to final product delivery.

What is the difference between Apparel Technical Design vs Apparel Pattern Maker?

AspectApparel Technical DesignApparel Pattern Maker
Primary FocusCreating technical specifications, fit standards, and construction details for garmentsDeveloping and drafting garment patterns based on design concepts
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of technical design software, fit analysis, and industry standardsPattern drafting, grading, and sewing techniques
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with designers, production teams, and technical staffWorks closely with technical designers and sample makers
Industry UsageCommonly employed in apparel brands, manufacturers, and technical design teamsPrimarily found in pattern making departments within apparel companies

Apparel Technical Design and Apparel Pattern Maker roles are closely related but distinct. Technical designers focus on translating design concepts into technical specifications and ensuring fit and construction standards, while pattern makers develop the physical patterns used to produce garments. Both roles require specialized skills and often collaborate throughout the product development process.

What does an apparel technical designer do?

An apparel technical designer develops detailed technical specifications, patterns, and fit standards to ensure garments meet quality and construction requirements. They collaborate with design, production, and manufacturing teams, often using CAD software, to translate design concepts into production-ready products while maintaining consistency and fit across styles.

What are popular job titles related to Apparel Technical Design jobs in California?

For Apparel Technical Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apparel Technical Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Apparel Technical Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Apparel Technical Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Apparel Technical Design job openings:

Apparel Technical Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apparel Technical Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,214 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Apparel Technical Design Manager

La Jolla Group

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Introduction
La Jolla Group is a leading apparel management company with a proven track record of building, growing, and supporting some of the industry's most recognized and exciting brands. Through strong partnerships, innovative thinking, and operational expertise, we provide the infrastructure and resources brands need to thrive in a fast-moving marketplace. As our portfolio continues to evolve and grow, so does the opportunity to be part of what we're building.
Our team thrives in a collaborative, high-energy environment where great ideas and great people make an impact. Employees enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule, generous discounts on our apparel brands, early-release Fridays at 2:00 p.m., occasional employer-provided lunches, year-round local events, and a comprehensive benefits package. Most importantly, we believe our people are our greatest asset and are committed to investing in their growth, development, and strengths.
General Summary
Manage Technical Design team deadlines, workflow, and workload allocation while ensuring key development and production milestones are met. Create and maintain grade rules, size charts, and fit standards across assigned brands and categories. Coordinate fit models and related budgets, manage calendar dates, and oversee fit direction across product categories. Support the team with pattern corrections and continuously evaluate new technologies and processes that can improve efficiency and workflow.
Oversee assigned product categories from initial development through approved pre-production samples, ensuring consistent fit, construction, and quality throughout the sample process. Partner closely with suppliers and internal cross-functional teams to communicate fit and construction changes, resolve quality issues, and ensure products meet established brand standards. Support the quality control process, review styles that do not meet expectations, and provide guidance on corrective actions. Mentor, support, and provide technical direction to members of the Technical Design team.
Essential Job Functions
  • Help create tech design calendar and manage team to ensure deadlines are met including allocating workload scheduling fittings and maintaining trackers
  • Continuously monitor industry standard size charts and keep all brands inline with current market sizing including creating grade rules and updates to current blocks
  • Work with warehouse manager to oversea QC process and maintain quality product
  • Maintain tech design budget including fit models' compensation
  • Attend all fittings to help maintain corrections and overall fit consistency
  • Assist tech design team in pattern corrections using the latest industry software
  • Manage the tech design for all EB categories as well as part of the Oneill Women's Inline Categories including all fleece, bottoms and blanks
  • Initial first proto style set up with specs to vendors through to final PP2 approval
  • Responsible for owning the lifecycle per style (fit/ Construction) from start to finish.
  • Creating specs for all styles in PLM based off of the designer's sketches or samples
  • Measure all garments for their category and prepares and leads all fittings for their assigned categories
  • Resolves and communicates fit and construction issues internally with all teams, and externally with vendors within production timelines and in a professional manner
  • Establishes and maintains fit and construction standards and blocks to ensure brand consistent and quality
  • Responsible for managing and hitting all deadlines along with communicating any issues with deadlines
  • Works to improve fit and quality through review of customer comments, sales feedback, and understanding competition
  • Understands how to read and correct patterns either through Tukatech (or similar software) and/or via other methods- taking photos, drawing on patterns etc.
  • Possesses understanding of how grading works mathematically
  • Organizes with time management and attention to detail
  • Full understanding of their specific category, historical issues, understanding of fabrications
  • Strong communication internally and externally with vendors
  • Team player able to work closely with other team members to help manage overall workload for the department in addition to managing their own workload
  • Is a leader and helps mentor and guide other technical designers on the team
  • Able to handle our biggest volume driven and complex categories

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of the product life cycle including development and production timelines.
  • Ability to effectively identify and resolve problems.
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to accuracy and detail.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks appropriately to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Ability to work independently and as a team player.
  • Ability to wear many hats and juggle multiple projects at one time.
  • Must be able to work effectively across multiple functions with business colleagues domestically and internationally

Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree -Technical Apparel Design or equivalent experience/training.
  • Minimum 7-10 years of experience in Technical Design.
  • Intermediate computer skills with emphasis on MS Office software, Adobe Acrobat. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
  • Computer patternmaking software experience is a plus (preferably Tukatech)
  • PLM software experience also a plus

Benefits
La Jolla Group offers a comprehensive benefits package for regular, full-time employees designed to support overall well-being and work-life balance. Eligible team members can participate in:
  • Health, HSA, Dental, and Vision insurance options
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Enjoy additional perks and opportunities for growth within a collaborative, lifestyle-focused culture.

Physical Requirements
Seeing: Must be able to see well enough to read reports.
Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with customers, vendors and employees.
Standing/Walking: Must be able to move about company building.
Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: Must be able to stoop or kneel to pick up products.
Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.
Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to type and use technical sources.
LJG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran or military status, marital status, pregnancy (including unlawful discrimination on the basis of a legally protected pregnancy or maternity leave), genetic information and any other characteristics protected by law.
Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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