Apprentice Garment Pattern Making Jobs in California

The Technical Designer in Fam Brands is responsible for overseeing the technical development of products from concept through production, ensuring each garment meets the highest standards of fit, construction, quality, and craftsmanship. This role partners closely with Design, Product Development, and Production teams to translate creative vision into technically sound, production-ready pieces while preserving design integrity.

The Technical Designer manages the fit process, creates and maintains detailed technical documentation, and communicates clear construction and measurement standards to vendors and factories. This position plays a critical role in upholding brand quality, driving consistency across categories, and ensuring timelines are met without compromising precision or detail.

Technical Specifications & Development / Fit and Function / Collaboration / Fabric and Trim Testing / Process Improvement / Quality Assurance

• Partner cross-functionally with Design, Merchandising, Product Development, and Production to ensure alignment on brand aesthetic, seasonal timelines, and key product details while proactively identifying and resolving development risks.
• Create and maintain detailed technical packages in collaboration with Design, clearly outlining garment measurements, fit intent, construction standards, and quality expectations across product categories.
• Lead and manage technical fit sessions, leveraging prior development history to evaluate samples, identify discrepancies against specifications, and uphold fit consistency and performance standards.
• Provide thorough, actionable fit comments using PLM and digital tools to support critical development milestones and ensure timely sample approvals.
• Maintain fit blocks, grading standards, construction libraries, and sample tracking reports to support consistency and efficiency throughout the development process.
• Oversee fit development from initial handoff through pre-production approval, including graded specification review and approval for bulk production to ensure on-time delivery.
• Analyze competitive products and market trends to inform fit, construction, and product enhancements aligned with target customer expectations.
• Contribute to ongoing product improvement initiatives in partnership with Technical Design leadership.
• Communicate directly with domestic and international vendors, including participation in meetings across time zones as needed.

• Education:

  • 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 pattern analysis, with a strong understanding of the product lifecycle from concept through production.

• Skills:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and Google Workspace.
  • Proficiency in PLM systems (Centric experience preferred).
  • Expertise in Adobe Illustrator and other design software.
  • Familiarity or proficiency with Gerber pattern making software and/or 3D design platforms such as CLO or Browzwear is preferred.
  • Knowledge of pattern making, grading, garment construction, sewing techniques, technical drawing, measuring, and leading fit sessions.
  • Experience working directly with Pattern Engineers (both internal and overseas) to execute fit intent and construction standards.
  • Strong understanding of garment construction methods across multiple fabrications, including woven, knit, and engineered knit categories.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with international vendors and cross-functional teams on a regular basis (written and verbal).
  • Exposure to international manufacturing and production environments is a plus.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple seasons and deadlines simultaneously.

• Additional Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of activewear trends and market demands.
  • Familiarity with performance fabric properties and testing.
  • Experience working with international vendors and factories is a plus.