Apprentice Garment Pattern Making Jobs in California

The 3D Technical Designer at FAM Brands is a highly skilled, agile professional responsible for driving technical product development from concept through production. This role demands speed, precision, and adaptability — someone who can move quickly across multiple categories and seasons without sacrificing quality or detail. A core requirement of this position is hands-on expertise in 3D design — specifically Browzwear — and the ability to read, analyze, and correctpatterns with confidence.

This role partners closely with Design, Product Development, and Production teams to translate creative vision into technically sound, production-ready garments while maintaining brand integrity and meeting aggressive timelines. The ideal candidate is self-sufficient, solutions-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where efficiency is essential.

3D Design & Digital Development

• Utilize Browzwear to create and validate 3D garment simulations, enabling faster iteration and more efficient sample development.

• Leverage 3D tools to review fit, construction, and design details digitally prior to physical sample creation, reducing unnecessary sample rounds.

• Collaborate with Design and Product Development teams to align on 3D fit and construction approvals, streamlining the development process.

• Stay current with emerging 3D design capabilities and identify opportunities to expand digital workflows across categories.

Pattern Analysis & Correction

• Read, interpret, and evaluate patterns from internal and overseas pattern engineers, identifying fit and construction issues with a trained eye.

• Provide clear, actionable correction notes to Pattern Engineers to resolve fit discrepancies, grading issues, and construction inconsistencies.

• Maintain fit blocks and grading standards, ensuring accuracy and consistency across categories and size ranges.

• Collaborate with factories and vendors to resolve pattern-related production challenges quickly and effectively.

Fit Management & Technical Documentation

• Lead and manage technical fit sessions with urgency and precision, evaluating samples against specs and delivering clear, thorough fit comments through PLM.

• Create and maintain detailed tech packs outlining garment measurements, construction standards, fit intent, and quality expectations across product categories.

• Manage fit development from initial handoff through pre-production approval, including graded specification review for bulk production.

• Maintain sample tracking reports to ensure timelines are met and development milestones are achieved without delays.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Vendor Communication

• Partner with Design, Merchandising, Product Development, and Production to ensure alignment on brand aesthetic, seasonal timelines, and product details.

• Communicate directly and efficiently with domestic and international vendors and factories, including participation in cross-time-zone meetings as needed.

• Proactively identify and resolve development risks to keep projects on track and minimize costly delays.

• Analyze competitive products and market trends to inform fit, construction, and product enhancements aligned with target customer expectations.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, Apparel Development, or a related field.

• 3–7 years of experience in apparel technical design, with demonstrated expertise in pattern reading, analysis, and correction.

• Proficiency in Browzwear 3D — this is a core requirement, not a preference.

• Strong working knowledge of pattern making, grading, garment construction, sewing techniques, technical drawing, and fit evaluation.

• Experience working directly with Pattern Engineers (both domestic and overseas) to drive fit intent and resolve construction issues.

• Deep understanding of garment construction across multiple fabrications, including woven, knit, and engineered knit categories.

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Creative Suite for technical flats and documentation.

• Experience with Centric PLM or a comparable product lifecycle management platform.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and Google Workspace.

• Exposure to Gerber or equivalent pattern making software is a plus.

• Exposure to international manufacturing environments preferred.

Must-Have Attributes

• Agile and efficient — able to move quickly across multiple seasons and priorities without compromising accuracy or quality.

• Strong pattern comprehension — capable of reading and critiquing patterns independently and directing corrections with confidence.

• 3D-forward mindset — embraces digital development tools as an integral part of the workflow.

• Self-motivated with a strong sense of urgency and a solutions-first approach to problem-solving.