Apprentice Garment Pattern Making Jobs in Novato, CA

About the Role

The Women's Technical Design team is committed to providing the best client experience by creating well-fitting, high-quality products across an inclusive size range (Core, Plus) by utilizing client feedback and data to inform fit choices every day. We are looking for a Senior Technical Designer who enjoys weaving creative problem solving with technical accuracy and a strong understanding of apparel fit, construction, pattern making and grading to own at least two product categories and ensure fit and quality standards are well-executed and consistent across all styles. This role serves as a technical expert and builds close relationships with cross-functional team members and external vendors, impacting the business by maintaining product consistency, driving speed to market, and translating client feedback into product action plans and long-term fit improvements. Senior Technical Designer will also use strong technical judgment to independently identify fit and construction issues, anticipate potential production risks, and drive solutions through to resolution.

This site-based position at our headquarters in San Francisco, CA requires regular on-site presence (5-9 days/month). 

Responsibilities:

• Manage multiple/complex product category fit sessions, ensuring style and fit intent are executed to Brand guidelines across owned categories while maintaining category quality, construction standards, and fit/pattern blocks.
• Establish and maintain consistent fit standards, pattern blocks, grade rules, and construction standards across owned categories and identify opportunities to improve consistency across the broader business.
• Apply advanced knowledge of pattern making, grading, garment construction, textiles, and manufacturing techniques to independently evaluate fit and technical issues and determine the most effective solutions.
• Leverage client feedback and data science to determine areas of improvement across styles and implement product action plans to improve fit consistency.
• Analyze fit data, wear-test/client feedback, and historical style information to identify root causes and develop data-informed action plans for continuous improvement.
• Proactively identify technical and production risks early in the development process, providing clear, concise, and actionable technical feedback to vendors and factories with solutions that balance fit, aesthetics, construction, cost, quality, and speed to market.
• Build close relationships with cross-functional team members and external vendors, providing feedback and leveraging team expertise, with the potential to lead, develop, coach, or mentor direct reports and junior-level Technical Designers.
• Lead special project initiatives and support driving speed to market while maintaining a flexible approach to support across the broader Technical Design team (including women's, men's, and kids' categories) as required.
• Use PLM, 2D/3D pattern-making tools, and digital collaboration platforms to streamline technical development, improve communication, and maintain accurate technical documentation.
• Proactively communicate workflow risks, competing priorities, and potential delays to ensure all deliverables are completed accurately and on time according to the production calendar.
• How AI and tools show up in your day-to-day work:
• Use an internal AI design system to generate and refine updated technical sketches for tech packs, ensuring sketches clearly communicate accurate garment proportions, construction details, design intent, and technical features to improve clarity and alignment between internal teams and external vendors.
• Leverage AI tools to consolidate, organize, and evaluate client feedback, fit comments, and sizing insights across styles and categories, identifying recurring patterns and opportunities for improvement in fit, sizing, and grade rules.

About You

This is what you'll need to succeed in this role from day 1:

Requirements:

• A.A/B.A./B.S. with a major in a relevant field (i.e., Fashion Design, Pattern Making).
• 8+ years of technical design experience in the apparel industry, with deep expertise and understanding of fit and technical construction in multi-product categories.
• Advanced expertise in pattern making, grading, construction, textiles, and manufacturing, with demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues and develop practical solutions.
• Fluent in Google Workspace, Adobe Illustrator, and have strong experience in Optitex 2D pattern software or 3D CLO software and PLM systems.
• Strong understanding of inclusive sizing and fit across size ranges, including the ability to evaluate how body proportions, grading methodology, and garment construction impact fit.
• Proven experience working directly with factories and external vendors, with a strong understanding of production timelines, manufacturing processes, equipment, and garment construction options.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple complex projects and categories, prioritize competing deadlines, and make sound technical decisions with limited direction.
• Comfortable working with data, client feedback, and emerging AI tools to identify opportunities, solve problems, improve technical processes, and inform fit and grading decisions.
• Excellent multi-tasking, detail-oriented, and exceptional organizational skills; strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills; and a passion for using data science and client feedback to improve overall quality and fit.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a passion for fit, product quality, technical innovation, and delivering an exceptional client experience.

You'll love working at Stitch Fix  because you will...

• Fuse human creativity and styling expertise to redefine personalized retail.
• Set a high bar for our craft and drive measurable impact across fashion, tech, and data science.
• Actively leverage AI and modern tech to evolve how work gets done.
• Lead with innovation, think boldly, and aren't afraid to challenge conventional retail norms.
• Win together in a collaborative, low-ego environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated.
• Be client obsessed by putting our customers at the heart of every decision to deliver unmatched personalization and trust.
• Support our team with competitive compensation packages, comprehensive benefits, and meaningful career growth.