Design Research Intern Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

*This is a hybrid role with three weeks per month onsite (Mon. – Thurs.). The fourth week is fully remote.

As an Associate Designer you will be responsible for contributing to the Design team through your creative, customer focused and brand-right ideas. An Associate Designer interprets ideas and concepts into finished product through collaboration with Merchandising and Product Development. You will contribute to the management of all stages of design such as developing themes, color, fabrications, silhouettes, and direction for the upcoming season. You will also contribute in managing the product through the product development cycle by partnering with cross functional partners. 

Responsibilities 

• Partner and facilitate the design and development of Lands’ End products by interpreting ideas and concepts into finished product through collaboration with Merchandising and Product Development. 

•  Contribute research in the form of design decks, creative sketches, tears and have a point of view on design direction and be able to present and clearly articulate ideas. 

•  Contribute to the development of themes, color, fabrications, silhouettes, and mood for upcoming season as well as working with manufacturers to develop original textiles and patterns. 

•  Present development and design ideas to team members, cross functional team and leadership. Create materials (presentation boards, sample mock-ups, etc.) to show ideas.  

•  Contribute in raw material research, market research, and fabric/trim development.  

•  Execute seasonal line plans and follow product development calendar deadlines and be aware of responsibilities for key milestone meetings. 

•  Partner with product development to communicate with vendors and follow through on sample development.  

•  Accountable to evaluate lab dips; strike offs and trim development approvals.  

•  Clearly articulate design sketches with detailed call outs understanding garment construction and fabric/trim end use. 

•  Communicate and build relationships with cross divisional design partners, vendors and cross functional partners (PD, Tech, Merch) and follow through on sample development. 

•  Attend fit sessions and articulate design direction and point of view.  

•  In some categories, mentor an intern or design assistant. 

•  Collaborate with merchandising to understand sales history when designing products.  

Skills

• Demonstrate fluency in Centric, Illustrator, and Miro – knowledge of CAD and 3D software is beneficial

• Ability to do flat drawings/sketches for design and prototypes 

•  Ability to meet deadlines and work in a team environment 

•  Creatively driven with a strong point of view and have a developed eye for color and pattern 

•  Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to multitask and troubleshoot. 

•  Strong interpersonal, written, verbal communication, and exceptional follow up skills 

•  Strong collaboration, process driven, creative problem solving 

•  Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. 

•  Knowledge of CAD is a plus. 

•  Independently manages projects or assignments with moderate to high complexity. 

•  Actively contributes to strategic planning and decision-making processes. 

Leadership Responsibilities  

• Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to team members. 

•  Foster a collaborative and positive work environment. 

Education & Experience Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel or Fashion Design or a relevant field or equivalent experience with a strong sense of garment construction. 

•  2-5 years of relevant professional experience.