Entry Level Apparel Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

A Leading Role is seeking a highly organized and creatively driven Junior Designer to support the design and development of apparel, costumes, and entertainment-related products. This on-site position combines junior-level apparel design, product development coordination, project management, and executive support for the creative team. The ideal candidate has strong design sensibilities, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced creative environment. Key Responsibilities Design Support Assist the Head Designer/Creative Director with developing apparel, costume, and accessory concepts. Create sketches, technical flats, colorways, presentation boards, and design revisions. Help prepare technical packages, construction details, and product specifications. Research trends, fabrics, trims, colors, silhouettes, and relevant market references. Organize and maintain design files, artwork, samples, and seasonal development materials. Support fittings and document design, construction, and fit corrections. Product Development Coordinate products throughout the development lifecycle, from initial concept through production. Communicate with patternmakers, samplemakers, vendors, overseas manufacturers, and internal departments. Source fabrics, trims, components, and packaging that meet creative, quality, budget, and timeline requirements. Request and track material samples, lab dips, strike-offs, prototypes, and production samples. Assist with negotiating material pricing and managing purchasing documentation. Review samples for design accuracy, construction, measurements, quality, and overall execution. Maintain development calendars, sample trackers, costing records, bills of materials, and approval documentation. Help ensure projects remain on schedule and follow approved specifications. Project Coordination Track deadlines, deliverables, approvals, and outstanding action items across multiple projects. Prepare project updates, meeting notes, timelines, and task lists. Follow up with team members and outside partners to keep development moving. Identify potential scheduling, sourcing, quality, or production issues and communicate them promptly. Coordinate sample movement, material deliveries, and handoffs between departments. Executive and Creative Support Provide day-to-day administrative and project support to the Head Designer/Creative Director. Organize creative priorities, meeting materials, schedules, and follow-up items. Help translate the design vision into clear instructions and actionable assignments. Prepare presentations, reference materials, product information, and internal documents. Handle confidential company, product, and client information professionally. Additional Responsibilities Assist with packing, shipping, receiving, and organizing samples and materials as needed. Support photoshoots, presentations, showroom preparation, client meetings, and special projects. Maintain an organized design and development workspace. Perform other duties related to design, development, and company operations as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor's or associate degree in Fashion Design, Product Development, Apparel Manufacturing, or a related field preferred. Approximately 1-3 years of relevant experience, including internships or entry-level industry roles. Understanding of garment construction, textiles, patternmaking, fit, and apparel production. Ability to create technical flats and communicate design and construction details clearly. Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace is also expected. Strong organizational, project-management, and follow-through skills. Ability to prioritize multiple projects and adapt to changing deadlines. Strong attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-oriented working style. Comfortable collaborating with creative, technical, production, and executive teams. Knowledge of the fashion, costume, entertainment, or licensed-product industries is a plus. Valid driver's license preferred. Ability to lift and carry fabric rolls, boxes, samples, and other development materials when necessary. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is creative enough to contribute meaningfully to the design process and organized enough to keep complex development projects moving. They are resourceful, dependable, comfortable taking initiative, and interested in growing within a hands‐on apparel and entertainment-costume company. #J-18808-Ljbffr