Freelance Apparel Technical Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

About Clare V.

Clare V. is a line of accessible-luxury pieces born and based in sunny Los Angeles, California. Led by founder Clare Vivier, Clare V. is a distinctive reflection of Clare's unique background, passions, and vision. More than 10 years ago, Clare started making the types of bags she wanted but couldn't find anywhere. As the brand grew, she proudly kept production local to Los Angeles, meanwhile forging partnerships with local and global organizations working to make a positive difference in the world. Today, Clare V. remains committed to conscious practices while creating collections that are bold yet enduring, elevated yet accessible, and irresistibly charming yet rooted in everyday practicality. The brand headquarters is in the Atwater Village/Frogtown area of Los Angeles and is actively led by Clare Vivier.

The Senior Technical Designer, Apparel serves as the technical expert across all apparel categories, including women's knits, wovens, and sweaters. This role partners closely with Design, Product Development, Production, Quality, and global manufacturing partners to bring innovative products from concept through production while ensuring exceptional fit, construction, quality, and consistency across all product categories.

The Senior Technical Designer is responsible for leading technical development, managing fit and pattern integrity, establishing construction standards, and driving technical decision-making throughout the product lifecycle. The ideal candidate possesses extensive apparel technical design experience, exceptional patternmaking expertise, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and global manufacturing partners.

Requirements

Product Development & Technical Design

• Collaborate with the Apparel Designer during seasonal concept development by providing technical recommendations for construction, fit, materials, and manufacturability.
• Lead technical development across all apparel categories and select accessories from concept through production.
• Create and maintain detailed tech packs, technical sketches, bills of materials (BOMs), specifications, grading, and construction details for all apparel styles.
• Develop initial patterns, utilize CLO3D or similar 3D pattern software, and provide pattern corrections and technical guidance throughout development.
• Review incoming prototypes and development samples to ensure compliance with specifications, construction standards, and design intent prior to Design review.
• Attend and lead fit sessions, measuring garments, evaluating fit, documenting revisions, and driving technical decision-making while maintaining calendar deadlines.
• Balance quality, manufacturability, cost, and development timelines throughout the technical design process.
• Support Design and Product Development teams by troubleshooting technical issues and recommending construction solutions.

Pre Production & Production Support

• Own all apparel tech packs following the market sample stage through TOP (Top of Production) approval.
• Update technical sketches, specifications, BOMs, grading, and fit comments following each fitting.
• Evaluate production samples to ensure compliance with specifications, fit standards, construction quality, and design intent.
• Communicate technical changes to cross-functional partners through detailed fit comments, sketches, photographs, and specification updates.
• Collaborate with Product Development and Production teams to ensure timely approvals while maintaining product quality and calendar milestones.
• Review vendor patterns, provide pattern corrections, and finalize graded specifications for production-approved styles.
• Audit seasonal tech packs and Chase List styles to validate technical accuracy and ensure documentation remains current.

Technical Leadership & Process Improvement

• Serve as the technical leader for all apparel categories, building strong relationships with domestic and international manufacturing partners.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve company-wide apparel construction standards, fit consistency, and technical design guidelines.
• Ensure consistency of specifications, grading, and construction details across the global factory base.
• Maintain and organize the apparel pattern library, ensuring vendors always utilize the correct approved patterns.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, material optimization, and construction efficiencies while maintaining product quality.
• Partner with Product Development, Production, and Quality Control teams to resolve technical and quality issues.
• Support onboarding and implementation of technical standards for new manufacturing partners.
• Manage the upload and maintenance of technical documentation within PLM systems and Production shared drives.
• Assist with maintaining BOMs within PLM and ERP systems as needed.

Skills & Experience:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, Apparel Development, or related field.
• Minimum 8+ years of Technical Design experience within the fashion industry.
• Extensive experience in apparel technical design; experience with knits, wovens, and sweaters strongly preferred.
• Expert knowledge of apparel construction, garment fit, grading, patternmaking, and manufacturing techniques.
• Proven experience working directly with overseas factories and global manufacturing partners.
• Experience managing products throughout the complete development lifecycle from concept through production.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator with the ability to create detailed technical sketches.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace.
• Strong understanding of patternmaking, garment engineering, specifications, and product development processes.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and technical decision-making skills.

Preferred

• Experience working with domestic manufacturing partners.
• Experience utilizing PLM systems.
• Experience with CLO3D or other 3D garment development software.
• Knowledge of additional Adobe Creative Suite applications.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer, reviewing technical specifications, conducting fittings, and participating in meetings.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to measure garments, review samples, handle fabrics, patterns, and operate computers and office equipment.
• Ability to visually inspect garment construction, fit, measurements, stitching, fabric quality, color, and workmanship with close attention to detail.
• Frequent movement throughout the office, sample rooms, fitting areas, and production facilities during fittings and product reviews.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or move garments, sample racks, boxes, fabrics, and supplies weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to bend, kneel, reach, and climb ladders or step stools to access samples, storage areas, and garment racks.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including overseas factory visits, as business needs require.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. 

Additional Information:

• This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities
• Responsibilities may change based on business needs  

Work Environment:

• This role requires 5 days per week in-office at our Frogtown, Los Angeles studio, located in one of L.A.'s most vibrant and creative neighborhoods-known for its arts scene, local cafes, and laid-back riverside charm. 
• Work is performed in a creative studio and office environment with frequent collaboration

Studio Life & Culture: 

For our studio-based team members, we foster a work environment that supports creativity, connection, and community. Perks include:

• A fully stocked kitchen with healthy snacks and beverages
• Monthly catered lunches to bring the team together
• Quarterly team-building events, including meaningful volunteer outings throughout the Los Angeles community

Compensation & Perks:

Pay range of $100,000 - $125,000 per year, along with annual cost-of-living increases, end-of-year bonus opportunities, and generous employee discounts. Plus, enjoy bi-annual product credits to keep you connected with the brand. 

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

We Care about your total well-being-both inside and outside of work. Our benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance to keep you and your family covered
• Flex Spending Accounts and Transportation Management Accounts
• Life and Long-term disability insurance for peace of mind
• Paid vacation, personal days, and sick time to help you recharge
• Guardian ancillary plans for added protection and flexibility
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support for life's challenges
• 401(k) with company match to help you build a strong financial future

Clare V. is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We believe that diverse perspectives make for stronger teams and better ideas. We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace where everyone can thrive.

 
In compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws-including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)--we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need support during the application process, please contact us at alysadearborn@clarev.com. 

 
Our company conducts background checks as part of the hiring process after a conditional offer has been made. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify you from employment. We consider the nature of the offense, the time elapsed, and its relevance to the position.

 
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Notice to California applicants: https://privacy.clarev.com/job-applicant-privacy-notice