Freelance Computer Embroidery Designer Jobs in California

About MAD Engine Global LLC

MAD Engine Global LLC is a leading apparel company specializing in licensed, branded, and private label products for top retailers across North America. We combine trend-driven design, speed-to-market execution, and strong retail partnerships to deliver innovative collections that resonate with today's consumer.

We are seeking a creative, trend-driven Women's/Missy Branded Designer to join our growing Design team. This role is responsible for creating compelling branded apparel collections that balance fashion trends, customer needs, and commercial success across multiple retail channels.

Position Summary

The Women's/Missy Branded Designer is responsible for designing commercially successful apparel collections for licensed and branded women's and missy categories. The ideal candidate possesses a strong fashion aesthetic, excellent knowledge of current market trends, and experience creating apparel for mass-market and specialty retail. This role works closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Sales, Technical Design, and overseas factories to bring seasonal collections from concept through production.

Essential Responsibilities

Design & Product Development

• Research and identify emerging fashion trends, color direction, fabric innovations, silhouettes, and consumer insights.
• Design seasonal Women's/Missy branded apparel collections aligned with customer needs and brand identity.
• Develop original concepts, prints, graphics, embellishments, washes, and garment details.
• Create presentation boards, seasonal concepts, color palettes, and trend direction.
• Produce detailed CADs, technical sketches, and artwork using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Build complete assortments that balance fashion, profitability, and retailer expectations.
• Maintain consistency across licensed brands while preserving each brand's unique identity.

Trend & Market Research

• Monitor domestic and international fashion trends through market shopping, trade publications, social media, runway collections, and competitive analysis.
• Conduct regular retail market research to identify opportunities for new product development.
• Translate emerging trends into commercially viable products for the US wholesale market.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Merchandising and Sales to develop product strategies that support customer presentations.
• Collaborate with Product Development and Technical Design to ensure products meet fit, construction, cost, and production requirements.
• Communicate design intent clearly to overseas vendors and manufacturing partners.
• Participate in fittings, sample reviews, and product evaluations.

Customer Support

• Assist in preparing seasonal line presentations for internal meetings and customer presentations.
• Modify designs based on retailer feedback while maintaining brand integrity.
• Support special projects and customer-specific initiatives as needed.

Calendar Management

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously while meeting seasonal deadlines.
• Ensure all artwork, CADs, tech information, and design packages are completed according to development calendars.
• Support speed-to-market initiatives with efficient execution and timely communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related field.
• 3–7 years of apparel design experience, preferably in Women's/Missy branded or licensed apparel.
• Experience designing for US wholesale retailers and mass-market channels preferred.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, fit, silhouettes, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent knowledge of current fashion trends and consumer preferences.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office.
• Experience using PLM systems is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience designing licensed apparel and branded collections.
• Background working with major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Kohl's, JCPenney, Macy's, Ross, Burlington, TJX, or similar accounts.
• Knowledge of print development, graphics, embroidery, washes, and embellishment techniques.
• Experience working directly with overseas factories and global sourcing teams.

Core Competencies

• Creative Vision
• Fashion & Trend Forecasting
• Product Development
• Commercial Design
• Brand Management
• Collaboration
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to review garment samples, fabric swatches, and color approvals.
• Occasional lifting of sample garments and materials up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to travel occasionally for market appointments, customer meetings, or industry events.

Why Join MAD Engine Global?

At MAD Engine Global, you'll join a collaborative, creative team that brings some of the world's most recognizable brands to life. We offer a fast-paced environment where innovation, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking are encouraged. You'll have the opportunity to influence exciting product lines, work with leading retail partners, and contribute to a company known for delivering trend-right apparel at scale.