Freelance Surface Pattern Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About SET Active

SET Active is a fast-paced, growing women's athleisure startup known for delivering elevated
everyday essentials designed for movement, comfort, and lifestyle. We're a small but mighty
team with big ambitions-and we're looking for a strategic, solutions-oriented, and
collaborative production leader to take us to the next level.

Position Summary

The Freelance Senior Technical Designer plays a key leadership role in driving the execution of product
vision from development through final production. This position oversees the technical design
process ensuring design intent is translated into high-quality, production-ready garments that
align with brand standards. The role partners cross-functionally with Design, Product
Development, and Production to lead fittings, communicate with global vendors, resolve
technical challenges, and uphold accuracy and consistency in product specifications. This role is
both strategic and hands-on, requiring an elevated understanding of fit, fabric, and garment
construction as well as the ability to identify process improvements within the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Design Leadership
• Execute the technical design process from concept through final fit approval, ensuring
design integrity and production feasibility.

• Lead all fittings, providing clear direction and actionable feedback to ensure fit
consistency across categories.

• Communicate approval deadlines for each style as the style is fit. Be aware of and
communicate whether there is time for another fit prior to approval. Style approval
deadline dates should be added to the fit deck.

• Serve as the technical point of contact for all internal teams and external vendors,
ensuring that all specs, patterns, and comments are clearly communicated and
executed.

• Review, measure, and evaluate all pre-production, photoshoot, and TOP samples for
accuracy, construction, and adherence to approved specifications.

• Identify potential technical or construction issues early in the development cycle and
propose practical solutions.

Product Development & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner closely with Design and Product Development to ensure design vision,
functionality, and fit align with brand standards and cost targets.

• Collaborate with the Production team to track sample progress, communicate changes,
and troubleshoot issues for pre- and post-fit approval.

• Ensure all bulk production reflects approved fits, materials, and specifications,
conducting final QC spot checks where needed.

• Participate in lab dip, fabric, and trim approvals to ensure alignment with design intent
and technical requirements.

Vendor & Sample Management
• Manage daily communication with overseas and domestic factories to clarify technical
details, comment revisions, and construction expectations.

• Ensure that all required samples (PPS, TOP, marketing, and photoshoot) are received,
reviewed, and organized for internal reviews and C-suite presentations.

• Track and document sample status, ensuring on-time delivery for marketing, e-
commerce, and creative initiatives.

• Address and resolve out-of-spec samples and collaborate with creative teams to ensure
products are accurately represented in campaigns.

Process, Documentation & Systems
• Maintain and update all technical documentation including tech packs, BOMs, fit
comments, fabric charts, and labeling.

• Ensure accurate recordkeeping of all approved specs, fits, and sample notes in shared
systems and databases.

• Support process improvement initiatives to optimize fit consistency, sample accuracy,
and communication with vendors.

• Contribute to internal templates, fit libraries, and standard operating procedures to
drive consistency and scalability across the team.

Core Competencies
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, grading,
and fabric performance across activewear and lifestyle apparel.

• Fit & Aesthetic Sensibility: Strong ability to interpret design intent and translate into
consistent, high-quality fit across styles.

• Communication: Clear, professional communicator with the ability to articulate
technical feedback across creative and operational partners.

• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in measuring, documenting, and tracking
samples and specifications.

• Problem Solving: Proactive and resourceful in identifying challenges and offering viable
solutions.

• Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple
timelines and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaboration: Effective partner across Design, Development, and Production; maintains
a balanced perspective between creative and technical priorities.

• Leadership: Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and the ability to guide others
toward technical and process excellence.