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Pattern Maker Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

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Pattern Maker information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$31.7K

$73.2K

$119.1K

How much do pattern maker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for pattern maker in Milwaukee, WI is $73,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,400.00 and $81,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pattern maker?

Pattern makers are skilled professionals who create templates or patterns used in the manufacturing of garments or other products. They interpret design sketches and technical specifications to develop patterns that ensure proper fit, function, and style. Pattern makers may work by hand or use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce precise templates, which are then used by sewing or manufacturing teams to assemble the final product. Their expertise is essential in translating creative ideas into tangible, wearable pieces.

What does a pattern maker do?

The duties of a pattern maker are to create master patterns or samples that manufacturers can use in the production of garments, shoes, and other types of apparel. Pattern makers also work in other manufacturing industries that require translating designs into correctly dimensioned, technically sound patterns. You use plans or blueprints created by designers to draft a pattern that has the proper fit. The responsibilities of a patternmaker also include grading, which involves changing the dimensions of the design in marker areas so that it can adjust to different sizes while keeping the same appearance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pattern maker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pattern Maker, you need a deep understanding of garment construction, textile properties, and drafting techniques, often supported by a relevant diploma or technical training. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software, grading systems, and pattern-making tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help Pattern Makers work efficiently with designers and production teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring precise, high-quality patterns that lead to well-fitting, manufacturable garments.

How does a pattern maker typically collaborate with designers and production teams throughout the garment development process?

Pattern Makers work closely with designers to interpret sketches or technical drawings into accurate patterns, often attending fittings and making adjustments based on feedback. They frequently liaise with sample makers and production teams to ensure patterns are practical for manufacturing and meet quality standards. Effective communication is key, as Pattern Makers must balance creative intent with technical feasibility, troubleshooting potential issues before full-scale production. This collaborative process ensures the final garment matches the designer’s vision and is ready for efficient mass production.

What is the difference between Pattern Maker vs Sample Maker?

AspectPattern MakerSample Maker
Primary RoleDesigns and develops patterns for garments based on design specifications.Constructs and assembles sample garments using patterns to test fit and design.
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of pattern drafting, draping, and CAD software; often requires fashion or technical design background.Proficiency in sewing, fabric manipulation, and garment construction; experience with fitting and finishing techniques.
Work EnvironmentWorkshops, design studios, or pattern departments within apparel companies.Sewing rooms, sample departments, or production facilities.

While both roles are essential in apparel production, Pattern Makers focus on creating the blueprint for garments, whereas Sample Makers bring those patterns to life through actual samples. Pattern Makers typically handle technical design and drafting, while Sample Makers execute the construction process to test fit and design details.

How much does a pattern maker earn?

Pattern makers typically earn between $35,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled pattern makers with advanced knowledge of CAD software and sewing techniques tend to earn higher salaries. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working in high-cost areas can earn more.

Is pattern making a good career?

Pattern making is a skilled trade in the fashion and apparel industry, involving creating templates for garments. It offers opportunities for employment in design studios, manufacturing, and alterations, often requiring knowledge of sewing, drafting, and pattern-making software. The career can be stable with experience and specialization, but job availability depends on industry demand and geographic location.

What are popular job titles related to Pattern Maker jobs in Milwaukee, WI?

For Pattern Maker jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pattern Maker jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Pattern Maker jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

What cities near Milwaukee, WI are hiring for Pattern Maker jobs?

Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most Pattern Maker job openings:

Infographic showing various Pattern Maker job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,156 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Principal Automation Systems Engineer, NA

Vantage Data Centers

Port Washington, WI • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

About Vantage Data Centers


Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world's well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Automation SystemsGroup

TheAutomation SystemsGroupis responsible forthe design, construction and support ofcutting-edgedata center automation and control infrastructure. The department collaborates with Operations, Sales, Engineering, Information Technologyand Management to ensure the system continues to fulfill Vantage customer requirements.Automation Systemsworks closely with partner contractors tocome up withthe best design and helps manage these partners to success by providingaccuraterequirements, goals, and timelines. In addition to design and construction, we are also responsible for the technical requirements of the Operations department involving troubleshooting,calibrating,and repairing mission critical control systems throughout all Vantage locations.


Position Overview

This role can be based at any of our US Locations with a flexible work arrangement: 3 days on-site and 2 days remote.

Vantage is looking for an experienced, highly technical, and hands-on Principal Automation Systems Engineer to serve as a leading technical authority for SCADA (Ignition) and PLC (Rockwell) software development supporting new construction, sustaining operations, and live mission-critical data center infrastructure. This role functions as a principal individual contributor within the Automation Development team with expectations for portfolio-level technical ownership, architecture direction, standardization leadership, and cross-functional influence.


You will define and guide automation architecture, development standards, reusable frameworks, and technical practices across the North America portfolio. This role is expected to solve high-complexity automation challenges, provide direction for critical design decisions, mentorengineersand integration partners, and strengthen the quality, reliability, maintainability, and scalability of automation solutions used across both new builds and production environments.

Essential Job Functions

  • Own and advance portfolio-level automation architecture, including Ignition gateway strategies, PLC design patterns, reusable UDT frameworks, alarm philosophy, data models, and standards for scalable automation delivery.

  • Lead development and governance of automation standards, architecture guidelines, SOPs, technical documentation, and reusable engineering practices supporting regional and portfolio-wide needs.

  • Provide principal-level technical direction for SCADA, PLC, graphics, UDT, alarming, telemetry, and data integrity solutions across new construction and sustaining operations.

  • Serve as a technical decision-maker for complex design, commissioning, production support, and continuous improvement initiativesimpactingmission-critical systems.

  • Guide and influence internal Automation Engineering stakeholders, project teams, integration partners, contractors, and cross-functional groups to ensure alignment with company goals, quality expectations, and operating standards.

  • Review and approve significant automation design decisions, code approaches, release strategies, and change management practices for production environments.

  • Lead technical reviews of drawings, models, sequences of operation, submittals, factory acceptance testing, commissioning plans, and validation results to ensure automation solutions meet operational and customer requirements.

  • Provide escalation support and technicalexpertisefor high-impact troubleshooting, commissioning, validation, and production issue resolution in live, mission-critical environments.

  • Mentor senior engineers, integration team members, and staff augmentation resources, strengthening engineering judgment, development quality, and technical consistency across the team.

  • Collaborate with Design, Engineering, Construction, Reliability Engineering, Site Operations, Information Technology, and Automation Engineering peers to deliver and sustain reliable automation solutions.

  • Establish technical direction for automation logic, visualization applications, gateway architecture, PLC standards, system interfaces, and reusable development frameworks.

  • Translate project documentation, including drawings, sequences of operation, bills of material, instrumentation diagrams, equipment specifications, and network diagrams, into scalable automation solutions and engineering deliverables.

  • Evaluate automation design options and make sound technical recommendations that balance operational reliability, maintainability, deployment risk, cybersecurity, project schedule, and long-term support needs.

  • Promote abstraction, reuse, consistency, and standardization of automation logic across the portfolio while allowing for responsible site-specific variation where business needsrequireit.

  • Lead root cause analysis and technical remediation planning for complex or recurring automation issuesimpactingcommissioning, customer reporting, alarming, telemetry, or live operations.

  • Identifygaps in standards, tools, quality controls, and work processes, thenleadpractical improvements that raise delivery consistency and reduce operational risk.

  • Provide technical leadership and coaching to engineers and integration partners without direct people management responsibility.

  • Represent Automation Engineering in cross-functional technical discussions, design reviews, project coordination meetings, and customer or stakeholder-facing technical conversations when needed.

Job Requirements

  • Expert-level knowledge of the Ignition (Inductive Automation) SCADA platform or Rockwell Automation PLCs isrequired, with strong working knowledge of both preferred.

  • Ten or more years of experience in industrial SCADA orPLCbasedcontrolssystem developmentrequired, with data center or other mission-critical infrastructure experience strongly preferred.

  • Deep understanding of automation systems including control loops, field I/O, alarming, telemetry, data integrity, control narratives, and mission-critical control system behavior.

  • Demonstrated experience designing, governing, and improving scalable automation architectures, reusable logic libraries, UDT frameworks, visualization standards, and PLC or SCADA development practices.

  • Advanced experience with industrial PLC platforms, including but not limited to Rockwell Automation and Carel systems.

  • Demonstrated ability to interpret and challenge Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), control narratives, control panel drawings, network architecture diagrams, equipment specifications, instrumentation lists, and sequence of operations.

  • Strong knowledge of software development tools and disciplined engineering practices such as version control, structured code reviews, release management, technical documentation, and controlled deployment into production environments.

  • Working knowledge of startup and commissioning procedures for industrial automation and control systems, including system verification, functional testing, issue resolution, and production readiness validation.

  • Experience supportinglive, mission-critical environments where change control, clear communication, and risk management arerequired.

  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills with the ability toidentify, diagnose, and resolve complex technical issues across systems, vendors, and functional teams.

  • Proventrack recordof leading complex control system projects, technical standards, or architecture initiatives from concept through delivery while coordinating cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and project deliverables.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical topics clearly to engineers, operations teams, contractors, clients, and leadership stakeholders.

  • Demonstrated ability to take portfolio-level technical ownership, influence without direct authority, mentor other engineers, and make sound engineering decisions under pressure.

  • Proficiencywith Microsoft Office and SharePoint.

  • Travel required up to approximately 25 percent, with potential variation based on business needs

Physical Demands and Special Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Additional Details

  • Salary Range: $155,000- $165,000 + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations)

  • This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.

  • Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.

#LI-HYBRID #LI-AO2

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other's strengths and respecting each other's weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.


Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We'll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon-we're excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!