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Rtw Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110 - $120/hr

Specific Responsibilities Would Include As a Senior Women's RTW Designer, you will bring a deep understanding of contemporary fashion trends, woven product development, garment construction, fit, and ...

Senior Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$109K - $117K/yr

... RTW * Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Fashion Design (knitwear specialization preferred) or related field * Strong technical grasp of yarns, stitches, gauges, and fully fashioned construction ...

Water Treatment Design Lead

Ventura, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Develop process designs for advanced and conventional drinking water treatment systems, including ... Experience with physical-chemical modeling processes (RTW Software, Membrane Water Quality ...

Water Treatment Design Lead

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Develop process designs for advanced and conventional drinking water treatment systems, including ... Experience with physical-chemical modeling processes (RTW Software, Membrane Water Quality ...

Water Treatment Design Lead

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Develop process designs for advanced and conventional drinking water treatment systems, including ... Experience with physical-chemical modeling processes (RTW Software, Membrane Water Quality ...

Water Treatment Design Lead

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Develop process designs for advanced and conventional drinking water treatment systems, including ... Experience with physical-chemical modeling processes (RTW Software, Membrane Water Quality ...

... designs in all sizes. What started as the largest denim launch in history, has evolved into an ... Qualifications: * 10+ years wholesale sales experience in Women's apparel (preferably denim, RTW ...

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Showing results 1-20

Rtw Designer information

See California salary details

$30.1K

$71.9K

$106.6K

How much do rtw designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for rtw designer in California is $71,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $81,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RTW (Ready-to-Wear) designer?

RTW designers, or Ready-to-Wear designers, are fashion professionals who create clothing collections that are produced in standard sizes and sold directly to consumers through retail outlets or online stores. Unlike haute couture, which is custom-made for individual clients, RTW garments are manufactured in bulk and intended for everyday wear. RTW designers focus on balancing creativity with practicality, considering trends, fabric choices, and cost-effective production. They often work for fashion houses, apparel brands, or operate their own labels, overseeing the design process from initial sketches to finished products.

How does an RTW (Ready-to-Wear) designer typically collaborate with production and merchandising teams during the design process?

An RTW Designer works closely with both production and merchandising teams to ensure designs are not only creative but also feasible for mass production and aligned with market trends. Designers attend fittings, review prototypes, and adjust specifications based on feedback from production regarding materials, construction, and cost constraints. They also coordinate with merchandising to understand customer preferences and sales data, which informs design direction and collection planning. Regular cross-functional meetings and clear communication are key to balancing creativity with business objectives in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RTW (Ready-to-Wear) designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a RTW Designer, you need strong skills in fashion design, garment construction, trend analysis, and typically a degree in fashion design or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Illustrator, CAD programs, and familiarity with textile technologies is commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help designers translate ideas into wearable collections and collaborate effectively with teams. These competencies are crucial for producing marketable, innovative garments that align with brand identity and meet consumer demand.

What is the difference between Rtw Designer vs Pattern Maker?

AspectRtw DesignerPattern Maker
CredentialsFashion design degree, CAD skillsTechnical sewing or pattern-making certification, CAD skills
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, fashion houses, retailPattern rooms, manufacturing facilities, ateliers
Industry UsageCreates initial designs, oversees product lookDevelops patterns for production based on designs

While Rtw Designers focus on creating the overall look and feel of ready-to-wear collections, Pattern Makers translate those designs into precise patterns for manufacturing. Both roles require CAD skills and industry knowledge, but Rtw Designers are more involved in conceptualization, whereas Pattern Makers focus on technical pattern development for production.

What is a senior RTW designer?

A senior RTW (Ready-to-Wear) designer is an experienced fashion designer responsible for creating commercial clothing collections that are produced in standard sizes for retail. They oversee design development, collaborate with technical teams, and often have expertise in trend forecasting, pattern making, and garment construction. Senior designers typically have several years of industry experience and may lead design teams or projects.
Infographic showing various Rtw Designer job openings in California 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 $71,895 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Senior Designer RTW - Joe's Jeans (Women's)

Joe's Jeans

Los Angeles, CA

$115K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Specific Responsibilities Would Include:

As a Senior Women's RTW Designer, you will bring a deep understanding of contemporary fashion trends, woven product development, garment construction, fit, and fabric innovation. You will collaborate across Creative, Merchandising, Technical Design, Production, and external vendors to create elevated product that embodies the Joe's Jeans brand DNA and resonates with today's customer. You will be responsible for driving the seasonal design process from concept through pre-production, ensuring each style is trend-right, commercially viable, and delivered on time.

Specific Responsibilities Would Include 

Seasonal Concept & Trend Development 

  • Research and identify trend direction in women's contemporary ready-to-wear, including silhouettes, fabrications, colors, details, and market shifts.
  • Create elevated, fashion-forward concepts aligned with the brand's aesthetic and positioning within the premium contemporary market.
  • Build seasonal mood boards, color stories, fabric direction, and design concepts for internal and external presentations.
  • Collaborate with the Creative Director to define seasonal woven RTW narratives and key seasonal must-haves.

Design & Product Creation 

  • Design and develop women's hard woven assortments, including jackets, tops, dresses, skirts, pants, and other woven categories from initial concept through pre-production.
  • Create detailed technical sketches in Illustrator and initiate specification packages as the first step in the cross-functional workflow.
  • Partner with Technical Design on prototype reviews, fit sessions, construction details, and product refinements.
  • Oversee sample development and collaborate with mills, trim vendors, and factories to achieve the desired aesthetic, quality, and fit.
  • Ensure all designs balance creativity, quality, cost, and commercial viability while supporting margin goals and assortment architecture.
  • Maintain fabric, trim, and color libraries; partner with suppliers to source innovative materials and development opportunities.

Cross Functional Collaboration 

  • Work closely with Production and vendors to achieve price, lead time, and quality goals. 
  • Collaborate with Merchandising to ensure line sheets and assortments are accurate and aligned with seasonal line plans. 
  • Maintain strong vendor relationships to drive product feasibility, sample execution, and ontime development. 
  • Manage all design boards, digital archives, and PLM entries to ensure the accuracy and organization of the design pipeline. 

Calendar & Process Management 

  • Ensure timely execution of all design deliverables against the development calendar.
  • Manage workflow for woven product development, ensuring samples, tech packs, approvals, and revisions meet key milestones.
  • Prepare and present seasonal collections, concepts, and key categories for leadership, sales, and showroom meetings.
Our Best Fit Candidate Would Have:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design or a related field.
  • 7-10 years of experience in women's ready-to-wear design, with significant experience in woven categories.
  • Strong understanding of woven fabrics, garment construction, patternmaking principles, and fit.
  • Experience working within the contemporary or premium apparel market.
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, PLM systems, and Microsoft Office.
  • Strong trend awareness and the ability to translate market insights into commercially successful product.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Passion for product, attention to detail, and a strong eye for color, proportion, fabrication, and styling.

In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.

Salary Range: $115,000-135,000

Be part of our growing community by getting involved with groups, teams and initiatives like Be Green, Be Giving, and Be Celebrated.

Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please note that Centric Brands will only reach out to interview, make an offer of employment or conduct onboarding activities for candidates who have applied through our careers site. When interviewing for a position, the candidate experience will include live interaction, such as a video conference or telephone call, with a Recruiter and/or company employee(s). We will never ask for any money or payments from applicants at any point in the recruitment process. Be aware of suspicious recruitment activity. If you think you are a victim of an employment scam, you may contact your local law enforcement agency and/or visit the Federal Trade Commission website here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.

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