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Soft Goods Prototyping Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role Responsibilities -Assist in the development, documentation, and verification of soft goods manufacturing processes. -Fabricate, assemble, and test soft goods prototypes and production hardware ...

Soft Goods Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$137K/yr

Build and iterate physical prototypes rapidly; run fit sessions with internal wearers and external ... Contribute to the long-term Movewear soft goods platform - define the design language, material ...

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Soft Goods Prototyping information

What are common challenges encountered in a Soft Goods Prototyping role, and how can they be addressed?

One of the most common challenges in Soft Goods Prototyping is translating design concepts into tangible prototypes that accurately reflect intended function, form, and aesthetics. This often requires iterative testing, collaboration with designers and engineers, and flexibility in material selection. Managing tight timelines and sourcing appropriate fabrics or components can also be demanding. Successful prototypers address these challenges by maintaining strong communication with cross-functional teams, staying organized, and proactively seeking solutions for material and construction constraints.

What is the difference between Soft Goods Prototyping vs Pattern Maker?

AspectSoft Goods PrototypingPattern Maker
CredentialsOften requires sewing, design, and prototype skillsTypically needs pattern drafting and sewing skills, sometimes certifications in pattern making
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, or labsPattern rooms, design studios, or manufacturing settings
Industry UsageUsed in apparel, accessories, and soft product developmentUsed in apparel, footwear, and soft goods industries
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on prototype creation and testingFocuses on pattern design and development

Soft Goods Prototyping involves creating initial prototypes of soft products like clothing or accessories, emphasizing assembly and testing. Pattern Makers focus on designing and drafting patterns for production. While both roles collaborate closely, prototyping emphasizes hands-on assembly, whereas pattern making centers on pattern design and development.

What is soft goods prototyping?

Soft goods prototyping is the process of creating physical models or samples of products made from flexible materials such as fabrics, textiles, leather, or foam. It allows designers and manufacturers to test, refine, and demonstrate the functionality, appearance, and construction of items like clothing, bags, footwear, and upholstery before full-scale production. This stage is crucial for identifying design improvements, material choices, and manufacturing methods to ensure the final product meets quality and usability standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Soft Goods Prototyping Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive in Soft Goods Prototyping, you need expertise in textile selection, pattern making, and sewing techniques, often supported by a background in industrial design or fashion design. Familiarity with CAD software, digital pattern drafting tools, and prototyping equipment like sewing machines and laser cutters is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you iterate quickly and collaborate with design teams. These skills ensure functional, high-quality prototypes that meet design intent and accelerate product development.
Infographic showing various Soft Goods Prototyping job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.
Soft Goods Engineering Technician (NASA CMC)

Soft Goods Engineering Technician (NASA CMC)

Leidos

Webster, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 426 rated business services


Job description

Leidos has an excellent opportunity for a Soft Goods Engineering Technician to work on the Cargo Mission Contract (CMC4). In this position, they will provide semi-professional technical support for engineers working in such areas as research, design, development, testing, or manufacturing process improvement. Work pertains primarily to soft goods fabrication, with a strong emphasis on sewing, as well as repair, and modifications. This role is also responsible for altering Astronaut Crew clothing on a regular basis. This position will support both new hardware development projects and the sustaining engineering.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Perform soft goods sewing, design, manufacturing, and repair
  • Alter Astronaut Crew clothing as required
  • Design and fabricate Soft Goods prototypes for flight support and mockups
  • Provide technical engineering support and perform steps via work authorizing documents
  • Support multiple projects, prioritize, and accomplish tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines
  • Take direction from engineering and clearly communicate issues/concerns as they arise
  • Wrap cables with non-flammable materials in preparation for flight processing
  • General Lab cleanup and maintenance

Basic Qualifications:
  • High School diploma or equivalent, and at least 1 year sewing experience in aerospace soft goods design, manufacturing, and repair
  • General understanding of how to read and implement requirements from engineering drawings and work orders
  • Familiarity with the engineering drawings process
  • General knowledge regarding mathematics and computer science

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 3+ years soft goods manufacturing skills. Emphasis on Aerospace experience
  • Working understanding of Maximo Inventory Management System or similar work order task system
  • Ability to develop prototypes and intuitive solutions to complex designs
  • NASA or similar aerospace soft goods fabrication experience

Must be able to pass a Public Trust background investigation. U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent. Residence is required due to length of investigation required for non-U.S. persons.
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
May 29, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range -
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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