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Soft Goods Prototyping Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You will assemble early prototypes, travel to China to support engineering builds, and solve problems on the assembly line. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of soft goods materials (synthetics ...

Senior Paraglider & Parachute Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

You will work at the intersection of soft-goods engineering, aerodynamics, and GNC, ensuring that ... Be willing to "cut cloth" and work with riggers and sewing technicians to prototype designs rapidly.

Senior Paraglider & Parachute Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

You will work at the intersection of soft-goods engineering, aerodynamics, and GNC, ensuring that ... Be willing to "cut cloth" and work with riggers and sewing technicians to prototype designs rapidly.

The development of state-of-the-art processes and prototypes will require the intersection of novel ... motorized mechanisms; soft goods cutting, laminating, and kitting; active optical alignment ...

Process Engineer V

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$144.67/hr

The development of state-of-the-art processes and prototypes will require the intersection of novel ... motorized mechanisms; soft goods cutting, laminating, and kitting; active optical alignment ...

The development of state-of-the-art processes and prototypes will require the intersection of novel ... motorized mechanisms; soft goods cutting, laminating, and kitting; active optical alignment ...

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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.
Product Design Engineer - Softgoods

Product Design Engineer - Softgoods

Apple

Boulder, CO

$147K - $272K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted yesterday


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Why Apple? At Apple, we believe our products begin with our people. By hiring a diverse team, we drive creative thought. By giving that team everything they need, we drive innovation. By hiring incredible engineers, we drive precision. And through our collaborative process, we create memorable experiences for our customers. These elements come together to make Apple an amazing environment for motivated people to do the greatest work of their lives. Why Softgoods? Apple’s Softgoods Engineering team is relatively new to Apple. We work with textiles, leather, silicone and soft polymers. Our mission is to use these incredible materials to enable new product categories, and to enhance Apple’s existing product lines. Bringing Apple engineering and precision to products made of soft materials is an exciting challenge and requires a creative and open minded approach. We have an inclusive and talented team of people, from a wide variety of backgrounds. We all work together in a beautiful customized lab where we design, engineer, and develop the best Softgoods products in the world. If this sounds like an exciting challenge, we hope you will consider a place in our team!
Description
We are looking for a highly motivated product design engineer. You will be part of a cross-functional team to conceive, design, validate, and launch exciting new products. You will work closely with many different groups, including Industrial Design, System PD, Hardware Engineering, Operations, Packaging, Reliability, and Software. The team is responsible for products in the following categories: iPhone accessories, iPad accessories, Watch bands, Audio, as well as supporting other teams at Apple that wish to use soft goods materials in their designs. By joining our team, you will work side by side with your teammates inside Apple and at our partner facilities to define CAD, create drawings, and collaborate with vendors to produce these parts. You will perform engineering analyses on your designs using appropriate methods such as hand calculation, computer simulation, FEA, and dimensional tolerance analysis. You will assemble early prototypes, travel to China to support engineering builds, and solve problems on the assembly line.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of soft goods materials (synthetics, leather, adhesives)
Knowledge of soft goods assembly process (bonding, cutting, stitching)
MS degree in Engineering
Minimum Qualifications
BS in Mechanical Engineering
At least 3 years of experience in production part design utilizing a variety of engineering materials
Good engineering fundamentals (beam bending, free body diagrams, GD&T, etc...)
3D and 2D CAD skills (NX preferred)
Solid verbal and written presentation skills (Keynote or Powerpoint)
Experience using spreadsheets to analyze engineering data (FAI/CPK, tolerance analysis)
Experience engaging with manufacturers
Creative problem solving, with experience in failure analysis, root cause investigation, and DOE creation
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $147,400 and $272,100, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976