Freelance Technical Designer

Royal Robbins | Berkeley, CA

At Royal Robbins, we believe nature and adventure are good for the soul. Born in Yosemite and built on a legacy of thoughtful design, durability, and respect for the outdoors, we create versatile apparel for people who bring the spirit of adventure to everything they do.

We’re looking for an experienced Freelance Technical Designer to support our Product Design team. This role will partner closely with the Technical Design Manager to help execute design and fit intent, maintain construction standards, and ensure technical accuracy throughout the product development process.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Manage seasonal carry-over product technical packages, ensuring specifications, measurements, and construction details are accurate and updated in PLM.

• Update 3D samples in CLO3D to help build an asset library for early-stage prototyping.

• Prepare samples for fittings, measure samples, and review fit comments with the Technical Design Manager.

• Support communication related to factory questions, technical concerns, and PLM updates.

• Ensure tech pack documentation is accurate, complete, and current in PLM.

• Maintain organized records, libraries, samples, and tools that support the Technical Design team.

• Help execute design and fit intent while supporting construction standards, brand integrity, and gross margin objectives.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Education in a relevant field such as Pattern Making, Fashion Design, Textiles, or a related discipline.

• At least three years of technical design experience in the apparel industry.

• Experience working with Centric PLM or similar PLM systems.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Proficiency with CLO3D or similar 3D apparel design software.

• Basic understanding of patternmaking, garment fit, garment construction, and garment engineering across key apparel categories.

• Knowledge of fabrics, trims, and construction methods, with the ability to apply that knowledge to garment fit and functionality.

• Clear, effective, and accurate written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate across language barriers and appropriately influence others.

• A collaborative, solution-oriented approach.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and meet deadlines.

• Ability to adapt quickly and effectively to change

Preferred: Outdoor industry experience and a passion for the outdoors, adventure, and sustainable products

Freelance Engagement

Location: Berkeley, CA
Reports To: Technical Design Manager
Compensation: $40-$75 per hour (dependent on skills and experience)

ABOUT US

The Royal Robbins brand was born in Yosemite in 1968, founded by legendary climbers Royal and Liz Robbins. Inspired by a life spent in nature, they created durable, versatile clothing for people who believed (as they did) that nature and adventure are good for the soul.

More than 55 years later, that spirit still guides us. We design functional, high-quality apparel for people who bring a sense of adventure to everything they do, with a continued focus on thoughtful design, lower-impact materials, and respect for the natural world.