Technical Design Assistant

Technical Design Assistant

We are looking for a Technical Design Assistant to help turn design vision into flawlessly made styles for petites. This role requires a high level of precision, timely execution, and knowledge of the product development lifecyclefrom fabric through production with a special focus on fit process. You will build tech packs, measure samples, run fit session logistics, capture fit comments, and keep our development data clean.

You'll work with highly experienced professionals who have been doing it for multiple decades. Our senior technical designers have spent their careers solving fit problems. You'll be in every fit session with them. If you want to deepen your knowledge at a company where fit and craftsmanship are valued, this is an unusually direct way to do it. You'll report to our Head of Product Development and work daily with our Senior Technical Designers, Merchandising, Sourcing, and our overseas vendor partners.

This role requires a strong attention to detail, an understanding of technical development and creative operations to ensure we make great products. The ideal candidate is solution-oriented, proactive, and thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This position requires 5 days per week onsite at our San Francisco Headquarters.

Key responsibilities include checking construction & accurately measuring development fit samples against technical specifications, making sure they were sampled or produced as requested. Flag deviations ahead of fit sessions. Assist in creating initial tech packs for key categories. Update tech packs and BOMs for factories. Set up and prepare for weekly fittings - ensuring all samples are accounted for and properly prepped and staged. Take accurate notes in fit sessions. Support the team in execution of fit comments for key categories - adding notes, technical sketching, data entry. Maintain the WIP and Fit Notes Tracker so reporting stays current across the WIP platform. Monitor WIP deadlines and workflow - manage deliverables with the team. Track, check in & organize fit samples in-work through approval. Maintain and organize development fit samples when in house. Support the team in efficiency and speed-to-market.

Qualifications include BFA in fashion or the equivalent. Demonstrated measurement accuracy. You will complete a measurement exercise as part of the interview process. Understanding of garment construction. Understanding of development processes and workflow. Adobe Illustrator and ability to sketch flat sketches. Strong command of Google Sheets and data tools. Nice to have: Understanding of apparel and pattern software (gerber, optitex). Knowledge of 3D apparel software (e.g., CLO3D, Browzwear) a plus. Factory or production exposure is a strong plus. Comfortable with hands-on work: standing during fit sessions.

What we're looking for includes strong organizational and prioritization skills. Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment while maintaining accuracy and efficiency. Creative and/or innovative problem-solving skills.

Compensation & Benefits include compensation for this position may vary based on skills and experience. Flexible Paid Time Off. 401k with company match. Comprehensive healthcare, dental and vision benefits. Opportunity to work at a Y-Combinator backed startup. Catered lunch on Fridays and company events.

Short Story is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and a work environment free of discrimination and harassment for all employees and applicants. We work diligently to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.