Associate Designer

We are seeking an organized, creative, and process-driven Associate Designer to join our men’s outdoor and workwear apparel division. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a detail-heavy environment while actively contributing to the apparel design and development process. This role partners closely with Design, Product Development, and Production teams to help bring product concepts to life while ensuring production accurately reflects the intended design vision. The role is responsible for supporting both apparel design execution and production readiness through CAD development, tech pack creation, material organization, approvals management, and communication with vendors and mills. This individual should have a strong understanding of apparel construction, materials, fit, graphics, print development, and production processes, with the ability to identify inconsistencies, solve problems proactively, and communicate issues clearly across multiple styles and timelines. Key Responsibilities Support the apparel design and development process from concept through production. Assist in creating and updating apparel tech packs, CADs, construction details, trim layouts, artwork placements, and colorways. Execute detailed technical CAD drawings based on designer sketches and creative direction. Prepare print, pattern, and graphic artwork files for development and production. Participate in seasonal product development, including fabric, trim, wash, print, and component research. Contribute creative ideas, trend research, and product concepts aligned with brand direction and category needs. Help maintain consistency of design intent throughout development and production. Prepare production-ready tech packs and materials (fabrics, colors, trims, artwork, and construction details) for handoff to nominated vendors. Review, comment, and approve production materials, lab dips, strike-offs, fit samples, and trim submissions to ensure execution aligns with approved standards and design intent. Partner closely with Design and Product Development teams to resolve construction, fit, costing, and production challenges. Communicate directly with vendors regarding development updates, approvals, and corrections related to assigned styles. Maintain fabric libraries, color standards, trim archives, and production documentation to support consistency and counter-source developments when needed. Support fit sessions and communicate fit and construction comments to vendors. Track approvals, development milestones, and deadlines across multiple categories and seasons. Qualifications 3+ years of experience in apparel design, product development, production, or a related field. Strong understanding of apparel construction, garment fit, materials, trims, wash techniques, print development, and packaging components. Experience working directly with mills, factories, and overseas vendors. Experience supporting apparel design and development processes within outdoor, workwear, or lifestyle apparel categories preferred. Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Excel. Strong CAD skills with the ability to execute detailed technical CAD drawings based on designer sketches and direction. Ability to create and modify colorways, technical sketches, print layouts, and pattern artwork for development and production. Experience preparing print, pattern, and graphic artwork files for vendor development and production execution. Understanding of repeat patterns, artwork placement, and print production processes preferred. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines simultaneously. Sharp eye for detail with strong problem-solving and communication skills. Understanding of garment construction, fit evaluation, and production approval workflows. 5 PSST days, 10 Vacation Days Company holidays include closures between Christmas and New Year’s Hybrid schedule: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm On-site Monday to Thursday, Remote Friday 401(K) with a $1,000 company match & profit sharing (eligible after 1 year) #J-18808-Ljbffr Castlewood Apparel Corp.