Product Designer

ABOUT MECHANIX WEAR

Who We Are

Mechanix Wear develops protective gloves for industries including vehicle mechanics, police, military, trade professionals, and construction to name a few. Mechanix Wear is THE TOOL THAT FITS LIKE A GLOVE® In 1991, The Original® Glove was born. The brainchild of a legendary race mechanic that sparked a revolution for working hands. Championed by mechanics and pit crews at the 1991 Daytona 500, The Original® is the glove that started it all. For more information, visit

What We Do

At Mechanix Wear, we are building a world where Safety is foundational, Performance is enhanced, and Trust in the brand is unshakable. We create and elevate protection beyond your expectations, through innovative design, advanced materials, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We stand behind our core values including Thinking Big , Being a Problem Solver , Doing Things the Right Way , and TeaMWork.

JOB SUMMARY

The Product Designer is responsible for designing innovative, high-performance apparel and PPE products that balance protective functionality, comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal. This role owns the hands-on design process, from concept sketching and technical drawings through prototyping, fit sessions, and production handoff, working closely with Product Development, Materials/Sourcing, Compliance, and Manufacturing partners to bring products to life. Strong technical design skills with a genuine curiosity about materials, construction, and how products perform in real-world, often safety-critical, use cases.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions of the job are listed below. Other responsibilities may also be assigned. Please note that the essential functions may vary depending on department size, organizational structure and/or geographic location. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Create original design concepts, sketches, and technical drawings for new products and seasonal/program updates
• Translate design briefs, trend research, and consumer/end-user insights into wearable, functional product designs
• Develop tech packs, including construction details, measurements, materials, trims, and labeling specifications
• Explore and propose new silhouettes, features, and design details that differentiate products in the market
• Partner with pattern makers and sample rooms (domestic or overseas) to develop and refine prototypes
• Lead or participate in fit sessions, incorporating wearer feedback and ergonomic considerations into design revisions
• Iterate on prototypes based on performance testing, comfort feedback, and manufacturability constraints
• Ensure designs translate accurately from sketch to sample to final production sample
• Research and select fabrics, trims, hardware, and protective components appropriate to performance and safety requirements
• Stay current on new textile technologies, coatings, and protective materials relevant to PPE and technical apparel
• Collaborate with Compliance/Quality teams to ensure designs meet required safety standards and certifications (e.g., ANSI/ISEA, ASTM, EN, NFPA, as applicable to product category)
• Balance design vision with cost targets, sourcing feasibility, and production timelines
• Work closely with Product Line Managers/Merchandising to ensure designs align with line plans, pricing architecture, and go-to-market strategy
• Partner with Sourcing and overseas manufacturing partners to ensure design intent is preserved through production
• Collaborate with Marketing on product storytelling, launch materials, and visual assets
• Present design concepts and prototypes to internal stakeholders and leadership for review and approval
• Maintain organized, accurate design files, tech packs, and revision histories using PLM or similar systems
• Track design development timelines and communicate proactively on progress, risks, or delays
• Ensure designs comply with brand guidelines and design standards across the product portfolio.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following are the minimum qualifications that an individual needs in order to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Please note that the minimum qualifications may vary based upon the department size and/or geographic location.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Apparel Design, Fashion Design, Textile Design, or related field.

EXPERIENCE | PREFERRED SKILLS
• 3-5+ years of experience in product design, with experience in technical apparel, PPE, workwear, or safety products preferred
• Strong sketching and technical drawing skills (hand or digital)
• Proficiency with design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop; CLO 3D or similar 3D design tools a plus)
• Understanding of garment construction, patternmaking principles, and materials
• Experience creating detailed tech packs and specification documents
• Ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously under deadline pressure
• Familiarity with relevant PPE/safety standards and certification requirements (ANSI/ISEA, ASTM, EN, NFPA, etc.)
• Experience working directly with overseas manufacturing or sample room partners
• Background in ergonomics, human factors, or performance/technical apparel design
• Experience with PLM systems (e.g., Centric, PTC FlexPLM) for design and development workflows
• Interest or experience in sustainable materials and design practices

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

In accordance with applicable policies/procedures and Federal/State laws, may perform the following supervisory responsibilities: Interviewing, hiring, orienting, coaching and developing employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising, managing and rewarding performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly uses verbal and written communication skills and must be able to hear and speak clearly. The role requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, as well as frequent use of hands to grasp, handle, and manipulate objects.

This position may also require periods of standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing, as necessary to perform job duties.

The employee must be able to occasionally lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 15 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

TRAVEL

Occasionally

OVERALL WORK ENVIRONMENT

In general, the following conditions of the work environment are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job within the environment.

The office is clean, orderly, properly lit and ventilated. Noise levels are considered low to moderate. Field conditions vary.