Marker Maker

Job Description

Job Description

A&K Designs, Inc is a family owned and operated sports apparel manufacturing company, proudly serving the Portland community for the last 35 years.  We have a strong company culture that is committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful, and inclusive.  Everything we produce has high visibility and we take pride in our quality, innovation, and on-time delivery.

We are moving forward, searching for new ways to improve what we do and who we are, and looking for energetic and engaged people to join our team.

  Turn Fabric Into Precision - Where craftsmanship meets cutting-edge production
Behind every great garment is a perfectly planned marker—and behind every perfect marker is someone who understands fabric, pattern, and efficiency at a deep level. We’re looking for a detail‑driven Marker Maker who thrives at the intersection of creativity, math, and manufacturing precision.  This position is based entirely on-site and does not offer remote work options.

 
What You’ll Do
You’ll own the marker-making process from digital planning to production execution:

• Create efficient, production-ready markers using industry‑standard CAD software
• Analyze fabric width, shrinkage, nap, shading, and defects to produce the most effective layouts for both samples and bulk production
• Translate digital marker plans into clear, accurate spreading instructions so physical fabric lays match the marker exactly
• Collaborate with the team members to align order schedules, estimate weekly workloads, and hit cutting deadlines
• Convert Optitex marker files into Gerber plotting and cutting files
• Inspect and print garment plots, ensuring accuracy before anything reaches the cutting floor
• Maintain meticulous, well‑organized digital file storage for markers and styles within the company network

  What Makes You a Great Fit
You bring both technical skill and sharp attention to detail:

• Excellent math and spatial skills, including: 
  • -Fraction‑to‑decimal conversions 
  • -Yards‑to‑meters calculations 
  • -Yield and efficiency percentages 
• Confident using Microsoft Excel for data entry and material tracking
• Comfortable with Microsoft Outlook for daily communication with production teams
• A sharp eye for spotting small errors in pattern orientation or piece counts before they become costly mistakes
• Creative problem‑solver when working around fabric flaws or irregular material widths
• Clear and respectful communicator, comfortable working with teammates from diverse backgrounds
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Production, or Industrial Engineering is preferred, but not required
• 3+ years of experience in apparel manufacturing, specifically in marker making and working in a Cutting department
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency in apparel CAD systems - Optitex or Gerber is highly desirable
• Previous experience in apparel manufacturing or production environment a plus

  Why This Role Matters
Your work directly impacts cost efficiency, production timelines, and garment quality. The markers you create shape how fabric is used, how smoothly production runs, and ultimately how successful each style becomes.

Our regular schedule is Monday - Thursday, 6:00am to 3:15pm, Friday, 6:00am to 11:00am.

 
If you’re someone who takes pride in precision—and enjoys seeing your planning turn into real, finished garments—we’d love to meet you.

 
What you'll get:

• Medical, dental and vision with generous employer contribution
• 401k with employer match 
• Two weeks of paid time off per year
• 8 company paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
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Compensation: $21.00 - $29.00 per hour