Assistant Designer

Job Description

Job Description

Department: Design
Business Unit: US Wholesale
Channel: Shared
Reports To: Senior Designer and VP of Design
Location: Burbank, CA
Work Setting: On-Site
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

MAD Engine Global, LLC is seeking a creative, organized, and detail-oriented Assistant Designer to support the Design team in developing innovative licensed and branded apparel collections for major retail partners. This role assists throughout the product development process—from concept through production—by supporting design execution, trend research, technical documentation, sample management, and cross-functional collaboration.

The ideal candidate has a strong eye for color, graphics, and apparel trends, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is eager to grow within the apparel industry while contributing to commercially successful collections.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Design Support

• Assist Senior Designers in developing seasonal apparel collections across multiple licensed and private label brands.
• Create production-ready artwork, CADs, colorways, repeat patterns, and presentation boards.
• Prepare and update line sheets, presentation materials, and assortment boards.
• Modify artwork and graphics based on internal and customer feedback.
• Maintain consistency with brand guidelines and retailer requirements.

Product Development

• Assist with the development of apparel from concept through production.
• Help create and maintain technical packages, artwork placement guides, and specification documents.
• Organize fabrics, trims, color standards, and print references.
• Participate in fittings, product reviews, and design meetings.
• Track samples and ensure timely review throughout the development process.

Trend & Market Research

• Research fashion, graphic, color, and consumer trends.
• Monitor competitor products and retail assortments.
• Gather inspiration through online research, market shopping, and trade publications.
• Present seasonal trend ideas to the design team.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Merchandising, Product Development, Production, Licensing, Sales, and Sourcing teams to support product execution.
• Communicate with overseas vendors regarding artwork revisions and product updates.
• Assist in preparing customer presentations and retailer meetings.
• Support special projects and seasonal initiatives as assigned.

Organization & Administrative Support

• Maintain organized digital and physical design libraries.
• Archive artwork, approvals, and production files.
• Manage sample organization and inventory.
• Ensure deadlines are met while handling multiple projects simultaneously.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Textile Design, Graphic Design, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• 1–3 years of apparel design experience or relevant internships.
• Experience in licensed apparel, mass market, or wholesale apparel is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop is required.
• Experience with PLM systems is a plus.
• Understanding of garment construction, fabrics, printing techniques, and apparel production.
• Strong sense of color, typography, composition, and trend awareness.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly collaborative with a positive, team-oriented attitude.
• Ability to receive feedback and quickly implement revisions.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Microsoft Office proficiency (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Ability to lift and move sample garments, fabric books, and materials up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching while organizing samples and conducting product reviews.
• Ability to distinguish colors accurately for design and product development purposes.

Work Environment

This position is based on-site at MAD Engine Global's Burbank, California office. The work environment is collaborative, creative, and fast-paced, requiring frequent interaction with cross-functional teams while managing multiple seasonal deadlines.