Product Design and Development - Product Development Engineer

Job Details

Industry: Apparel

Job Title:

Apparel Technical Designer
Duration: 3+ Months

Location:

Beaverton, OR

Lead Technical Designer (Studio Lead) will join the Apparel Standards team within Product Creation and Technical Design to support a surge of major 2026 projects. This role is fully onsite at World Headquarters in Portland and focuses on advanced pattern making, hands-on sample creation, and studio leadership to deliver high-quality apparel solutions for cross-functional product teams.

• Lead pattern making, sample making, and fit execution for studio-supported apparel projects, ensuring alignment with project briefs and corporate guidelines.
• Identify and address key opportunities in pattern, construction, and manufacturing, recommending solutions that improve product fit, quality, and manufacturability.
• Partner with studio leadership to track and facilitate project review meetings and maintain momentum on multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Provide hands-on expertise in sewing, embroidery, garment construction, and use of studio equipment within the Apparel Maker Space, Olive St Studio.
• Develop and lead studio-based trainings and workshops, including creating/writing programming and supporting events in the maker space.
• Plan and help maintain studio inventories, assets, and supplies, ensuring a safe and efficient working environment.
• Organize and schedule sewing machine and related equipment maintenance to keep the studio fully operational.
• Collaborate closely with Design, Product Management, PCC, materials, and manufacturing teams to execute on product development and fit goals.
• Act as project lead and liaison for the majority of studio-supported projects, supporting SOP development and continuous improvement of studio processes.
• Travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time for fast-paced projects as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in apparel design, textile science, or related field (or equivalent product creation experience in lieu of degree).
• 5–10 years of advanced pattern making or technical design experience in the apparel industry, including experience from inception through production.
• Proven expertise in pattern making, sewing, embroidery, and garment construction, with willingness to work hands-on creating patterns and physical products.
• Strong comfort working with sewing and embroidery machines in a studio/maker space environment.
• Proficiency with Optitex (or similar CAD pattern design software), flat patterning, and Adobe Illustrator.
• Strong problem-solving, organization, and communication skills, with experience interpreting design intent and offering technical alternatives.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, fluid, and creative environment.

• Experience with 3D software such as Clo or Browzwear.
• Experience working with factory vendors to improve manufacturability, costing, and quality.
• Prior experience in an apparel maker space or similar innovation studio environment.
• Experience developing SOPs, workshop content, and training materials for technical or creative teams.

EEO: “Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of – Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans.”