Technical Developer - Apparel

Overview

At Smartwool, we are a group of insatiable outdoor adventurers who want to share the joy of crisp powder turns, hard first ascents, scrambly summit sunrises, pine needle-cushioned hikes, and s’more-filled weekends with everyone. We’re committed to transparency, sustainability, and getting out there. And we're serious about having fun while doing it.

We are a team committed to creating products with Merino wool at their core, reducing our environmental impact, and working with our advocacy partners to help protect wild places and increase equitable access for anyone looking to spend more time outside.

If this sounds like a team you would like to be a part of, Smartwool just might be the place for you.

To learn more about our values and our culture, visit Smartwool Careers or

What will you do?

A day in the life of a Technical Developer at Smartwool looks a little like this.

As a Technical Developer, you will play a vital role in transforming design concepts into high-quality, functional garments that fit well and support a wide range of activities. You’ll collaborate across teams to ensure fit consistency, leverage 3D tools for virtual development, and help streamline our product creation process to support sustainability and speed to market. This role reports to Development Manager while working alongside Development team members on garment evaluation.

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Plan and oversee the development schedule of prototypes.
• Fit ownership of selection of in-line apparel product categories; with fit mentorship on all Advanced Developments.
• Work cross-functionally with Designers, Merchandisers, and Product Developers to facilitate a smooth communication flow.
• Drive consistent execution of fit intent and fit consistency within team through clear analysis, pattern corrections, visual adjustments, communication, use of block patterns, and training / mentorship
• Fit and provide comments on virtual and physical protos (including Size Run fittings) on a full range of 3D Avatars, in person or on fit forms.
• Enter fit comments into PLM system that will clearly and effectively communicate changes to Manufacturers.
• Work cross-functionally with Digital Product Creation Manager to build 3D Digital Assets as needed.
• Assist in building a library of 3D Fit Blocks by creating fit standards, blocks and guidelines to ensure all products align to fit standards
• Serve as a motivating peer for how 3D processes can help us operate more efficiently and scale down calendars / budgets.
• Perform these and other duties as assigned to support team members when workload intensity shifts.

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 4+ years of experience in Pattern making, Fitting, Technical Development and 2+ years of experience in a 3D program.

The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

• 5+ years of experience in Technical Development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of apparel fit analysis, grading, construction, pattern making, and 3D.
• Understanding of product category, product materials, and product development lifecycle.
• Ability to manage multiple seasonal calendars in a fast-paced environment.
• Deadline driven with a track record for delivering on time.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills, with clear and accurate verbal and written communication to offshore vendors, manufacturers, and VF Sourcing office.
• Establishes strong relationships, including the ability to create trust with cross functional teams.
• Growth mindset and enthusiasm for learning new tools, problem-solving, and actioning on feedback.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office software, Adobe Illustrator, PLM programs, and 3D Proto Software.
• Ability to lift heavy fit forms and stand for long periods of time.
• Location requirement:
  This position is in office. Ability to travel domestically and overseas; as needed.

There are also a few skills that are not required but preferred.

• Wool…