Associate Technical Designer Job Gurnee area,Illinois USA,Design & Architecture

Position: Associate Technical Designer Role

Zubaz is an iconic sports lifestyle brand known for our bold zebra-print athletic wear that defined 1990s sports culture. We continue to create fan-favorite licensed apparel for NCAA and NFL markets. We’re looking for a detail-oriented professional to serve as the critical bridge between our design team and manufacturing partners, ensuring every product meets our quality standards from concept to delivery.

Position Overview

The Associate Technical Designer will work with the Lead Technical Designer, assisting in creating comprehensive tech packs, including flat sketches, and ensuring accurate sizing across all product categories. This role requires a strong understanding of garment construction, production processes, and the ability to translate design intent into clear technical specifications for manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Create detailed, production-ready tech packs for all product styles including measurements, construction details, materials, trims, colorways, and artwork placement
Develop and maintain accurate flat sketches and technical drawings with clear callouts for stitching, labeling, and finishing details
Specify bill of materials (BOM) including fabric, thread, zipper, elastic, labels, hang tags, and packaging requirements
Update and revise tech packs based on sample reviews, fit sessions, and production feedback
Maintain organized tech pack library and ensure version control across all active styles
Translate design concepts into clear, factory-ready technical documentation

Quality Assurance & Product Sizing

Develop and maintain graded spec sheets with accurate measurements for all sizes (S–5XL and beyond)
Conduct fit sessions and evaluate samples against size specs, providing detailed comments and corrections to factories
Establish and enforce quality standards for construction, print, embroidery, and finishing across all product lines
Review pre-production, top-of-production (TOP), and shipment samples to ensure compliance with approved standards
Identify and communicate quality issues and defects, working with factories to implement corrective actions
Maintain tolerance charts and measurement standards for consistent sizing across vendors and product categories
Monitor and document shrinkage, wash testing, and fabric performance requirements
Source and evaluate new fabrics, trims, and materials as needed
Assist with PLM system management (WFX or similar), including uploading tech packs, BOMs, and product specs
Maintain awareness of NCAA and NFL team color standards and licensing requirements to ensure product accuracy

Qualifications Required

Recent graduate or 1+ years of experience in technical design, garment production, or a similar role in the apparel industry
Proven experience creating professional, factory-ready tech packs from scratch
Strong understanding of garment construction, sewing techniques, and manufacturing processes
Experience with grading, size spec development, and conducting fit sessions
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for creating flat sketches and technical drawings
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

Preferred

Experience with licensed sports apparel (NCAA, NFL, or similar)
Familiarity with PLM software such as WFX
Knowledge of NCAA and NFL team color palettes and brand guidelines
Experience with Pantone color matching for print and embroidery specifications
Background in working with knit and cut-and-sew products
Experience with CLO3D or other 3D design software
Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Apparel Production, or related field

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