Technical Designer, RTW

About Khaite

KHAITE is a way of looking at the world. Shaped by formative encounters, cultural touchstones, and secret desires, this point of view comes to life through womenswear and accessories that find confidence in contrast. Each piece proposes a fresh balance of opposing elements—masculine and feminine, strength and softness, structure and fluidity—while embodying a signature sensuality and ease. Founded in 2016 by creative director Catherine Holstein and based in New York, KHAITE evolves each season, building upon a foundation of robust yet polished items distinguished by exceptional materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and subtle yet striking details.

We are looking for a Technical Designer, RTW to join the KHAITE team. This role will report to the Development Technical Design Manager, RTW and be based out of the NYC HQ offices. The position is responsible for building and maintaining the specifications and fit of the garment from initial design concept through final fit approval for woven development, ensuring fit consistency and brand standards for construction throughout the given category.

• Collaborate with business partners to obtain clear direction and consensus on design aesthetic, fit intent, and construction.
• Build excellent working relationships with cross‑functional partners in Design, Merchandising, Production, and Product Development, as well as local factories and direct vendors.
• Develop specifications and garment construction methods for assigned product categories from initial style development and cost engineering for bulk production.
• Attend fit sessions to develop brand aesthetic, silhouette, and proportion within the price point for assigned categories.
• Problem‑solve all technical issues related to fit and execution, including fabric application, construction, grading, and cost engineering.
• Effectively communicate fit intent, balance, and construction revisions to cross‑functional partners and direct vendors via tech packs that include fit notes, diagrams, ¼ scale pattern corrections, and digital photos.
• Evaluate prototype samples and fit samples for measurement, fit, and construction accuracy and quality according to brand standards.
• Participate in maintaining consistency of technical design and product creation processes.
• Partner with local factories’ technical teams to ensure execution of fit, construction, and finishing.
• Ensure brand consistency in aesthetic, fit, and construction from vendor to vendor across all styles within a category.
• Effectively communicate with cross‑functional teams to ensure calendar milestone deliverables are met.
• Proactively identify and solve potential production, quality, and costing issues and make appropriate recommendations for resolutions.
• Escalate issues when necessary and provide root cause analysis, fact‑finding, and possible solutions.
• Track workload deliverables to ensure individual deadlines are met and work with production partners to avoid garment delivery slides.
• Attend key milestone meetings to provide technical support regarding fit and construction.
• Foster open communication and a team environment with all business partners and receive constructive feedback professionally.

• Experience in fitting garments for assigned product categories.
• Ability to analyze fit issues and propose valid, actionable solutions.
• Experience in creating accurate technical spec packages.
• Proficient in pattern making, grading, construction methods, and garment engineering for assigned categories.
• Understanding of end‑to‑end product development and apparel production process from concept to delivery.
• Knowledge of fabric, leather, and interlining.
• Domestic production experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Adept at time management with the ability to set priorities, plan, and meet overlapping deadlines.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to manage deadlines and changing priorities.
• Competent analytical skills and ability to problem‑solve.
• Dedicated team player.
• Expert interpersonal skills and ability to interact with all personality types and cultures.
• Ability to openly…