Associate Apparel Designer

Jetty Associate Apparel Designer / Product Developer Manahawkin, NJ
· Full time Apply for Associate Apparel Designer / Product Developer

Jetty is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Associate Apparel Designer / Design Coordinator to support our Design Team and help move product efficiently from concept through development. This role serves as a key liaison between our head designers and third party vendors, ensuring clear communication, timely follow-ups, and accurate execution of design intent. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in garment knowledge, is fluent in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and thrives in a growing and collaborative apparel environment.

This is a handson role for someone who can jump into existing workflows and make an immediate impact.

Jetty is the coastal brand with a conscience. We pride ourselves in company culture, professionalism and customer service. Jetty is an East Coast-based lifestyle apparel brand rooted in surf and the outdoors. We also operate our own design and screen printing division (Jetty Ink) and channel all of our charitable giving via our own nonprofit (Jetty Rock Foundation). We aim to hire highly motivated, positive, thrill-seeking individuals who share our passion for water and adventure.

Draw Your Own Line.

Our mission is to create kinship and community through our shared passion for water. Whether we are diving through it, surfing on it, or pulling fish from it, water is in our DNA. We even print our shirts using water-based inks on the coast of New Jersey.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain production-ready tech packs, including flats, measurements, construction details, and BOMs
• Develop and execute artwork, prints, and graphics, including seamless repeat artwork in both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• Support product development from concept through sample stages (proto, SMS, PPS)
• Participate in and help manage fit sessions, including measuring samples and preparing clear fit comments
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the design team and third-party vendors, communicating design intent, fit feedback, and product details clearly and accurately
• Coordinate the submission and approval process for samples, lab dips, strike-offs, and related design approvals
• Track and organize all incoming and outgoing submissions to ensure timelines and deadlines are met
• Manage daily email correspondence with vendors, maintaining a professional, timely, and organized communication flow
• Support head designers by preparing, issuing, and following up on fit and design comments
• Maintain design libraries, records, and sample archives for easy reference
• Assist in preparing design packages, presentations, and internal line reviews
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners (production, merchandising, etc.) to keep projects on schedule

Required Skills & Experience

• 2–5 years experience in apparel design assistance, technical design, or product development
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (tech packs, flats, construction callouts, repeat artwork)
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop (print development, seamless repeats, color work, mockups)
• Solid understanding of garment construction, fit, and fabric behavior
• Experience communicating directly with third-party vendors and overseas factories
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple styles and timelines simultaneously
• Excellent attention to detail and follow-through
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while supporting a collaborative design team

Bonus / Nice-to-Have

• Experience with garment costing and margin awareness
• Print or pattern-focused background
• Familiarity with InDesign, Airtable, Slack, Excel, Google Business Suite
• Experience in surf, lifestyle, or casual apparel
• Knowledge of fabric sourcing, trims, and embellishments

Why This Role

This role is ideal for someone who wants meaningful responsibility, real ownership, and direct involvement in bringing apparel collections to life. You’ll work closely with a small but experienced design team and play a critical role in ensuring ideas are executed accurately and efficiently.