TECHNICAL DESIGNER

Athleta is creating a new breed of premium, authentically active and fashion-fueled apparel for a life in motion. Our mission is to ignite a community of active, healthy confident girls who empower each other to realize their limitless potential.

We're looking for people who find inspiration in the same things we do. Like community. Participation. Empowering others. Working as a team. Never forgetting that work isn't work without a little play - and, of course, being a part of something bigger. At Athleta we’re always reaching for amazing - and that challenge is what fuels us!

Power of She

Location: Athleta is relocating to San Francisco on or around Feb 1, 2017! This role will be located at 1 Harrison Street in San Francisco, Ca.

Start Date: The anticipated start date for this role will be January 29th, 2017 or therefore after.

The Challenge:

Working within the Merchandising and Product Development Calendar, the Technical Designer will support the development and execution of the product category of merchandise for the Athleta Brand (retail, catalog and web site).

Key responsibilities include:

• Partner/ collaborate with design to develop preliminary tech packs for costing and proto samples for each new season

• Participate in fit sessions on live model or mannequin. Confident in speaking to needed fit/pattern corrections as well as offering construction alternatives in fitting and development meetings, to achieve design’s desired aesthetic and fit intent.

• Collaborate with Designers and Merchants to obtain clear direction and consensus; Execute design and fit intent into bulk production while maintaining corporate standards; Ownership of style approval.

• Collaborate with GIS/vendor partners as needed to effect appropriate construction for manufacturing while maintaining design’s aesthetic.

• Effectively communicate fit intent, construction and fit/balance issues to vendors:

• Fully detailed written instructions to improve the fit and quality of each garment
• Photos of problem fit areas for review by vendor, to demonstrate requested corrections
• Detailed sketches – updated
• Bill of Materials – review/update internal and functional trims
• Construction information updated
• Garment measurements – including changes
• Graded measurements
• Pattern modifications – either hard copy, e-patterns or digitals of pattern amendments - depending on nature of corrections, and factory capability

• Establish specs on all points of measure and ensure size and fit consistency within product category.

• Evaluate samples for fit, function, balance, construction, workmanship.

• Ensure performance styles follow Athleta standard constructions and finishes within product category.

• Assist with weekly updates of styles in fit trackers and elevate concerns to manager/production partners/GIS offices/vendors.

• Adheres to Corporate Fit Protocol Guidelines, Gap Inc Code of Conduct, and Gap Inc Purpose, Value, and Behaviors.

• Evaluate all top of production samples within product category.

• Foster open communication and team environment.

• Participate in internal and external meetings as required

Your training:

• College Degree- BS/BA, preferably in Apparel Technical Design

• 4+ years industry experience in women’s apparel – Experience in performance apparel preferred

• Expertise in pattern making, making pattern corrections across both knits and wovens; ability to assess needed pattern amendments in fitting, across knit and woven fabrications

• Proficient in using computer pattern programs, such as ADS, Gerber, Lectra

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with proficiency in Microsoft applications- Excel, Word, Outlook, Illustrator/Photoshop as well as PLM, PDM or other industry specification package experience

• Excellent communication skills and problem solving ability

• Manufacturing and factory experience a plus!

• Ability to work in a team environment