What's the Short Version?
The Associate Technical Designer is responsible for a design product category, and manages daily tasks related to garment fit and specifications. They interpret and translate the vision of designers into the production with minimal supervision.
What Will You Be Doing?
- Maintain standard fit specifications within each category and/or product group to ensure consistency throughout product lines.
- Measure proto samples to ensure accuracy from vendors; audit and comment on prototypes.
- Utilize existing or new patterns to restructure and enhance the product.
- Initiate fit sessions including model selection, scheduling, and model management.
- Review and fit samples on models – provide support for fit recommendations to Design, Development, and Merchandising teams.
- Prepare and correct patterns per fit intent and fitting comments received.
- Create and maintain tech packs; update sketches in Adobe Illustrator to keep the most current sketches in tech pack.
- Ensure consistent and organized development documentation is maintained for assigned styles, i.e. tech pack, development style count, and sample tracking reports.
- Create detailed construction drawings in Adobe Illustrator to communicate design details and construction to factories and team members.
- Effectively communicate technical design specifications, modifications, and due dates to category cross-functional team members.
- Communicate precisely with overseas branches or direct suppliers on all technical issues and to provide details of garment fit and construction.
- Work closely with suppliers to meet crucial deadlines by providing technical expertise to proceed with sample approval timeline efficiently.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Comply with all policies and standards.
What Are We Looking For?
- Bachelor's Degree in design or merchandising, or equivalent experience
- At least 1 year of experience in Technical Design in apparel industry
- Knowledge of garment construction, material construction and properties, and pattern-making
- Adequate skills and understanding of pattern work assessment
- Understanding of the design and development process from inception through production
- Strong information seeking and problem-solving skills
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Attention to detail and the ability to communicate written and verbal information clearly and effectively
- Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a diverse group
- Strong proficiency in computer skills including Excel, Adobe Illustrator, digital photography
- Working knowledge in Gerber Accumark pattern making system or equivalent pattern making software experiences
What's Our Offer?
Salary Range: You`ll earn between $32.56 - $38.46 on an hourly basis, depending on experience.
Bonus: You`ll be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus up to 10% of base salary.
Paid Time Off: You`ll accrue paid time off on a weekly basis based on hours worked up to 112 hours per year to start. Employees also receive 8 paid holidays and 1 paid family day off.
Additional Benefits:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 401k plan and matches $1 for $1 up to 4% of earnings, matched & vested at every pay cycle
- Life insurance
- Short/long-term disability coverage
- Paid maternity/paternity leave
- Pet insurance
What Should You Expect?
Hybrid: SanMar's Eastpointe office is located in Issaquah, WA in the Seattle metropolitan area. Employees are required to work in our offices Tuesday through Thursday each week and additional days may be added based on business needs. Our standard working hours are 8:00-5:00 PST. Periodic travel may be required. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods while working on a computer and participating in virtual and in-person meetings. Frequent use of hands for keyboarding and standard office equipment is required. Occasional standing, walking, and reaching may be needed to attend meetings or collaborate in an office setting. The role requires the ability to perform close visual work on a computer for extended periods. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10–15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in design or merchandising, or equivalent experience
- At least 1 year of technical design experience in the apparel industry
- Knowledge of garment construction, material construction, and material properties
- Knowledge of pattern-making and pattern work assessment
- Understanding of the design and development process from inception through production
- Strong information-seeking and problem-solving skills
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Attention to detail and clear written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse group
- Strong computer skills, including Excel, Adobe Illustrator, and digital photography
- Working knowledge of Gerber AccuMark or equivalent pattern-making software
SanMar Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SanMar and has not been reviewed or approved by SanMar.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability, alongside an EAP and digital mental‑health and chronic‑condition tools. Benefits are often characterized as solid for the company's size, supporting positive views of total rewards.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan with company match and per‑pay‑period vesting is repeatedly highlighted, reinforcing retirement support as a core element of the package. This straightforward match is framed as competitive within the company’s industry context.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off with holiday schedules and a dedicated family day are emphasized, alongside documented paid parental leave. Role‑specific postings also indicate PTO accrual that begins early and grows with tenure.
SanMar Insights
What We Do
SanMar’s success and growth can be attributed to one thing - outstanding employees who provide superior services and products to our customers. We promote a culture that recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance. Recognizing that happy and relaxed employees make better ambassadors for SanMar, we encourage initiative and participation by creating a casual environment that taps full employee potential. Family owned since 1971, SanMar is an award-winning supplier of over 20 retail and private brands of imprintable apparel and accessories, including Port Authority, America’s No. 1 preferred private label. SanMar is the exclusive distributor of Nike Golf, Eddie Bauer®, OGIO® and New Era®. SanMar is based outside Seattle, WA, with eight national distribution centers. We invest in your future with life-enhancing opportunities and benefits including: • Competitive pay and bonuses • Competitive benefits • Company paid time off (PTO) • Life insurance • 401(k) plan with matching fund • Flexible spending program • Anniversary awards • Discounts on brand name clothing • Diverse and laid-back atmosphere • One floating family holiday every year • Monthly employee events • Charitable giving of your choice • Flexible schedules We’re growing and encourage you to find out what over 4,000 employees call the “The SanMar Difference.” SanMar is currently accepting resumes for those who have the necessary skills. SanMar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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