Our Heritage: An American Original Since 1977
Founded on the Upper East Side of New York City by brothers Jay and Kevin McLaughlin, J.McLaughlin was built on a simple idea: great style feels personal.
From a single neighborhood shop to nearly 200 stores nationwide, we have always believed in being local and loyal—to our customers, our communities, and one another. Today, nearly 1,000 employees bring the brand to life across the country, from Maine to Maui.
For over 20 years, our corporate home has been in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration continue to shape our next chapter.
Giving back is part of who we are. We support the communities we serve through local partnerships, charitable initiatives, and a belief that businesses should leave places better than they found them.
Overview
We are seeking a Technical Designer for our Womens Outerwear, Jackets & Skirts catagories to support the Technical Design team in ensuring garments meet the brand’s standards for fit, construction, grading, and quality while remaining scalable for production.
This role reports to the Director of Technical Design and partners closely with Design, Product Development, Production, and external vendors to help translate design concepts into technically sound garments. The Technical Designer will drive fit evaluations, technical documentation, and garment construction reviews to support consistent product execution across seasons.
The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, collaborative, and knowledgeable in garment construction, fit evaluation, and technical specifications.
This position is primarily based in our Greenpoint, Brooklyn office and follows a hybrid schedule.
About the role
Essential Functions*:
Technical Design Execution
- Ensure technical accuracy and consistency across product categories by supporting the development of fit standards, construction details, and garment specifications.
- Drive the development and maintenance of the following for assigned catagories:
- Technical packages (tech packs) and garment specifications
- Measurement charts and grade rules
- Construction standards and workmanship guidelines
- Block libraries and seasonal updates
- Ensure technical documentation is accurate, organized, and updated throughout the product lifecycle.
Fit & Sample Evaluation
- Review and and evaluate samples at various development stages including:
- Prototype (Proto)
- Fit samples
- Pre-production (PP) samples
- Top of Production (TOP) samples, as needed
- Evaluate garment fit, balance, and proportion and make appropriate corrections.
- Record fit comments and maintain technical documentation following fittings.
- Work with cross-functional teams and vendors to ensure fit corrections and revisions are implemented accurately.
Garment Construction & Engineering
- Assess construction details to ensure garments meet both aesthetic and functional standards.
- Evaluate fabric properties and how they impact garment fit, drape, and performance.
- Provide recommendations for garment engineering improvements to enhance manufacturability and consistency.
- Partner with Product Development and vendors to troubleshoot construction or pattern issues during development.
Vendor Communication & Sample Tracking
- Communicate fit comments and technical updates clearly to vendors and internal teams.
- Track sample revisions and ensure updates are reflected accurately in technical documentation.
- Monitor and track development progress to support timely approvals and production readiness.
Additional Job Responsibilities:
- Other related duties as assigned
Other duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
What we are looking for
Skills & Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 years of technical design experience
- Degree in patternmaking/technical design preferred
- Experience working with relevant wovens catagories
- Strong understanding of garment construction and pattern terminology
- Experience evaluating fit and reviewing samples
- Knowledge of grading and measurement specifications
- Experience creating and maintaining technical packages
- Proficiency in PLM systems, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office / Excel
- Strong attention to detail
- Clear communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to manage multiple development timelines
- Problem-solving mindset with strong technical curiosity
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, standing and bending.
- Must be able to lift 15 pounds occasionally.
- Must be able to access and navigate various departments at the organization's facilities.
Benefits at a Glance
At J.McLaughlin, we design our benefits with the same care and intention as our product. Our benefits are designed to support well-being, flexibility, and long-term growth.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match (eligibility based on hours worked)
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Hybrid or flexible work environment (role-dependent)
- Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
- Optional Critical Illness and Accident insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Clothing allowance and generous discounts on J.McLaughlin merchandise
- Discretionary bonus opportunities (role-dependent)
- Employee referral incentives and commuter benefits
Pay Transparency & Disclaimer
$80,000 - $100,000 depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.
Compensation and benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility. J.McLaughlin reserves the right to modify compensation and benefit programs at any time, in accordance with applicable laws.
Equal Opportunity
J.McLaughlin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
Skills Required
- Minimum of 5 years of technical design experience
- Degree in patternmaking/technical design
- Experience working with relevant woven categories
- Strong understanding of garment construction and pattern terminology
- Experience evaluating fit and reviewing samples
- Knowledge of grading and measurement specifications
- Experience creating and maintaining technical packages
- Strong attention to detail
- Clear communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to manage multiple development timelines
- Problem-solving mindset with strong technical curiosity
What We Do
1977 was a banner year for American ingenuity. George Lucas premiered Star Wars, Steven Jobs incorporated Apple, Ted Turner’s boat Courageous swept the America’s Cup and brothers Kevin and Jay McLaughlin opened their first shop selling classic clothes with current relevance. Their collections, whose sunny palette and cheeky details, include ready to wear and accessories for men and women. With over 100 retail locations, J.McLaughlin occupies some of the most picturesque main-street real estate in America. True to the vision of the McLaughlin brothers, the stores have a warmly residential feel and exemplary customer service. “Being a good neighbor” is central to the brand’s approach to business, and J.McLaughlin values being a welcome and active member of each community in which it operates. The company also operates a fully responsive digital flagship at www.jmclaughlin.com. The company is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.
