What's the Short Version?
The Technical Designer is responsible for all technical design related to garment fit and measurement specifications for an assigned category. A successful Technical Designer has the ability of interpreting the vision of the original design into product that resonates with the target customer and that can be replicated consistently in the manufacturing process.
What Will You Be Doing?
- Develop standard fit specifications within each category and/or product group to ensure consistency throughout product lines.
- Provide pattern making and fitting expertise to the design and development process.
- Review and fit samples on models – provide fit recommendations to Design, Development, and Merchandising teams.
- Coordinate fit sessions including but not limited to model selection, scheduling, and model management.
- Provide technical recommendations to create consistency of fit/construction and to help achieve design concepts and category initiatives.
- Anticipate pattern development issues and advise alternative solutions.
- Communicate design concept to generate a 2-D pattern that incorporates proportional lines, fit requirements and construction feasibility.
- Apply knowledge of grading, fabrics, fit and costing.
- Maintain construction standards for use in manufacturing.
- Ensure consistent and organized development documentation is maintained for assigned styles; tech pack, fit approval rates, and sample tracking reports.
- Audit and comment on prototypes.
- Create and update visual representation of styles in line drawing format.
- Create detailed construction drawing as needed to communicate design details and construction to factories and team members.
- Create and maintain tech packs.
- Effectively communicate technical design specifications and modifications to category team members and vendors.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Comply with all policies and standards.
What Are We Looking For?
- 4-6 years of experience in technical design or equivalent education
- Extensive knowledge of garment construction, material construction and properties, and patternmaking
- Detailed understanding of the design and development process from inception through production
- Ability to interpret design intent and offer alternative solutions
- Knowledge of garment fit and the ability to give instructions on necessary changes to a pattern to influence the fit
- Strong information seeking and problem-solving 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 and Illustrator, with pattern-making programs preferred
What's Our Offer?
Salary Range: You`ll earn between $80,170 - $115,000 annually, 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 bi-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
- 4-6 years of experience in technical design or equivalent education
- Extensive knowledge of garment construction, material properties, and patternmaking
- Pattern making and fitting expertise to support design and development
- Detailed understanding of the design and development process from inception through production
- Ability to interpret design intent and propose alternative technical solutions
- Knowledge of garment fit and ability to instruct pattern changes to influence fit
- Strong proficiency in Excel
- Strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator
- Strong information-seeking, problem-solving, and attention to detail
- Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally and work cooperatively
- Experience with pattern-making programs
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.








