Tech Designer (Freelance)
A contemporary fashion and accessories brand in the apparel and footwear industry is seeking a Freelance Tech Designer to support our technical design function on a part-time, on-site basis. This role will work closely with our Tech Design leadership to ensure impeccable fit, construction, and quality across a growing women’s ready-to-wear assortment, with exposure to footwear as needed.
Employment Type: Freelance (approximately 3 days per week, 8 hours per day, on-site)
Reports To: Tech Design Manager
Location: On-site, New York City area, SOHO
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: Ongoing freelance engagement
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with the Tech Design Manager on all apparel categories—including wovens, knits, sweaters, denim, dresses, outerwear, and bottoms—from development through production.
- Build, update, and maintain comprehensive tech packs in the PLM system, including detailed specifications, graded measurement charts, construction notes, and callouts.
- Prepare for and participate in fit sessions: measure samples, assess fit and balance, take fit photos, capture detailed comments, and ensure accurate documentation of revisions.
- Translate design intent into clear, production-ready technical specifications in collaboration with design, product development, and production teams.
- Review all sample rounds (proto, fit, PPS, TOP) to evaluate fit, construction, quality, and workmanship, and propose clear, actionable corrections for vendors.
- Maintain organized tracking of styles, samples, fit comments, and approvals across multiple deliveries and seasons within PLM.
- Support the build-out and maintenance of fit standards and construction libraries to drive consistency across the assortment.
- Contribute to footwear-related technical tasks as needed (e.g., last and upper fit notes, spec updates, and alignment with existing fit blocks), guided by the Tech Design Manager.
Qualifications
- Prior experience in technical design, patternmaking, or apparel product development; any exposure to footwear technical design is a plus.
- Comfort working across multiple apparel categories and fabrications from concept through production.
- Hands-on understanding of garment construction, pattern shapes, grading, and fit standards.
- Experience with a PLM platform (such as WFX or similar) and proficiency in updating and maintaining tech packs.
- Strong technical sketching and garment specification skills, with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills for conveying fit comments and construction changes to cross-functional partners and overseas vendors.
- Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple styles, deadlines, and sample rounds in a fast-paced environment.
- Openness to candidates at various experience levels who can demonstrate strong technical aptitude, a collaborative mindset, and a willingness to learn.
Schedule & Engagement
- Approximately 3 days per week, 8 hours per day; schedule to be mutually agreed upon.
- On-site presence required to attend fit sessions and facilitate close collaboration with design, tech design, product development, and production teams.
- Freelance engagement with compensation commensurate with experience and scope of responsibilities.
This role is ideal for a technically driven apparel professional who enjoys problem-solving through fit and construction, partnering closely with cross-functional teams, and contributing to the overall quality and consistency of a modern fashion brand’s product line.
