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Technical Designer/Product Developer - Apparel

Seattle, WA

About Filson

In 1897 C.C. Filson began outfitting prospectors headed for the Gold Rush with tools and apparel strong enough for the toughest spots on earth. More than 100 years later, Filson remains committed to providing pioneers of all fields around the world with unfailing goods made from the highest quality materials available.

Filson recognizes that it takes a world-class team to make a world-class product. As we build on the Filson legacy of American craftsmanship, we are looking for individuals who share our dedication to innovation, excellence, and superior customer service.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Product Development, the Product Engineer will play a pivotal role within the Product Development Team. This position involves developing high-quality products, maintaining communication across departments and vendors, and ensuring the timely production of superior products.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Create and manage technical specifications and detailed bill of materials to assure product detail is accurate, current and production ready.
  • Create Measurement specifications with an understanding and knowledge of patternmaking and grading.
  • Manage an iterative prototype process and engage with key internal and vendor partners in problem solving to achieve desired results from both a design intent and costing perspective.
  • Apply in-depth knowledge of manufacturing process with the ability to engineer the product to enhance the overall performance.
  • Review, document and communicate all sampling requirements and product changes to domestic and offshore manufacturing partners.
  • Adhere to development calendar deadlines, proactively addressing exceptions or potential issues, collaborating with cross-functional partners to ensure timely development completion.
  • Develop and maintain material details including new packaging, branding, hangtags, and written content to facilitate a full product story is delivered to the customer.
  • Recommend and source new materials and construction techniques to surpass IMU goals set by Merchants.
  • Develop working relationships with domestic and offshore vendors through daily communication, timely approvals, and participating in vendor calls.
  • Follow established processes for trim development, care Instructions and product briefs. Help develop these standards seasonally.
  • Coordinate with cross functional partners to utilize Filson housed materials and distribution for manufacturing partners.

Other Responsibilities:

  • Proficient in manipulating technical sketches using Adobe Illustrator.
  • Knowledge or ability to use Gerber/Accumark computer pattern system is a plus
  • Troubleshoot and problem-solve proactively.
  • Upholding established standards for construction, specification, costing, and design.
  • Own and maintain records, bulk approvals, and product detail in the PLM system.
  • Assist in achieving fit approval in collaboration with designers through fit sessions and developing block fits.
  • Collaborate with patternmaker as needed.
  • Assist in building SOP’s, templates, and libraries for utilization by team.
  • Stay updated on current market trends, particularly in LBA product, construction engineering, and styling, to enhance product engineer proficiency and role growth.
  • Travel to factories as needed for seasonal development.

Qualifications:

  • 4+ work experience in garment manufacturing, product development, and specification development, preferably in the apparel industry.
  • Two-year technical degree with a soft goods focus, desired.
  • Knowledge of garment, bag and/or home goods construction and manufacturing techniques.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills for building working relationships within teams.
  • Excellent team player is essential.
  • Strong time management and organizational skills to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work autonomously while communicate key information to Product Engineer Manager
  • Ability to work in a global, multi-cultural environment.
  • Experience working with domestic and/or offshore vendors and factories.
  • Proficiency in Excel and Word is required.
  • Working knowledge in Adobe Illustrator
  • Experience working in PLM systems.

Filson is an equal opportunity employer.  We believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings which are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination.  It is our policy that all decisions involving any aspect of the employment relationship will be made without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, veteran and military status, genetic information, political ideology or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.  Discrimina­tion and/or harassment based on any of those factors are totally incon­sistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated.

With regard to applicants or employees with disabilities, the company offers what the law refers to as "reasonable accommodation" to enable a person to perform his or her job.

Salary range:

$75,000 - $99,000 USD

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