Senior Tech Designer
Los Angeles · Full time · Posted 6H AGO
About Cider
Beloved by young trendsetters and celebrities worldwide, Cider is one of the fastest-growing Gen-Z fashion brands. Founded in 2020 and rooted in Los Angeles, we proudly serve customers in over 130 countries with a diverse range of styles from XXS to 4XL. Powered by a global team spanning 14+ countries and our vibrant #cidergang community, our Pick A Mood collections transform everyday moods into captivating style statements — engaging the next generation and redefining fast-fashion through technology, trend-driven design, and zero-inventory thinking.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Senior Technical Designer to lead fit and technical development for our womenswear collections, from initial prototypes through pre-production approval.
Working closely with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, and factory partners, you will translate design concepts into garments that meet our standards for fit, comfort, construction, and quality. This role requires strong technical judgment, an understanding of brand aesthetics, and the ability to manage multiple styles in a fast-paced environment.
What You'll Do
- Own technical development for assigned product categories, ensuring samples meet design intent, fit standards, and development timelines.
- Lead fit sessions on live models, evaluating garment balance, proportion, ease, construction, and comfort.
- Provide clear, actionable fit comments using written instructions, annotated photos, sketches, and pattern corrections.
- Create and maintain accurate tech packs, including measurement specifications, points of measure, construction details, tolerances, and grading rules.
- Review prototype, fit, size-set, and pre-production samples; verify that requested corrections have been implemented.
- Partner directly with vendors and factories to resolve fit, pattern, and construction issues throughout development.
- Establish and maintain fit blocks, size standards, and construction guidelines to improve consistency across styles and sizes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to balance design intent, quality, cost, and manufacturing feasibility.
- Track sample status and technical approvals, flagging risks early and keeping development on schedule.
- Use quality findings, customer feedback, and fit-related return data to recommend product improvements.
- Provide technical guidance to junior team members and contribute to improvements in team processes.
What We're Looking For
Required:
- 5+ years of apparel technical design experience, with demonstrated ownership of womenswear categories from development through production approval.
- Strong knowledge of garment fit, patternmaking, grading, construction methods, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience independently leading live fittings and communicating precise technical corrections.
- Understanding of how fabric stretch, recovery, shrinkage, and drape affect garment fit and performance.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Excel, and PLM systems.
- Proficiency in Mandarin and English communication skills, including experience working with overseas vendors.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
- Degree in Technical Design, Fashion Design, Patternmaking, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.