Technical Design Associate

Job Title: Associate Technical Designer

Organization Structure: Reports To Technical Design Manager

FLSA status: Hourly, Non-Exempt – Full Time

Department: PBS (Private Label & Brand Services)

Location: In-office at the Zumiez Home Office, Lynnwood, WA

Position Summary

The Associate Technical Designer is responsible for the technical development of assigned

apparel categories from initial prototypes through final production approval. This role requires

strong communication and problem-solving skills, as well as an advancing level of technical

expertise and leadership skills. This person brings an understanding of product development and

production processes, with the confidence to offer solutions to their design partner for

maintaining design intent while assuring the best fit and construction for the functionality of the

product. The Associate TD leads fit sessions for assigned categories, identifying potential

production, quality, or costing challenges, engaging with all team partners and external vendors

to ensure Zumiez’s brand standards are met. The Associate TD is also responsible for the

organization and management of assigned projects (non-fit submit category or construction

based) critical to the day-to-day organization and operations of the team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Product Development Oversight:

o Manage the technical design process from initial prototype through production for

assigned categories, ensuring quality, fit and brand consistency.

o Oversee all sample stages (prototype, fit, pre-production, and top of production),

ensuring adherence to specifications and brand guidelines.

o Update and maintain tech packs, incorporating accurate construction details,

pattern modifications, and grading adjustments.

• Fit and Construction Management:

o Lead fit sessions on live models or mannequins, assessing fit, balance, and

construction for functionality and design integrity.

o Analyze samples to identify fit and quality issues, providing corrective

recommendations with detailed comments, sketches, and photos.o Ensure vendor adherence to fit corrections and issue updated grading guidelines

upon fit approval.

o Independently conducts fit evaluation on live model and dressform.

• Pattern and Block Development:

o Evaluate and refine existing patterns, fit blocks, and grade rules to streamline

processes and improve consistency across factories and brands.

o Develop and maintain block specs and pattern libraries, ensuring all categories

align with Zumiez’s fit standards.

o Utilize CLO3D software for pattern development and digital fitting to build

efficiencies and reduce physical samples.

• Collaboration and Communication:

o Partner closely with Design, Product Development, and Production teams to

ensure alignment on fit, quality, and timeline objectives.

o Clearly and concisely communicates fit comments, corrections, and technical

recommendations to overseas vendors, providing timely feedback to maintain

workflow.

o Work with vendors to resolve production challenges, ensuring that technical

requirements are met and that any deviations are promptly addressed.

• Leadership:

o Advancing in knowledge of fit analysis, pattern adjustments, and construction

techniques, sharing knowledge with Assistant team members and Interns (when

available)

o Partners and collaborates with other Technical Design members to discover or

implement processes that refine and improve efficiencies and elevate the overall

quality of the product.

o Maintains professionalism and upholds Zumiez’s values of collaboration,

empowerment, and personal development.

o Demonstrates advancing technical knowledge and ownership of assigned projects

to support a strong team atmosphere and product execution consistent with

Zumiez brand standards.

• Sample Tracking and Quality Control:

o Maintains sample tracking logs to monitor product progression from initial

prototype through top of production (TOP) approvals.

o Review pre-production (PP) and TOP samples