Technical Designer

TECHNICAL DESIGNER Position Overview NYC fashion company is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Technical Designer with deep expertise in sweater knits to join our fast-paced product development team. This role is responsible for translating seasonal design concepts into technically sound, production-ready specifications ensuring every garment achieves accurate fit, quality construction, and on-time delivery across our apparel programs, including Walmart accounts. The ideal candidate has a solid command of knitwear construction, fit, and grading, brings direct experience working on Walmart programs, and thrives under deadline pressure with the ability to manage multiple overlapping timelines while maintaining clear communication with global vendors. Key Responsibilities Manage detailed tech packs including technical sketches, point-of-measure specs, construction callouts, and grading information for sweater and knitwear programs Conduct fit sessions on live models; measure incoming samples, assess fit against spec, provide clear fit comments and corrections, and communicate adjustments to overseas factories Ensure all products meet Walmart standards, production calendars, compliance requirements, and retailer timelines Collaborate closely with Design, Production, Sales, Merchandising, and Sourcing teams to ensure garment intent, fit, and quality standards are met Track and manage sample workflow from initial development through production approval (proto through PPS) Partner with overseas factories and vendors with daily communication on fit approvals, construction changes, and sample updates Develop and maintain quality standards throughout the full development cycle, conducting garment reviews to ensure accuracy and consistency Maintain organized fit samples, approval samples, and technical documentation Required Qualifications 4-6 years of Technical Design experience in the apparel industry, with significant focus on sweaters and knitwear Must have direct experience working on Walmart programs or accounts, including familiarity with Walmart compliance standards and vendor portal requirements Advanced knowledge of knitwear construction, stitch types, yarn behavior, gauge, and knitting machinery capabilities Strong understanding of pattern making, grading, and fit as applied to sweaters including the impact of yarn content and gauge on measurements Ability to understand garment patterns and the dynamics of how garments move and fit on the body Experience conducting fit sessions on live models and communicating detailed fit corrections to factories Proficiency in PLM systems, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Office Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with ability to manage multiple overlapping timelines Excellent communication, follow-up, and organizational skills across cross-functional teams and global vendors Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, or related field (or equivalent professional experience) Preferred Qualifications Men's wear technical design background prior experience with men's sweaters or knitwear strongly preferred Understanding of Walmart production calendars and mass-market or private label retailer requirements Experience working with women's, men's, or kids' apparel categories Experience with overseas factory communication and production processes, particularly in Asia Experience with grading and size spec development across a full-size range Skills & Competencies Technical accuracy and precision in spec writing and construction documentation Strong problem-solving skills able to identify fit and construction issues and propose actionable solutions Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality Collaborative mindset; works effectively across Design, Production, Sales, Sourcing, and Merchandising Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-directed with proactive communication style