Technical Developer of Performance Apparel

Company info:  gearUP’s mission is to outfit youth sports teams with customized gear – on time for game time!  We have simplified the hassle of outfitting youth sports teams with customized gear from the best brands. Our webstores are always open and product ships direct to athletes on time.  gearUP has been one of the fastest growing companies in the Pacific Northwest since 2018, and we have so much opportunity ahead of us.  Now is a great time to join our team!

Position summary:

The Technical Developer will be a part of the Product & Merchandising Team reporting to the Senior Director of Product & Merchandising.  This role requires expertise in garment construction, fit standards, textiles, trims, costing, and quality.  A key part of this role is understanding the full scope of product creation from design concept to production, leading factory partners to achieve delivery dates, providing the team with technical recommendations and communicating issues and/or offering solutions in a fast-paced environment.  The Technical Developer will work closely with graphic design, apparel design, product management, merchandising, factory partners & license partners to ensure product integrity and timely delivery.

Key responsibilities:

·         Create and update technical design packages (tech packs) including measurements, construction sketches, graphic placements, and bill of materials for factory partners. 

·         Track and request prototypes for styles end-to-end, manage and meet calendar target dates, attend meetings that relate to style development and communicate progress and challenges to the team as needed.

·         Conduct prototype review sessions, provide feedback, and ensure designs meet fit, construction, and quality standards.

·         Raise awareness of potential quality or manufacturing risks and influence triad partners to resolve prior to prototype creation.

·         Establish and execute fit and construction standards to ensure consistency.

·         Manage multiple projects at various stages of product creation.

·         Demonstrate awareness of market trends, new technologies and innovations being used in apparel development.

·         Bachelor's degree in apparel design, textile science or related field.

·         5+ years technical development experience in the apparel industry, which includes the apparel development process from inception through production including construction, materials, costing, print, manufacturing, and quality.

·         Demonstrate strong attention to detail.

·         Ability to write product specs and advanced construction instructions along with interpreting design intent and offering alternative solutions.

·         Ability to act as a technical resource, mentor others and lead initiatives.

·         Demonstrated experience working with Nike Performance Apparel preferred.

·         Ability to manage product handovers and relationships between Nike and License partners.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·         Proven ability to excel in a deadline driven environment while managing multiple projects.

·         Strong problem solving and decision-making skills.

·         Attention to detail and process orientation while being versatile and a forward thinker.

·         An active listener who influences the team when needed while demonstrating credibility and reliability.

·         Proficiency with MS Office programs, PLM software and confidence using Adobe Illustrator and CAD Pattern Design software. Experience with Optitex/Browzwear/CLO.

·         Ability to travel 10% (domestic and international).

Physical Requirements:

·         Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

·         Viewing computer monitors for extended periods.

·         Talking, listening, typing and computer mouse manipulation for extended periods

·         Spatial and visual awareness

·         Visual and cognitive ability to see and discern colors and product design details

·       Ability to travel

Gear Up Sports provides the following employee benefits:

·         Paid Time Off (PTO) – 2 weeks per year

·         Paid Holidays – New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas

·         Healthcare Benefits – Effective the first of the month following the date of hire:

·         Health/Vision insurance through Regence BlueCross BlueShield

·         Dental insurance through LifeMap Dental

·         Life, Disability & Accident Insurance through MetLife – effective 1st of the month following date of hire:

·         Group Term Life insurance – company paid

·         Long Term Disability insurance – company paid

·         Short Term Disability insurance –company paid – provided for employees working in states without state-specific paid family/medical leave programs.

·         Voluntary additional life insurance

·         Voluntary Accident Insurance

·         Flexible Spending Account Plan – allowing pre-tax savings for Health and Dependent Care Expenses

·         Health Savings Account -  allowing pre-tax savings for Health expenses

·         Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) – plan provided through Canopy

·         401(k) Plan – participation after three months of employment with employer-matching contribution

Equal Opportunity Employer

Gear Up Sports, Inc.is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. without regard to individual’s race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical or family leaves, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. . To comply with Federal law, gearUP participates in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are queried through this electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify their identity and employment eligibility.