Senior Technical Designer - Production

Company Description:

Cara Cara is a women’s ready-to-wear brand that blends the joyful spirit of travel with elevated, versatile wardrobe pieces designed for year-round wear. Founded by three women and based in New York City, Cara Cara is carried through its direct-to-consumer website www.caracaranyc.com, and over 100 luxury boutiques and retailers, including Net-a-Porter, Neiman Marcus, Moda Operandi, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Revolve, Shopbop, and Farfetch.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Technical Design & Patternmaking, the Senior Technical Designer is responsible for managing assigned styles throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from SMS through bulk production. This role partners closely with Design, Production, local and overseas factories to ensure garments meet the highest standards of fit, construction, quality, and Design intent.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical expert with strong knowledge of garment fit, construction, patternmaking, grading, and production. This individual can independently manage multiple seasons, lead fit sessions, identify technical issues early, and provide clear, practical solutions while maintaining quality, consistency, and production efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Fit Management

• Manage assigned styles from SMS / 1ST FIT through 2ND FIT, PP, TOP & bulk production
• Lead fit sessions and evaluate garment fit, balance, proportion, construction, and overall appearance
• Measure samples and verify compliance with approved SPECs and tolerances
• Review samples throughout development and provide approvals or corrective comments within required timelines
• Review bulk garments as needed to support production quality and consistency

Technical Development

• Create, update, and maintain Tech Packs, SPECs, BOMs, construction details, and technical documentation
• Prepare clear fit comments, pattern corrections, and technical instructions
• Review patterns, grading, construction methods, and workmanship for accuracy
• Identify fit, grading, and construction issues and recommend practical corrective solutions
• Ensure repeat styles remain consistent with previously approved fit, measurements, construction, and grading standards while incorporating approved improvements from previous production seasons

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Design to maintain the intended silhouette, proportion, fit, and overall aesthetic
• Communicate directly with local and overseas factories regarding fit corrections, measurements, pattern updates, construction, and technical questions
• Collaborate with Production to support efficient sample development and successful bulk execution
• Participate in developing and maintaining company fit standards, blocks, dress forms, and measurement methodologies

Project and Team Management

• Track sample status, outstanding corrections, and seasonal approval timelines
• Maintain organized and accurate WIP trackers, technical files, and seasonal documentation
• Support, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior team members
• Contribute to continuous improvement of Technical Design processes and workflow efficiency

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Design, Fashion Design, Patternmaking, or a related field
• 10+ years of Technical Design experience within women’s designer or luxury ready-to-wear
• Experience managing styles independently from development through production

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of women’s designer and luxury apparel fit, construction, patternmaking, and grading
• Experience with woven and cut & sew knit garments, including dresses, tops, skirts, pants, jumpsuits, and jackets
• Strong understanding of garment measurements, tolerances, and measurement methodology
• Ability to evaluate patterns and communicate accurate pattern corrections

Software Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat
• Experience with Gerber, Browzwear, CLO 3D, or similar patternmaking and 3D software preferred

Professional Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Detail oriented, proactive, and solution focused
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently

What we offer

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision
• A PTO policy that includes including vacation, sick and parental leaves
• 401K (employee funded)
• Pre-tax FSA and Commuter Benefits plans
• 15+ Vacation days

Work Authorization

Cara Cara does not provide employment sponsorship. Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Salary: $110K-120K

Cara Cara is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at [email protected]