ROLE: The Design Developer leads the delivery of a new product idea from initial concept and design approach through prototype development, all the way to factory introduction for bulk manufacturing. The structure of this role is intended to marry conceptual design thinking with the very real opportunities and limitations of raw material sourcing and the factory environment. This is not meant to be an inhibitor to design, but rather a catalyst for success that requires design to consider and leverage the whole manufacturing ecosystem in order to deliver the best possible work.
DUTIES: The Design Developer must be truly multi-disciplinary. This role requires familiarity and effectiveness in all areas of product design, raw material selection, pattern making, prototype development and factory implementation.
Once new product briefs are received and understood, the Design Developer will introduce possible solutions during rounds of review in 2D sketch and full-scale 3D physical model. The accepted 3D model will be translated into patterns for the first sewn prototype.
Each prototype round will be reviewed, patterns adjusted, and sewn again in an iterative process to develop the product to meet the design goals and prepare for introduction to factory. Raw material suitability and supply chain as well as factory capability must all be considered throughout the process to ensure a successful product design.
In addition to a final reference sample and relevant mock-ups, a collection of documents known as the Tech Pack must be created. This consists primarily of a digital pattern, illustrated construction spec, bill of materials and quality inspection document. Once submitted to factory, close communication and follow up will be required so that all information is understood, and difficulties are worked through.
The Design Developer should be capable of making their own patterns, sewing their own prototypes, and creating their own tech packs, however they should also be comfortable to communicate and work closely with a Sample Technician, Project Timekeeper and Raw Material Developer as part of the Product Creation Team. For this reason, clear communication and a desire to collaborate are a critically important part of this role, and some prior experience in each of these positions will be helpful.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Ability to creatively solve design problems within the scope and limitations of the project and the company's supply chain and manufacturing environment
Communication and delivery of design solutions in 2D and 3D formats
Making of physical mock-ups, models, and 1st sewn prototypes as references for the Team
Ability to find a strategic and effective development path to iterate designs toward completion Creation of the Tech Pack, and close communication with outside vendors and factory for implementation
Coordinate with the Product Team for on-time and successful delivery of finished product designs
AREAS OF SUPPORT:
Sewn sample or mock-up creation
Illustration of visual line plans to aid product planning and Team visibility
Digest reporting from the Quality Team that identifies possible design problems in existing product Shop organization, maintenance
TRAINING:
The Design Developer will spend the first 3 months of employment shadowing and being mentored by the Sample Technician. The goal is to gain intimate familiarity with current EVERGOODS construction standards and to establish comfort and familiarity with the shop and its equipment for effective use as a product creation tool. The Design Developer will be expected to sew samples of current EVERGOODS product using existing construction Specs and BOMs to gain familiarity with current documentation standards. The Design Developer will also learn to use Optitex PDS software for digital flat-patterning.
RELEVANT SKILLS:
A genuine love of making things and strong interest in engineering and design
3+ years of experience designing and making cut & sew product (preferably equipment) Broad knowledge of sewing materials and construction techniques
Familiarity with cut and sew manufacturing processes
Hands-on sewing and assembly ability
Strong visual communication and drawing ability (digital and hand)
Adobe Illustrator
Optitex patterning software
Basic use of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, etc)
Measurement in fractional inches and metric decimals
EMPLOYEE CONDUCT:
It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, customers and vendors.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.