Apparel Innovation Developer

Company: 99Degrees Custom
Location: Lawrence
Posted on: May 11, 2022

Job Description:

We are Makers. We make what hasn't been made before, including a new model of US manufacturing.

Come help us make our future!

COME GROW WITH US!

This position is one of several added in conjunction with our expansion in Lawrence!

We are looking for individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to roll up their sleeves to help build a future model of US manufacturing. If you love building processes and systems, working with a diverse and multilingual workforce, and learning how things are made from the inside, then you would be right at home at 99Degrees!

WHO WE ARE

Lawrence MA-based, 99Degrees was founded in 2013 to transition US manufacturing into an advanced manufacturing industry through speed, agility, technology and a commitment to our region and workforce. We are a US contract manufacturer who produces technical activewear and wearable technologies for the most forward thinking global and high growth brands. We incubate advanced concepts, develop, prototype and sample, and produce in the US with unprecedented speed and agility. We have been recognized with top prizes from MIT's Inclusive Innovation Competition, MassChallenge and EforAll business accelerators and have been featured on NPR, PRI, MSNBC, and in the Boston Globe.

Our Values

Innovation: We pursue technologies that benefit us all. We change, adapt, and learn to capture and execute cutting edge and game changing ideas. We approach challenges with solutions.

Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity as a strength. We ensure that we all have a voice. We foster systemic inclusivity and equal opportunity.

Integrity: We are honest, fair, and principled. We do what is right even when it is difficult.

Quality: We work with purpose to set new standards for our industry, for US manufacturing, and for business.

People: We prioritize and invest in family, community, and wellness so that we all may pursue full and happy lives.

HOW THIS ROLE SUPPORTS OUR VISION

Technology-integrated apparel often requires state of the art and emerging technologies using advanced materials, manufacturing methods, equipment, and tooling solutions combined with advanced apparel manufacturing. This position is responsible for fabricating mock-ups, sub-assemblies, and prototype samples of advanced concepts using sewn constructions and advanced materials including thermal adhesives, engineered components, and embedded hardware. Performing a critical role in the research, design for manufacturing, and development of repeatable and saleable products; this role ensures that advanced concept assembly and construction methods are documented with key construction information, technical drawings, and bill of materials that support tech transfer to production.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

PROTOTYPES + ADVANCED CONCEPTS

Works in collaboration with Director of Apparel Innovation to implement and apply apparel technologies and advanced concepts in the production of technology-integrated apparel.

Produce technical sketches and physical mock-ups, sub-assemblies, and prototypes of advanced concepts based on verbal descriptions, discussion, and reference samples.

Produce technical sketches, documented process, and instructions.

Verify feasibility, methods, materials, and construction of multiple concepts at one time.

Responsible for coordinating, organizing, and label sample-making materials.

Responsible for constructing tech-integrated concepts using methods of sewing, and sew free technologies, including advanced and technically challenging processes.

Uses a number of machines including single needle, serger/overlock, flatlock, coverstitch, and buttonhole machines as well as sew free technologies including ultrasonic welding, laser cutting, and a variety of thermal bonding machinery.

Uses a number of machines and processes for engineered components including tool and die making, heat pressing, mold making and casting.

Able and willing to learn to use machines that are new to you.

Executes samples with correct construction in a timely manner and with minimal rework.

Trouble shoots challenging constructions and recommends best approaches to achieving desired outcomes.

Constructs, adjusts, and alters samples through the product development process.

Supports the transfer of knowledge to a team of Sample Makers for advanced concepts.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Works with production team and apparel sample makers to understand construction challenges and requirements gaps.

Provides feedback on challenges, documentation inconsistencies, changes, questions, and recommendations to support product improvements and targets.

Tracks order of operations and times per operation while sample making to help engineering quote accurately and prepare for production.

Reads and follows product tech packs, graded specs and size charts, bills of materials, and construction notes accurately and with attention to detail.

Ability to make recommendations to improve manufacturing, quality, and construction according to customer-provide design direction and product intent.

Can identify and recommend basic pattern and advanced concept integration adjustments to improve construction, quality, and cost.

Collaborate with team to solve any issues that arise with patterns, samples, and or fabrics and trims.

Manages, maintains, and updates 99Degrees library of samples and mockups including construction details of advanced concepts and technology integration concepts.

And any other related task that the supervisor deems to be necessary.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Our ideal candidate will share our vision for the future of apparel manufacturing, will be a champion of our culture and our values. We are problem solving, collaborative, inclusive and evolving. If you are too---

and have the following qualifications:

3-5 years' experience in textiles, apparel, soft goods, technical design, and fabrication.

BA/BS/BFA Degree in apparel design, textiles, industrial design or similar field.

Experience sewing, pattern making, and advanced apparel concepts.

Experience sewing on industrial sewing machinery or willing to train.

Experience developing technology integrated functional apparel with features such as: thermal adhesives, engineered components, and embedded hardware, sensors, and electronics.

Knowledge of garment construction and the product development process.

Ability to read and understand tech packs, customer construction notes, and understands sewing terminology.

Present portfolio or work samples.

Works collaboratively with excellent technical leadership, problem solving, communication and organization skills.

Extensive computer experience including but not limited to Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, Excel, Optitex and/or Gerber, CLO3D and/or Browzwear.

Exceptional communication and collaboration skills in a fast-paced multilingual environment.

Proactive, resourceful, and detail oriented. Process oriented problem solver

Willing to wear multiple hats and to work outside job description, if needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bilingual (Spanish and English).

99Degrees Custom is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. 99Degrees Custom strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.

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Keywords: 99Degrees Custom, Lawrence , Apparel Innovation Developer, IT / Software / Systems , Lawrence, Massachusetts