Graphic Textile Technologist

Overview

POSITION OVERVIEW

Our client – a major national retailer – is seeking an Associate Textile Technologist to join their graphic technology team on a contract basis. This role supports the graphic design, product design, and graphic technologist teams by creating and maintaining spec packs and graphic charts across multiple product seasons.

The Associate Textile Technologist serves as a junior coordinator between stylists, regional offices, and printers to execute patterns that meet design intent while hitting milestone deadlines. The day-to-day workflow includes attending weekly team meetings with designers to understand design intent of graphics, then building spec packs to support that intent – with a focus on technical execution at the factory level.

Spec packs will be needed for all inline seasonal graphics, chase adds, and collaboration projects. The team operates on a tight calendar, so this support need is ongoing each season. During this engagement the team will be working across Holiday ’26, Spring ’27, Summer ’27, Fall ’28, all collaboration projects, and inline chase requests.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•Ensure all prints, patterns, and graphic packages/artwork are valid and viable for each region and vendor; develop graphics per seasonal sourcing strategy.

•Build and maintain spec packs detailing graphic execution for overseas factory production, considering printing techniques, repeat limitations, and machine capabilities.

•Ensure strike-offs, handlooms, and knit-downs are received and reviewed in preparation for milestone meetings.

•Meet with stylist and design teams to review print, pattern, and graphic submits; partner with manager to provide correction comments.

•Track all prints, patterns, and graphics via PLM/Centric seasonal tracking charts – the primary communication tool with global partners.

•Ensure all approvals are completed by drop-dead dates per the seasonal calendar; escalate to manager with recommendations when deadlines are at risk.

•Follow up with CAD artists and vendors regarding printing techniques, repeat limitations, special layouts, and machine constraints.

•Support stylists and managers in obtaining final alignment for special strike-offs.

•Manage fabric library for strike-offs and reference files.

•Communicate with cross-functional partners on design details and merchandising issues, including callouts for strike-off approvals and expedited sample timing.

MUST-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS ⭐

The following are non-negotiable requirements for this role:

•Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop required; Illustrator a plus)

•Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

•2–3+ years of experience in apparel graphics, print/pattern development, and/or product development

•Experience tracking product readiness and communicating with overseas factories

•Background in or exposure to the fashion/apparel industry within a design or product development capacity

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

•Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Product Design, Apparel Production Management, or equivalent

•Graphic design background with ability to detail out a graphic for factory execution

•Experience with PLM/Centric or similar product lifecycle management systems

•Familiarity with graphic/surface techniques and printing processes (screen, digital, sublimation, etc.)

•Knowledge of fabric content, garment washing, dyeing, and finishing

•Experience approving color and layout for pattern and graphic strike-offs

•Experience managing multiple product seasons simultaneously

PORTFOLIO / WORK SAMPLES

Candidates with creative/graphic backgrounds are encouraged to share a portfolio or work samples demonstrating apparel graphic work, spec pack creation, or print/pattern development experience.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

•Curious, positive, and upbeat personality – a genuine team player willing to jump in where needed

•Strong organizational skills and time management; ability to juggle multiple seasons and projects at once

•Proactive, solution-oriented self-starter who can self-manage while collaborating closely with design and production teams

•Excellent written and verbal communication skills

•Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities

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