Technical Design Associate

About Us

National Safety Apparel (NSA) is a fourth-generation, family-owned business dedicated to manufacturing innovative safety apparel in the USA. Founded in Cleveland, OH, NSA has been committed to ensuring the safety of American workers since its inception. With 10 USA manufacturing plants and over 1,000 American employees, NSA remains steadfast in its mission to provide the best safety apparel for the American worker.

About the Role

The Technical Design Associate collaborates with teams to develop new design concepts and ensure manufacturability and scalability across multiple locations. This role facilitates production setup, maintains tech packs and patterns, and supports product lifecycle updates. The position reports to the Director of Custom Apparel Design & Operational Integration.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Type: Full time

Responsibilities

• Product Design
  • Create flat patterns for new design concepts based on customer-specific requirements, maximizing material utilization, fit, function, and ease of assembly (e.g., drill holes for pocket locations, notches for trim).
  • Translate design concepts into clear, concise tech packs.
  • Modify and revise existing designs to meet customer expectations.
  • Create and maintain sizing specs through grading and size chart creation.
• Product Integration
  • Integrate new design/product concepts into a scalable manufacturing environment.
  • Optimize garment production at various manufacturing locations.
  • Modify and revise existing designs to meet unique manufacturing location needs or changes in specs/requirements.
  • Work with Manufacturing to establish standard labor times.
• Product Development & Review
  • Turn design concepts into functional prototypes and ensure production timelines are met.
  • Evaluate construction, quality, efficiency, consistency, scalability, and manufacturability.
  • Evaluate, prioritize, and implement process improvement/cost reduction projects for existing processes.
• Non-Essential Job Functions
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education & Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in apparel design or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: Proficiency in Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, and Gerber Accumark (or related CAD system) preferred.
• Key Competencies:
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy, and demanding environment.
  • Strong skills in organization, prioritization, time management, and project management.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Knowledge of pattern making and garment construction.
  • Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to achieve positive results.
• Physical Requirements: Long periods of sitting, computer work, and ability to travel to offsite facilities as needed.
• Working Conditions: Open-concept office and manufacturing environment.

Pay

Compensation Range: $21 - $23/hour