POSITION SUMMARY:
As a Soft Goods Designer, you will effectively communicate design concepts through sketches, support in the assembly of less complex builds, and demonstrate basic knowledge of materials and hardware sourcing. You will collaborate closely with Project Managers and Technical Leads, showcasing keen awareness of project budgets and time constraints, while fostering a collaborative and professional environment. With a proactive and autonomous approach, you will execute technical tasks independently, communicate effectively with senior staff, and contribute to the professional growth of peers by sharing knowledge and skills.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Competency
- 2D Development
- Proficient in effectively communicating concepts and ideas through sketches to internal and external clients as directed by Project Managers or Technical Leads.
- 3D Development
- Possesses basic sewing and patterning skills and experience.
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Supports in component assembly and construction of less complex builds.
- Sourcing
- Demonstrates understanding of basic materials and hardware, seeking sourcing assistance when necessary.
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Familiar with a wide range of materials, their applications, procurement processes, and documentation of roll goods, narrow goods, and hardware.
- Documentation
- Assists in creating and conveying technical packs, including drawings, Bill of Materials (BOMs), technical sketches, and construction details.
- Lab Management
- Exhibits mechanical comprehension to contribute to routine machine maintenance and upkeep.
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Maintains a clean and organized individual workspace to foster a safe and professional environment for the team.
External/Client Relationships
- Demonstrates keen awareness and sensitivity towards project budgets and time constraints.
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Regularly communicates with Project Managers to provide updates on budget status and allocated time.
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Collaborates with Project Managers and Technical Leads on project tasks.
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Shadows experienced team members to learn direct client communication, proposal writing, and budget management.
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Supports marketing initiatives as required.
Autonomy
- Demonstrates proactive initiative to work autonomously, providing a detailed plan for next steps to be reviewed by senior staff members.
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Capable of independently executing technical tasks after receiving guidance and input from experienced team members.
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Openly communicates any deviations in time and efforts from senior staff expectations, such as tasks taking longer than anticipated or confusion in task completion instructions.
Leadership
- Fosters the professional growth of peers by guiding them to identify suitable mentors as needed.
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Willingly shares knowledge and skills while recognizing personal limitations.
Minimum Requirements
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Degree in Industrial Design, Fashion Design (or soft goods related field) or equivalent work experience.
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Experience in relevant software tools such as Adobe suite or patterning software (CLO, Gerber etc).
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Willingness to work on a contract or temporary basis.
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This is an on-site position; due to the nature of the role, candidates must be able to work from our Columbus, Ohio facility.
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Ability to work in a variety of environments, including office settings and prototyping lab facilities.
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Ability to travel to client sites or other locations as required for project work.
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Ability to move equipment and/or materials up to 20lbs.
MORE ABOUT PRIORITY DESIGNS
Founded in 1990 by Paul and Lois Kolada, Priority Designs was built on a simple belief: that great products come from lasting relationships, with clients, and with each other. Over more than three decades, we've grown into a full-service consultancy spanning consumer, industrial, and healthcare product development. In 2017, rather than handing the company off to outside investors, Paul and Lois did something rare, they sold it to the people who helped build it. As an employee-owned company, we're each personally invested in doing our best work, for one another and for the clients we serve. That commitment lives at the heart of our Ethos.
Our Ethos is built on 3 key elements:
- Trust and Care: The best, most meaningful work comes from people who feel trusted, empowered, and passionate about what they do. We cultivate an environment to support this through authentic connections and mutual respect
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Ideas, not Egos: We believe the best way to build our reputation is by helping others build theirs. That’s why we choose service over self, listening to our clients, end-users, and community, and making sure their needs are truly met
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Embrace the Challenge: As creative problem solvers, we love a good challenge. Whether the solution needs to be practical or groundbreaking, we adapt our approach to fit our clients’ goals, tackling each problem with collaboration and ingenuity
If this sounds like the kind of place you want to do your best work, we'd love to meet you.
