The ideal candidate is organized and detail oriented. Skills must include expertise in technical apparel development, including general knowledge of fit, construction and textiles.  Must have an understanding of implementing Product through the Development cycle. 

The Associate Product Developer will assist in building finished garments in alignment with the original intent and vision of the product design. By working closely with the Product Line Managers, Designers, and Development, the Associate Developer is responsible for assisting and executing Designer concepts from prototyping to final sample, with the express intent of bringing world-class technical hunting apparel and gear to market, ensuring it consistently exceeds customer expectations of quality and performance.

Reports to:  Director of Development 

Location: Hailey, ID preferred / Bozeman, MT possible

• Assisting at Fit Sessions by:
  • Premeasuring and documenting data in a PLM System
  • Taking photos of Finished Garments
  • Taking notes during Fit Session and documenting in a PLM System under direction of Development
  • Adhering to product/seasonal timeline by assisting in scheduling Fit & Product Reviews
  • Assist in sending comments to the factory
• Assist in managing Resourced Products, including a review of the current garment specifications and construction
• Create documentation evaluations of each prototype against its agreed upon product specification; tracking all comments, changes, and specifications during each stage of evaluation
• Manipulate and modify technical drawings of products using Adobe Illustrator
• Create or modify Tech Packs in a PLM System containing Bills of Materials and construction, including packaging requirements
• Assist Director of Development and Developers in managing workloads to meet deadlines
• Assist in communicating with internal team, factories, and material and trim suppliers during the development process
• Assist Quality and Operations in special projects when necessary
• Assist Development with Lab Dip Approvals
• Responsible for documenting yields and consumption in the BOM’s in a PLM system during the development process
• Responsible for documenting and maintaining costing documents from the factories in the PLM system
• Utilizing Project Briefs and Designer Tech Packs to produce production-level, fully resolved outerwear and insulative garments, along with the supporting documentation to make construction repeatable in a production environment
• Utilizing Product Line Manager and Designer direction to see projects through to completion by creating, communicating, and documenting new concepts, construction processes, techniques and manufacturing solutions that meet First Lite product ideals
• Utilizing existing and assisting with the development of new standards to ensure consistency across the entire product line
• Manage development of materials, including:
  • Staying current with material trends and construction techniques to create innovative and technically superior products each season
  • Assistance of Managing lab dips, print strike-offs, and bulk ship samples for materials
  • Collaborating with Development team to maintain Product Line Management system’s material and component libraries, alongside physical record libraries

Qualifications

• 2+ years working in technical outerwear design environment preferred
• Degree in Apparel/Textile Design or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
• Strong sewing, building and pattern making skills
• High level of proficiency in Adobe Illustrator
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with the ability to pick up new computer applications quickly
• Working knowledge of design and development process from inception through to final adoption
• Thorough understanding of trims and textile manufacturing; including dyeing, finishing, printing, molding, etc.
• Flexible and adaptable when faced with ambiguity
• Excellent teaming, influencing, and interpersonal skills
• Creative, proven self-starter
• Equally passionate about creating apparel for the outdoors as well as getting out and experiencing it
• Ability to travel as needed