Technical Designer
About Ellsberg
Ellsberg is a premium menswear label based in New York. We're a young team developing our first sets of collections. Our ready-to-wear covers jersey, sweats, shirting, denim, knitwear and outerwear, cut in loose silhouettes with refined, contemporary detailing. We're building our development and production process from the ground up.
The role
We're looking for a technical designer to turn our designs into garments that fit and can be made consistently. You'll own the technical side of development, from first spec to production sign-off. Samples will be made in the US, mostly New York, and bulk production may move to international factories. You'll also be supported by a junior technical designer on defined supporting tasks.
How we work
We're a small team. The Ellsberg team handles scheduling, vendor follow-up, sample shipping, paperwork and general coordination, so your hours go to the work that needs your expertise. As a startup, our roles flex. We value people who are comfortable stepping outside their lane when the work calls for it.
What you'll do
- Build tech packs, measurement specs and BOMs, both updating existing styles and developing new ones
- Run fittings and write clear fit comments and revisions for sample rooms and factories
- Set grade rules and size charts
- Review pre-production and production samples for fit and construction
- Advise on fabric and trim choices where they affect fit, shrinkage or construction
- Keep tech packs and specs organized and up to date across all styles
- Scope and review defined tasks for a junior technical designer
What we're looking for
- Hands-on technical design experience in cut-and-sew wovens and knits
- A strong understanding of garment construction, fit and measurement
- Comfort working from reference garments and communicating directly with sample rooms and factories
- Working knowledge of Illustrator and Excel, or equivalent tools
Valued, not required
- Production or product development experience; we appreciate people who understand both sides
- Contemporary or premium menswear experience
- Knitwear experience
- Denim or outerwear experience
- Patternmaking knowledge or CLO 3D
- Experience using AI tools for flats and tech packs
- Training in technical design, patternmaking or fashion design, or equivalent experience
Details
- Engagement: part-time or freelance, with fittings and sample reviews in person in New York
- Pay: $40–80/hour, depending on experience, skill and fit. Final compensation may be structured per style, hourly, or on a monthly retainer Rates are competitive.
- All patterns, tech packs, specifications and related work created for Ellsberg are owned by Ellsberg
How to apply
Please apply through Handshake with your resume. You may also apply by emailing your resume and, if available, portfolio to careers@ellsbergny.com with "Technical Designer" in the subject line. Include one or two sample tech packs (redacted as needed) and an example of your fit comments. Finalists may be asked to complete a short, paid technical exercise.