Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

We’ll never launch a product unless we consider it perfect. Our product operations teams create every shirt, every shoe and every piece of equipment for thousands of athletes and fashion lovers as if it was one of a kind. And it truly is, as they weave their passion into every single product. But translating designs, drawings and renderings into real products requires a lot of decision making.

As Prototype Engineer Apparel you are a key contributor in the Sample Studio Apparel by supporting the physical garment manufacturing process for innovative garment prototypes. You will collaborate with the Creation Center teams (Pattern, Development, Costing, Design, Marketing) in all relevant processes end-to-end from ideation to cutting and tailoring to manufacturing. You will create physical samples taking into account feasibility for production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Development of innovative and fit-critical prototypes in cooperation with x-functional partners.
• Creation of pattern layouts, taking into account internal cutting rules and, if necessary, review according to cost-relevant aspects.
• Cutting & sewing of sample patterns and mock-ups according to specifications from design, pattern and development teams.
• Enrich prototypes and mock ups with embellishments such as lasered Heat transfers, embroideries or sublimation prints.
• Advise and provide guidance to the x-functional teams in the process of pattern making and sewing.
• Close cooperation and communication within the Sample Studio team and with customers in all matters of cutting, sewing, processing, and finishing (printing, embroidery, etc.).
• Testing new garment constructions for quality, production capability in collaboration with the product test, quality team and x-functional teams.
• Support direct line managers in the production of training materials and manuals.
• Mentor and coach other team members.
• Coordinate projects and workshops with team members.

Key Relationships:

• Creation Center Teams (Pattern, Development, Costing, Design, Marketing)
• Innovation Teams
• Quality
• External CAD and Sample Studio partners

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of pattern making and pattern grading with the ability to provide effective and cost-efficient pattern solutions.
• Understanding of garment construction, material construction and properties in relation to fit.
• Understanding of the relationship between pattern, material, and manufacturing.
• Advanced cutting & sewing skills.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate designs at model level in terms of pattern execution/technique.
• Team player/communicator with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects with varying deadlines.
• Ability to work with diverse groups, motivate or guide others and demonstrate problem solving and innovation skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Fluency in English (written and spoken)
• Fluency in German
• Advanced knowledge of Gerber or similar 2D CAD applications
• Advanced IT skills (Illustrator, MS Office)

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• Technical school/fashion school training or studies in the field of pattern construction and grading, "Meisterbrief" or equivalent education. 
• Ideally first relevant professional experience in the garment industry in a comparable function.