Technical Designer - RTW

Founded in 2013 by Grace Na, Pistola is a Los Angeles-based brand built on luxury-level construction and a street-smart, utilitarian sensibility. As part of KNG (Pistola and Daze), we create premium, functional pieces designed to work as hard as the women who wear them. Our identity is rooted in a decade of evolution, consistently prioritizing quality and ease in every silhouette.

Position Overview:

The Technical Designer (Ready-to-Wear) supports the Design and Production teams in executing garment fit, balance, and technical construction from initial concept through pre-production for all assigned non-denim apparel categories (sweaters, knits, wovens, and outerwear). This role is responsible for maintaining brand fit consistency, creating detailed tech packages, participating in fit sessions, and communicating clear technical corrections to global vendor partners.

What You’ll Do:

• Create, update, and maintain comprehensive technical packages (proto through bulk production) in Excel and PLM systems, ensuring accurate BOM matching, sketches, construction notes, and point-of-measure (POM) specs.
• Participate in and lead portions of fit sessions on live models or dress forms under the guidance of the Tech Lead.
• Deliver articulate, detailed fit comments, including pattern adjustments, callouts, digitals, and sketches.
• Clear and timely technical communication with overseas and domestic manufacturing partners to resolve construction, spec, or fabric issues.
• Collaborate closely with Design, Merchandising, and Production to protect design intent and production timelines.
• Manage workflow and tracking for assigned RTW product categories. Maintain and organize all sample iterations (protos, fit samples, PP/TOP samples) through final approval.
• Apply brand blocks and sizing standards across all assigned RTW categories to ensure size and fit consistency across collections.
• Proactively identify potential construction, fabric, or tolerance issues prior to bulk production.

Who You Are:

• 4-6+ years of experience in apparel technical design, with a strong focus on Ready-to-Wear (knits, wovens, cut-and-sew, outerwear). Contemporary women's apparel experience preferred.
• Solid understanding of garment construction, grading, textile performance, seam/stitch execution, and patternmaking principles.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (garment flats & callouts) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel). Experience with PLM software is a plus.
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication skills; adept at writing direct, unambiguous technical instructions for overseas suppliers.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tech packs and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative team player who takes initiative to troubleshoot garment issues and promote quality standards.