Tactical Apparel Designer

About the Company:

At SureFire, our mission is to build the best illumination tools, suppressors, and tactical products no matter the cost to enhance the safety and performance of those who go into harm's way on our behalf. We also provide these same, no-compromise products to our civilian customers who demand the ultimate in quality, innovation, and performance. We strive to continuously expand our business, product line, workforce, and expertise to preserve our place as the premier provider of these cutting-edge products. To achieve this, we will continually expand the depth and quality of the SureFire brand by refining, expanding, and enhancing our product line, and always aspiring to improve our service and professional relationships. We nurture this culture of excellence in everything we do, and treat everyone we deal with employees, customers, and vendors in a fair and ethical manner. We're proud of the quality we produce and the people who produce it, and we're looking for talented individuals who want to make a real impact.

About the Role:

This role oversees the full product development process for functional apparel, from concept through production for garments curated to meet a specific design. We are seeking an artful designer who brings a strong sense of aesthetic refinement to highly technical function. The position entails advanced knowledge of garment engineering, textile performance, material sourcing, patterning, and fitting to support the design. Responsibilities include designing, prototyping, and refining functional apparel. Additionally, the position requires identifying the necessary equipment and material that is needed to establish and support an effective fabrication and prototype development environment. The role works with concept designers, equipment manufacturers, and clothing manufacturers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop innovative products and functional apparel
• Curate detailed design specifications, including technical drawings, material requirements, and manufacturing guidelines
• Develop prototypes through various methods such as sewing, 3D modeling, 3D printing, or laser cutting to test and refine designs
• Identify and collaborate with manufacturers and production companies to ensure designs are optimized for cost-effectiveness, manufacturability, and performance
• Conduct user testing and gather feedback to iterate on designs to improve product/user experience
• Support the transition of designs from prototype to full-scale production
• Proficiency in fabrication techniques and procuring specified material
• Ability to create detailed design sketches and technical drawings
• Maintain good attendance and punctuality.
• Maintain a positive and respectful attitude; cooperate with co-workers, management, internal and external customers, etc.
• Execute daily process improvement using lean manufacturing methodologies.
• Maintain work area by the use of 6S principles
• Work safely at all times and report any unsafe conditions or injuries to your supervisor or manager immediately
• Other duties, as assigned.

Competencies - To perform the job successfully, the candidate should demonstrate the following:

1. Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations.
2. Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.\
3. Written Communication / Oral Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information; Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
4. Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback.
5. Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
6. Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
7. Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment.
8. Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
9. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
10. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
11. Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
12. Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals. Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Qualifications 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Textile Sciences, Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Textile Engineering and/or up to 3 years relevant work experience preferred.

Mathematical Skills 

• Ability to perform calculations utilizing arithmetic such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division normally attained through elementary school education.
• Ability to perform calculations utilizing algebra and fractions.

Computer Skills

• Must be proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• On-site presence required for real-time equipment operation, hands-on production oversight, and safety supervision
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.