SOFTGOODS DESIGNER

JOB SUMMARY :

The Softgoods Designer is responsible for creating and designing patterns and designs for the development of new products for space suits and other aerospace crew protective equipment. 

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The requirements listed below are representative of the essential duties required:

• Leads the original creation and development of safety and protective clothing and related equipment for space suits and other aerospace crew protective equipment.
• Creates and designs patterns for the development of new products.
• Originates and develops design concepts with consideration to appearance, design functionality, serviceability, material and methods engineering, application, production costs, methods of production, market characteristics, and customer specifications.
• Develops and refines patterns used in the design and fabrication of space suit assemblies and sub-assemblies.
• Interfaces with other design staff (engineers, technicians, QA) to develop, evaluate and refine design concepts. 
• Researches materials and develops material specifications.
• Coordinates fabrication, test, and evaluation of prototypes.
• Assists with the development and review of engineering and/or production documentation. 
• Assists with the resolution of production problems necessitating design and/or material changes.
• Maintains an awareness of the critical, life-sustaining function of the Company’s safety and protective equipment products and stays abreast of the state of the art involved. 
• Other duties as assigned by the Softgoods Design Manager.

LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY: 

• Employee may work independently, but work is often reviewed by immediate supervisor.
• Employee exercises discretion within area of responsibility.
• Employee advises others within the organization on matters within area of expertise.
• Employee recommends actions and alternatives to supervisor and others.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists with supervision of the daily workflow of the department.
• Acts as a lead resource for others in department but does not directly supervise other employees.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform and focus on complex tasks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings related to softgoods based items.
• Ability to design softgoods patterns, grade patterns, and create new designs
• Proficient in excel and word
• Proficient in Gerber Pattern Design or similar CAD software

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in design, textiles, or related field required
• 2 years of experience in softgoods design, pattern design, or CAD desired.
• Familiarity with core softgoods technologies to include stitching, cementing, ultrasonic/RF sealing, pattern design, pattern grading, and material selection.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the field of pattern design and grading, with particular emphasis on those skills specific to the design, development, and fabrication of ensembles to fit the human form.
• Specialized training or certification required.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. 

Physical Demands/Efforts

• Periods of standing and walking through the factory. 
• Periods of sitting at a worktable and/or working on the computer.
• Manual dexterity necessary.
• Occasional physical exertion including some lifting of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

Mental & Visual Demands/Efforts

• Considerable mental concentration to effectively execute complex tasks.

• Visual acuity to work with computer software and designs.

• Work occasionally requires visual effort for extended periods of time.

Work Environment and Hazards

• Some exposure to heat, dust or other factors of minor inconvenience. 
• Some exposure to hazards that might cause minor injury.