Technical Designer, Kid's
Company : Centric Brands Inc.
Location : New York, NY, 10118
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 4 January 2026
About Us
Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.
Designer
What could be more exciting than putting your mark on some of the world’s most famous and well-loved fashion brands? As a designer for Centric Brands, you’ll use your skills and creativity to create designs based on style plans, sales needs and emerging trends. You will also ensure that your work can be transformed into a finished product in a timely manner and at an appropriate price point. This means working not only with our technical design and production teams, but also building collaborative relationships with outside vendors and other external stakeholders. The challenges are exciting and the possibilities endless – as you contribute your skills in a vibrant, customer- and people-centric culture that celebrates you as a valuable member of the team.
Specific Responsibilities Would Include
The Technical Designer will work directly with Design and cross-functional teams in the Kids division to execute vision while achieving impeccable fit, construction and design aesthetics working with brands like Boardriders and Quiksilver.
- Partner with creative design team to achieve aesthetic while adhering to a production time and action calendar
- Collaborate with the Technical Design Director and cross-functional partners to land on appropriate fit and functional intent for each product design
- Manage all technical requirements to develop and execute processes from product development to production
- Create and maintain detailed tech packs including specs, tolerances, grading, detail sketches with construction/stitching and fit evaluation comments
- Measure and evaluate garments from proto sample through TOP samples
- Conduct fit sessions on live models and mannequins to evaluate samples for fit, measurement, construction, pattern shaping and functionality
- Provide technical direction, internally and externally, on corrective actions needed to bring samples to brand fit and styling requirements
- Issue grading guidelines to vendors after fit approval
- Maintain close partnership with production teams to maintain on-time delivery throughout the pre-production process and proactively monitor seasonal workload
Our Best Fit Candidate Would Have
- Extensive knowledge of Children’s boys and girls silhouettes, construction, sewing techniques, related textiles and trim.
- Must have technical understanding of body growth and how it applies to fit
- Knowledge of pattern making, construction, industry fit knowledge and grading
- Comprehensive understanding of product engineering, development, manufacturing and child safety guidelines
- Ability to lead fittings, take detailed and accurate notes
- High accuracy in math skills for correct spec revisions.
- Superior organizational and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Flex PLM, Adobe products, Microsoft Office and 3D Browzwear.
- Ability to work in a fast paced, high performance environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy and accountability
- Excellent time management skills and effectively prioritize workload and meet deadlines
- Graduate with degree in Fashion Technical Design / Patternmaking
- 5+ years working in Children’s technical design experience required
In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401 (k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.
Salary Range: $62,000 - $80,000
At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structure competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract and retain the best talent. Our job postings include an annual base salary range at the time of employment. The stated base salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on several factors, including the selected candidate's educational and professional experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. Base salary is a part of a total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, annual bonus and other Centric Brands sponsored benefit programs.
Be part of our growing community by getting involved with groups, teams and initiatives like Be Green, Be Giving, and Be Celebrated.
Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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Please note that Centric Brands will only reach out to interview, make an offer of employment or conduct onboarding activities for candidates who have applied through our careers site. When interviewing for a position, the candidate experience will include live interaction, such as a video conference or telephone call, with a Recruiter and/or company employee(s). We will never ask for any money or payments from applicants at any point in the recruitment process. Be aware of suspicious recruitment activity. If you think you are a victim of an employment scam, you may contact your local law enforcement agency and/or visit the Federal Trade Commission website here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.
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Frequently asked questions
A kids-focused Technical Designer must master children's garment fit, fabric behavior during growth stages, and safety regulations. Expertise in patternmaking tailored for youth sizes and collaboration with production ensures designs are both safe and stylish, differentiating this role from general apparel design positions.
This role involves hands-on garment measurement across prototypes, close fit evaluations on child mannequins, and detailed tech pack creation emphasizing kids' size gradations. Unlike adult apparel design, it demands acute attention to growth-related fit challenges and compliance with child safety standards.
Starting as a junior or associate technical designer in kidswear can lead to senior technical design roles, technical design director positions, or cross-functional leadership in product development. Specializing in children's apparel opens avenues in niche markets like sportswear or licensed brands, enhancing career versatility.
NYC’s fashion hub status sustains strong demand for specialized kidswear Technical Designers, especially within lifestyle brand collectives. The city's concentration of apparel companies seeking innovation and fit precision creates ample openings, although competition remains high among skilled candidates.
Employers in New York prioritize candidates proficient in FlexPLM, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D visualization tools like Browzwear. Certifications or strong experience in patternmaking, garment construction, and child safety compliance also enhance a candidate’s appeal in the local market.
Centric Brands fosters innovation through a collaborative culture that blends creativity with analytical thinking, focusing on well-known youth brands like Quiksilver. Their commitment to diversity, career development programs, and sustainability initiatives creates a dynamic environment for design professionals.
This position requires active collaboration with creative teams, production partners, and external vendors to synchronize design aesthetics with manufacturing feasibility. By managing tech packs and fit sessions, the designer ensures products meet brand standards and production timelines seamlessly.
Applicants can expect a base salary between $62,000 and $80,000 annually, reflecting the competitive NYC market and the specialized expertise required. Total compensation may be supplemented with bonuses, benefits, and merchandise discounts, aligning with industry standards for technical design roles.
Designers must factor in body growth stages to ensure proper fit throughout wear cycles. This involves precise grading techniques, fabric selection for comfort and durability, and adherence to safety guidelines, making the role highly specialized within children’s apparel development.
Centric Brands encourages involvement in programs like Be Green and Centric Cares, integrating environmental awareness and community engagement into workplace culture. Technical Designers contribute by promoting responsible material use and supporting the company's broader sustainability goals.