On - Senior Specialist – Apparel Maker Space - Zürich

Team for Career Site

Apparel & Accessories Product Creation

In short

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Sample Maker specialising in athletic and sports apparel to lead the creation of high-quality prototypes, mockups, and sample garments. This role requires a deep understanding of performance-focused garment construction, materials, and industry standards, ensuring that samples align with both design intent and production feasibility. The Senior Sample Maker will work closely with the Dream On Labs Lead, Pattern Maker, and cross-functional teams to drive efficiency, innovation, and excellence in sportswear development.

Your mission

– Develop precise patterns for prototypes and production garments based on technical specifications and design sketches, ensuring scalability and manufacturability.
– Analyse fit, construction feasibility, and overall garment functionality, making necessary pattern adjustments for superior product execution.
– Sew samples to evaluate pattern accuracy, fit, and construction techniques, ensuring designs are production-ready.
– Partner with Sample Makers to troubleshoot construction challenges and refine patterns accordingly.
– Work with the Dream On Labs Manager to track pattern development schedules, ensuring adherence to production timelines.
– Digitise and grade patterns across multiple sizes while maintaining design integrity and fit consistency.
– Conduct fit evaluations, incorporate feedback, and implement modifications to enhance garment performance and comfort.
– Optimise patterns for fabric efficiency and manufacturing feasibility, contributing to lean production strategies.
– Maintain a comprehensive pattern library, document all modifications, and establish clear construction and allowance standards.
– Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in pattern making and garment construction.
– Provide guidance to junior team members, sharing expertise in pattern development, construction techniques, and industry standards.
– Leverage PLM systems (ideally Centric PLM) to manage technical documentation, pattern records, and workflow efficiencies.
– Establish grading rules, production technical standards, and ensure alignment with quality benchmarks.

Your story

– Experience: Minimum 7+ years of experience as a Pattern Engineer in apparel development, with a strong background in pattern engineering and manufacturing.
– Advanced proficiency in manual and digital pattern making.
– Strong command of industry-leading software such as Gerber, Lectra, and Browzwear.
– Deep understanding of garment construction, fabric properties, and advanced sewing techniques.
– Ability to interpret, refine, and execute technical sketches and spec sheets with precision.
– Proficiency in operating industrial sewing machines and assembling complex garment samples.
– Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot fit and construction issues while providing creative, production-ready solutions.
– High accuracy in pattern development, grading, and sample sewing to maintain quality and consistency.
– Ability to work cross-functionally with design, sample-making, and production teams to achieve best-in-class garment execution.
– Expertise in balancing multiple projects within tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship.
– Expertise in technical or performance apparel with an understanding of advanced fabric properties.
– Knowledge of draping techniques, grading, and fabric testing methodologies.
– Background in lean production principles and efficiency optimization to enhance workflow and reduce waste.
– Strong communication & interpersonal skills and the ability to work with multicultural teams.
– Proficiency in English is a must.

Meet the team

We are focused, solutions-oriented, and able to take action upon imminent challenges. We establish and follow processes, but are also continuously confronting the status quo and the industry standard.

We are engineers that steer pinnacle sportswear design ideas into functional reality. We are able to convert innovative concepts and prototypes into commercialised products with stringent quality and engineering standards, bringing them into the hands of our discerning,
global customer base.

Product creation is a mindset and every team member is empowered to make decisions with the understanding that failure is part of the learning and growth process. As an integrated function in the design and development organisation; we are detail-minded problem solvers; guiding and executing apparel technical development within tight timelines and the highest possible product quality, both on the shelf and in use.