Vans: Technical Designer

Now that you’ve found the job description, what’s next?

Vans is the original brand rooted in the authentic lifestyle of skateboarding. We are driven by our mission to inspire and empower everyone to live “Off The Wall” – embracing the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless progression. Yesterday’s “Off The Wall” moment is today’s new normal, and at Vans, we believe in constantly outdoing ourselves. Together with our communities across the globe, our vision is to push culture forward because we believe that the pursuit of progression never ends. We are constantly inspired by the future generation of positive catalysts within our community.  

So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of people who think and live “Off the Wall,” Vans just may be the place for you.

To learn more about our values and our culture, visit Vans Careers or www.vans.com.

What will you do?

A day in the life of a Technical Designer at Vans looks a little like this.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Technical Design, the Technical Designer owns fit integrity and technical execution for Vans Global Apparel from concept through production across assigned categories. This role partners closely with Design, Product Development, Merchandising, and VF Sourcing to bring Vans’ creative vision to life—delivering consistent fit, quality, and craftsmanship that meet the expectations of our global consumer across men’s and women’s product.

As a subject matter expert in pattern development, this role plays a critical part in evolving how we build product—championing innovative approaches to fit, evolving processes, and continuously elevating technical standards to support the brand’s growth and creative expression.

This position is key in translating Vans’ design intent and Off the Wall mindset into technically sound, production-ready product that reflects the brand’s heritage, authenticity, and connection to action sports and street culture.

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Translate design intent into technically executable fit by identifying risks early and driving solutions.
• Develop and approve technical specifications grounded in approved blocks, standards, and/or market samples.
• Review samples ahead of fittings to ensure prior fit and construction comments are resolved.
• Lead fit sessions with clarity and authority, driving issue resolution and next-step alignment.
• Deliver clear, actionable fit comments to factory partners.
• Update existing block patterns to align with Vans and VF standards.
• Oversee the block pattern library and keep it organized.
• Drive new block pattern development while balancing seasonal priorities to elevate fit consistency and uphold Vans fit standards.
• Leverage benchmarking and market research to evolve fit and inform continuous improvement.
• Execute to Vans Product Development calendars and SOPs, delivering fit comments and approvals accurately and on time.
• Partner with VF Regional teams to meet timeline, quality, and production requirements.

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 7+ years of experience and professional achievements.

The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

• 7+ years of experience in Technical Design across men’s and women’s apparel, with expertise spanning tops, bottoms, outerwear, denim, knits, and wovens.
• Strong ability to assess garment fit on live models and fit forms, with a trained eye for proportion, balance, functionality, fabric behavior, and a range of body profiles.
• Hands-on patternmaking experience, including pattern development, grading, and garment sizing; strong technical pattern knowledge is required.
• Working knowledge of the apparel product lifecycle, from design concept through production.
• Solid understanding of garment construction, manufacturing processes, materials, trims, and finishing techniques.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop.
• Experience working in PLM systems (Enovia/Flex or equivalent).
• Working knowledge of Gerber, Optitex, or Browzwear.
• Detail-oriented, articulate, and highly organized, with effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple seasons, timelines, and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong collaboration skills, a solution-driven mindset, and comfort working in a global, cross-functional, fast-moving environment.
• Results-oriented and process-driven, with a high degree of agility and adaptability.
• A growth mindset and enthusiasm for learning new tools, improving processes, and solving problems.
• Brings a diverse perspective that supports our global growth, while fostering inclusion and valuing different points of view.

• Location requirement: Hybrid schedule in-office in Costa Mesa, CA.

There are also a few skills that are not required but preferred.

• Experience with 3D tools or software is a plus, especially if you’re excited about new ways to build and visualize product.
• Background in skate, action sports, or performance apparel.
• Connection to the brand and an authentic understanding of the Vans mindset, style, and culture.

What do we offer you?

At Vans, we know you expect as much from us as we do from you. That is why we make a commitment to support and grow our people. We offer extensive development and growth opportunities for your current and future positions, a competitive compensation package, and a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

Our commitment extends beyond this and into your daily work life. We strive to foster a diverse and inclusive culture based on respect, connection, and authenticity. Our focus on DEI is at the foundation of who we are and what we do.

To learn more about Vans’ benefits package, follow this MyVFBenefits.com and click “Looking to Join VF”.

To learn more about Vans‘ Diversity and Inclusion efforts, go to www.vans.com.

Now WE have a question for YOU.

Are you in?

Hiring Range:

$82,080.00 USD - $102,600.00 USD annually

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com  and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.