VF: Principal Apparel Concept Designer (Innovation)
Core
Senior craft and technical leader responsible for shaping early-stage ideas into physical product, advancing new construction methods, and elevating execution quality across the innovation pipeline.
Role type
Principal Innovation Apparel Maker (Senior IC)
Builds
Expert-level prototypes, functional 2D patterns, 3D garments, and wear-test-ready samples for athlete and consumer testing.
Domain
Apparel innovation, performance textiles, advanced construction technologies
Required skills
Patternmaking, garment engineering, advanced construction techniques, performance materials knowledge, industrial sewing machine operation, CNC cutting, embroidery, lamination, bonding, rapid iteration, fit refinement, wear-test sample construction, technical documentation, cross-functional collaboration, mentorship
Preferred skills
Experience in performance apparel, advanced concepts, experimental construction technologies
Technologies
Industrial sewing machines, CNC cutting, embroidery equipment, bonding/lamination machinery
Responsibilities
Build expert-level prototypes using advanced construction methods and materials; translate concepts and research into functional patterns and garments; lead rapid iteration cycles to refine fit and functionality; construct durable, test-ready samples for wear testing; operate and troubleshoot specialized equipment; mentor junior makers and guide best practices; advise on feasibility and build approaches for innovation projects.
Seniority
Principal, hands-on IC with mentorship responsibilities