Company Overview

Since 1992, Veridan Fire Protective Gear has grown to be an industry leader in the production of high-quality, innovative fire protective garments and accessories. Acquired by Lakeland Fire + Safety at the conclusion of 2024, Veridian joins a global network of PPE brands producing a range of protective apparel that spans across oil & gas, the fire service, aerospace, electric utilities, cleanrooms and controlled environments, hazardous waste sites, and more.

Veridian Fire Protective Gear products are worn by first responders and military personnel across the globe. Our employees share a sense of pride contributing to the life saving actions of first responders worldwide. At Veridian, we look for unique talent, skills, and above all else passion. Veridian is an all-hands in, and hands-on environment, with an entrepreneurial spirit. Employees at Veridian are trusted to work independently, but are team players at heart: sharing ideas, support and resources.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced full-time, onsite, Technical Apparel Designer to join our Fire product development team. This vital position is located in Des Moines, Iowa at Veridian's headquarters and glove manufacturing production facility but will include occasional travel. Important to note the production environment includes loud equipment, fabric dust, cowhide leather, and yes, the occasional visit from our office dog, Bentley.

The position's scope includes continuous improvement to the fit and functionality of all current lines, along with developing the next generation of products. In this position, you will be instrumental in executing all aspects of the design and development process from initial development to in-line production process improvements. We don't draw boundaries between creative and technical design, development, engineering, or as we call it product realization.

This role is ideal for someone eager to engage in the full product lifecycle — from meeting end users and ideating new solutions, to revising construction and patterns, collaborating with vendors on materials, analyzing production efficiency, educating operators and sales teams, and troubleshooting quality or testing challenges.

Because this team moves quickly, we are seeking a candidate with a solid foundation of experience who can adapt and contribute at a rapid pace. Training will be provided, but the expectation is that you can step into a variety of responsibilities with confidence.

We’ve been intentional in outlining the breadth of responsibilities, as all of these areas will be part of the role at different times. For the right candidate, there is no limit to what can be achieved — your passion, skills, and expertise will help drive our ongoing pursuit of innovation and excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Design or redesign products as determined by Product Management.
• Independently document the product development process including sourcing, costing, sample revision, feedback, wear trials, etc.
• Accurately provide costing of production processes by performing sampling, time studies, and efficiency improvements.
• Audit bills of material and operations to calculate margin of existing product.
• Pattern development, maintenance, alteration and customization within Lectra Accumark Pattern Design Software (PDS).
• Pattern grading and model creation within Lectra Accumark PDS.
• Maintenance of product library for digital cutting platform.
• Sew or construct first samples and prototypes using industrial sewing equipment.
• Train or work closely with the production line to transfer new product design or process information to the production team.
• Creation and maintenance of illustrated technical package and work instructions combining work in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Excel.
• Development of Bill of Materials, Cutters Must, Order of Operations, Construction call outs, Seam and Stitch Identification, etc.
• Write technical specifications for reference by sales, customers, and marketing.
• Photograph products and perform minor editing in Adobe Photoshop.
• Prepare and maintain product labeling and user information resources.
• Create art sheets for product emblems and art.
• Maintain illustrations of product line options and accessories in Adobe Illustrator Cloud library.
• Properly measure garments or accessories following industry standard techniques for quality assurance and development purposes.
• Provide guidance for quality inspection and quality issues related to materials, construction, fit, performance.
• Perform quality inspection of samples and initial production run products and provide feedback and revision direction to production/operations.
• Evaluate fit and function through technical review using illustrations, photos and written communication in an organized manner.
• Resolve fit/function/quality issues, recommending design solutions.
• Supervise and review work done by Technical Design Consultants.
• Oversee UL certification sample preparation for one or more product lines as directed by Product Management.
• Analyze production processes and recommend process changes, equipment or engineering to improve efficiency/quality/profitability.
• Assist in specifying and sourcing of production equipment needed to achieve production efficiency of product line.
• Assist in specifying, sourcing, and testing new materials for product line.
• Work closely with sales, manufacturing, material, and equipment vendors to analyze and adapt to industry, technology and design trends.
• Support and enforce safety policies and guidelines.
• Actively promote increased efficiency and profitability.
• Support company goals and objectives.
• Support, assist, and participate, in ISO 9001 Quality program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Industrial Design, or related field.
• 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Proficiency in Lectra Accumark, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Solid understanding of garment construction, pattern making, grading, and industrial manufacturing techniques.
• Strong technical communication skills (written and visual).
• Experience troubleshooting fit, function, and quality challenges.
• Highly organized with strong problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working independently and within cross-functional teams.

Benefits/Perks:

• Starting Salary: 60K
• Full benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401k with Company Match
• Paid Vacation Time and Holiday Pay
• Company-paid Life Insurance with Optional Employee Paid Added Life Insurance

Portfolio:

Please include a link or expect to provide a view of previous work or portfolio to be considered. Ideal candidates will include technical package components within the portfolio.