Lead - Pattern Engineer

In short

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Lead Pattern Engineer to lead the development of garment patterns for prototypes, samples, and production. This role will be instrumental in ensuring that garments align with design intent, fit standards, and production feasibility. The Lead -Pattern Engineer will collaborate closely with Sample Makers, Designers, Product Developers, and external suppliers to drive innovation in pattern development while optimizing construction techniques and efficiency. Additionally, this role will play a key part in mentoring junior team members and implementing best practices in apparel development.

Your Mission

• Ability to translate design concepts and develop precise patterns for prototypes and production garments based on technical specifications and design sketches, ensuring scalability and manufacturability.
• Expert ability to fit on live models.
• 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.
• Digitise and grade patterns across multiple sizes while maintaining design integrity and fit consistency.
• Conduct fit evaluations, incorporate feedback, and act as expert to support Design and Development teams in fittings.
• 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.
• Technical lead for pattern team.
• Establish grading rules, production technical standards, and ensure alignment with quality benchmarks.

Your story

• Minimum 8-12 years of combined industry experience in patternmaking (preferably development through production) in apparel
• Advanced proficiency in manual and digital pattern making.
• Strong proficiency in industry-leading software such as Gerber, Lectra, PLM Software, and illustrator 3D Software experience is an asset ( CLO and Browzwear).
• Expertise in fit, balance, 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.
• Problem-Solving & Innovation: Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot fit and construction issues while providing creative, production-ready solutions.
• Attention to Detail: High accuracy in pattern development, grading, and sample sewing to maintain quality and consistency.
• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to work cross-functionally with design, sample-making, and production teams to achieve best-in-class garment execution.
• Project & Time Management: Expertise in balancing multiple projects within tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship.
• Strong team leader, player, collaborator and ability to work well cross functionally
• Knowledge of product creation calendar and acute ability to work to meet deadlines and deliverables
• Self motivated, strong sense of urgency, and passion for product and problem solving
• 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.

What to expect

We want to set everyone up for success, so here’s the lowdown on how we hire. Our process is a two-way street – bringing you into our culture, while helping us learn how you think.

Our full process can last about eight weeks from application to offer, because we care about getting it right. These steps explain how we usually do things.

Before you get started, feel free to consider if you want to work with us. Strange question? Well, we give people a lot of space to navigate their day-to-day and that style isn't for everyone. We want you to be passionate about what you do and be sure this is the right fit. Because when skills and passion combine – it creates that 'Wow' moment.

• Step One

  It starts with you...

  You'll start by submitting your application to a specific role. We try to keep this step as simple as possible. We do get a lot of applications, but we review them all. If you're a good fit to the role, a recruiter will follow up with you directly. If you didn't receive a reply, or were unsuccessful this time around, we encourage you to look for other possible matches at On.

• Step Two

  Interview with a recruiter

  What ignites your spirit? This is where we’ll start getting to know all about you and what makes you tick – and it’s your first chance to get a feel for our culture. Chatting with a member of our talent team, you’ll learn more about On and how we work. We’ll learn about what motivates you and what you could bring to the team.

• Step Three

  Interview with a hiring manager

  Ready to dig into the details? This second interview will be held with your future manager and will focus on the specifics of the job. Together you’ll delve into your unique skills and experiences and how they could be relevant at On. It's also a time to assess how you might feel working side-by-side. Bring any questions you have about the job, the team or anything else you might like to know – this is an open forum.

• Step Four

  The Case Study

  What's your style? This task will help us understand how you think, face a challenge and give insight into your novel ideas. Designed to give everyone their best shot, your case study is based on something you might typically experience on the job. This is your chance to show us what you’ve got. So express yourself. Be you.

• Step Five

  The Experience Day

  Your first taste of the Oniverse. This is a time to meet some of the people you'll be working closest with. In person or virtually, you'll get a feel for the day-to-day at On and the people who make it happen. You'll chat with a few potential teammates - the conversations will be as equally driven by the role and your experience as by our values. We believe how you do things is just as important as what you do.

• Step Six

  The Result

  Are we a good fit? We’ll get together internally to share our feedback and decide if we’re a match. We know that job searching is a big time investment, so it’s not a decision we take lightly. It’s also time for you to reflect on the experience – are we the right place for you? No matter the outcome, we’ll give you meaningful feedback.

Step One:

It starts with you...

You'll start by submitting your application to a specific role.

We try to keep this step as simple as possible. We do get a lot of applications, but we review them all. If you're a good fit to the role, a recruiter will follow up with you directly. If you didn't receive a reply, or were unsuccessful this time around, we encourage you to look for other possible matches at On.