Associate Designer

Steve Madden•New York, NY

16h•$60,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Designer is responsible for assisting with CAD work for the team. This position supports the Wholesale Apparel business. We are seeking a highly technical Associate Designer to support a fast-paced private-label apparel brand selling to Walmart. This role is ideal for a designer who is exceptionally strong in CAD execution, spec's, and measurement accuracy, and who operates very close to the technical design function. This position requires a designer who is process-driven, detail-obsessed, and precise, with the ability to translate design intent into clean, accurate, production-ready documentation in a high-volume retail environment. The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role. This position is based in our NYC office and requires working on-site.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Minimum of 3-6+ years of experience in private label or mass apparel
Demonstrated strength in CAD development, specs, and measurement accuracy
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (technical flats and spec-driven CADs)
Strong understanding of Walmart standards, timelines, and retail expectations
Proven ability to execute accurately to price point
Extremely detail-oriented, organized, and process-focused
Comfortable in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

Nice To Haves

A designer who is almost tech-design adjacent in how they work
Someone who takes pride in perfect CADs, clean specs, and correct measurements
Analytical, precise, and solutions-oriented

Responsibilities

CADs & Technical Design Execution
Create and maintain highly accurate CADs and technical flats in Adobe Illustrator
Ensure all CADs reflect correct proportions, construction, stitch detail, artwork placement, and trim callouts
Execute CAD revisions quickly and precisely based on Walmart, merchant, technical, and factory feedback
Maintain consistency across CADs, line sheets, and tech packs
Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned
Specifications & Measurement Accuracy
Build and maintain detailed tech packs with clear specs, graded measurements, construction notes, and BOMs
Own measurement accuracy across all styles, sizes, and categories
Partner closely with Technical Design to review specs, resolve discrepancies, and align on fit intent
Review samples against specs and clearly flag measurement, construction, or execution issues
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Communicate directly with overseas factories regarding CAD clarifications, spec corrections, and construction details
Support line reviews, adoption updates, and seasonal presentations
Manage a high volume of styles with strong organization and follow-through