Assistant Designer

Nautica

Assistant Designer supporting denim collections for Lucky Brand and Nautica. Contributing to product development, trend research, and cross-functional team collaboration.

Posted 7/29/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesJunior💰 $57,200 - $104,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates strong capabilities in denim design, trend analysis, and product development, with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and technical design skills. Effectively collaborates with cross-functional teams to manage sample development and maintain accurate design documentation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Denim DesignAdobe Creative SuiteTechnical Flat SkillsApparel Construction KnowledgePLM Systems Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

SketchingCADTechnical FlatsApparel ConstructionFit KnowledgeFabric KnowledgeWashes KnowledgeGarment Development ProcessesTrend AnalysisSample Development

Soft Skills

Organizational AbilitiesCommunication SkillsTime ManagementCollaborative MindsetWillingness to Learn

Tools & Technologies

Adobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPointAI Design Tools

Industry Keywords

Fashion DesignApparel IndustryDenim TrendsProduct DevelopmentMarket Research

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the design team in the creation and development of seasonal denim collections across assigned categories
Research fashion, denim, cultural, and social media trends to identify opportunities relevant to the brand customers
Assist in the preparation of inspiration boards, seasonal concepts, trend presentations, and color direction
Create and update sketches, CADs, technical flats, and presentation materials under the guidance of senior design leadership
Help develop washes, fabrications, trims, and design details that support seasonal product initiatives
Conduct competitive shopping and market research across retail channels and online platforms
Assist in the creation and maintenance of tech packs, ensuring design details, construction information, trims, and wash instructions are accurately documented
Organize and track sample development throughout the product lifecycle
Support wash development by reviewing strike-offs, wash submissions, and samples with manager for design consistency
Prepare samples, reference materials, and comments for fittings and review meetings
Partner with Technical Design and Product Development teams to communicate updates and maintain accurate records
Help ensure design specifications are updated and entered into PLM systems in a timely manner
Work closely with Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Product Development, Production, and Sourcing teams throughout the development process
Participate in sample reviews, fittings, seasonal meetings, and line reviews
Communicate sample status, design updates, and development needs to internal and external partners
Assist in preparing seasonal presentations and leadership review materials
Monitor denim and fashion trends through retail research, social media, runway coverage, and competitive analysis
Maintain trend, wash, fabric, and inspiration archives for the design team
Track industry developments in denim fabrics, silhouettes, washes, sustainability, and consumer preferences
Maintain organized sample libraries, wash standards, fabric swatches, trims, and seasonal design records
Assist with seasonal calendar management and ensure key milestones are met
Organize design files, line sheets, presentation decks, and seasonal documentation
Support special projects and additional design initiatives as needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related field
0–2 years of design experience, internships, or relevant experience within the apparel industry preferred
Strong interest in denim design, fashion trends, and product development
Basic knowledge of apparel construction, fit, fabrics, washes, and garment development processes
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint
Experience with PLM systems is a plus
Strong sketching, CAD, and technical flat skills
Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management abilities
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Collaborative mindset with a strong willingness to learn and grow within a design team
Familiarity with AI design and visualization tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom, or comparable platforms is a plus.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary
Professional development opportunities