Technical Fabric Designer II/III

Pendleton has been woven in the West since 1863. We are a heritage brand with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest and a clear eye on the future. Our commitment to craft, quality, and authenticity has carried us for more than 160 years—and now, we’re looking for a Technical Fabric Designer to help shape what comes next on the loom.

In this role, you'll be at the intersection of tradition and innovation, working closely with Pendleton’s in-house mills and cross-functional partners to design and develop dobby and jacquard woven fabrics for seasonal lines, special projects, and custom collaborations. From translating concepts into production-ready files to troubleshooting mill issues and weaving handlooms, you’ll play a central role in maintaining the quality, artistry, and technical precision that Pendleton fabrics are known for.

Responsibilities:

• Design original dobby and/or jacquard woven fabrics for seasonal lines, custom developments, and branded partnerships.
• Aid in technical CAD development for pattern review and selection
• Translate final concepts into mill-ready design files, engineered to exacting production standards.
• Adapt seasonal color palettes and ensure color standards are consistently applied while coordinating development for seasonal lines, handlooms, lab dips, and fabrics.
• Approve first production yardage and ensure quality standards are distributed with a high degree of accuracy.
• Partner with designers and pattern makers to develop engineered jacquard layouts.
• Innovate with new fabric patterns and constructions in collaboration with Pendleton Woolen Mills.
• Lead R&D initiatives and partner with mills to explore experimental techniques and textile innovations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical design or production challenges with internal partners.
• Maintain and update the Pendleton Design Archive
• Present designs in weekly meetings and ensure timely communication across cross-functional teams.
• Provide support for technical design recordkeeping, file accuracy, and cross-checking mill layouts.
• Mentor and train new technical designers as needed.
• Weave handlooms to support color or fabric construction development.
• Assist with deliveries, production execution, and mill coordination.

Skills & Experience

• 4–8 years of professional experience in textile design, textile engineering or textile manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Textile Engineering, Textile Chemistry, or a related field.
• Proven experience with woven fabric development, including both dobby and jacquard constructions.
• Strong grasp of textile fibers, yarns, weave structures, finishes, and production processes.
• Exceptional color acuity and understanding of color theory, tested via Farnsworth Color Vision standards.
• Skilled in translating creative direction into technical constructions with precision.
• Proficient in technical design software, including NedGraphics, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts.
• Excellent time management, organization, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, including cross-functional teamwork with mills, design, and production.
• Hands-on weaving experience (mechanical and/or CAD-based).

Culture & Team

This is your chance to join a team deeply passionate about preserving and evolving one of America’s most iconic textile traditions. We work with curiosity, creativity, and technical rigor to deliver textiles that reflect both Pendleton’s heritage and our future. You’ll be part of a collaborative environment that values innovation, problem-solving, and thoughtful craftsmanship at every step of the design and production process.

Pendleton is committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusion. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.