Knitwear Designer - San Clemente - FutureStitch

Description

Position: Product Designer

Location: San Clemente, CA

Experience: 2–4 years

Company Overview

FutureStitch is a fully vertical circular manufacturer that believes business should be a force for good. We design, develop, and manufacture advanced circular-knit products for leading global brands including Stance, New Balance, the NBA, and MLB. From our research partnerships at MIT to our Oceanside manufacturing facility that employs second-chance hires, FutureStitch is recognized as one of the most innovative knitting manufacturers in the world.

In 2026, FutureStitch will launch a global base layer collection for New Balance and unveil a new in-house brand, SECONDS, as we expand beyond socks into accessories, base layers, and underwear.

SECONDS is a regenerative design collective built on the power of second chances for both people and the planet. Through circular manufacturing and advanced recycling technologies, we transform waste into feedstock, creating performance-driven apparel and accessories designed to scale responsibly.

Position Summary

The Product Designer will support the design and development of performance-driven softgoods across socks, accessories, base layers, and underwear. This role is focused on product and industrial design execution, including block development support, construction refinement, and material application, with supporting graphic execution as needed.

The Product Designer will contribute across research, ideation, development, and commercialization. This role partners closely with internal teams, overseas factories, and brand partners including New Balance, FootJoy, and SECONDS to help bring product concepts into production.

Key Responsibilities

• Support product and industrial design efforts across socks, accessories, base layers, and underwear
• Contribute to concept development, sketching, and ideation for seasonal and special projects
• Assist with block development, construction refinement, and material selection under senior guidance
• Research materials, yarns, trims, and fabrications to support performance and development needs
• Create and update design files, CADs, and tech packs that clearly communicate intent to development teams and factory partners
• Participate in sample reviews and provide clear, organized feedback related to construction and fit
• Collaborate with product development, merchandising, and project management teams to support timelines and execution
• Support graphic and color design needs as required, including sock graphics, branding elements, packaging, and presentations
• Maintain organization of samples, files, and seasonal assets
• Stay informed on market trends, materials, and competitive product to support design direction

Key Outcomes

• Q2 2026: Support development of winter accessory concepts for New Balance, assisting with construction refinement and material testing
• Q3 2026: Support final design execution for the SECONDS launch assortment, ensuring files and samples are production-ready
• Q4 2026: Contribute to future-season accessory and product ideation through research, sketches, and early concept development

Experience and Skills

• 2–4 years of experience in product design, industrial design, or softgoods design within apparel or accessories
• Good taste in product design and color applications
• Foundational understanding of construction, fit, and materials, with interest in performance product
• Ability to contribute creatively while working within established design systems and direction
• Comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines in a collaborative environment
• Receptive to feedback and motivated to learn and grow
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Portfolio demonstrating product-focused work, including construction thinking and material exploration. Graphic work is a plus
• Ability to adapt design work across multiple brands and aesthetics
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator and Photoshop. CAD or 3D tools are a plus
• Experience creating or assisting with tech packs and production files