Garment Technician and Product Developer

Garment Technician and Product Developer

About Rusty

Rusty is an Australian-owned surf and lifestyle brand, proudly based in Perth, Western Australia. Since 1985, we've designed and distributed apparel, surf products and accessories that are sold across Australia and international markets. Built on a rich heritage in surf culture, Rusty has evolved into a multi-category lifestyle brand inspired by youth culture and streetwear while remaining true to the values that built the brand.

As the business continues to grow, we're entering an exciting new chapter, investing in our people, products and brand to build on our momentum and shape the next generation of Rusty.

We are currently looking for a Garment Technician and Product Developer to join our design & production team.

What you'll be doing

Your role will be to support and collaborate with the designers, following concepts through to a level ready to handover to our production team offshore. This position will be responsible for ensuring that product is developed in line with the designer's vision and direction, while maintaining quality standards and consistent fits.

You will be required to:

Collaborate with designers: Ensure that design concepts are accurately translated into garments

Evaluate samples: Ensure all samples are fit and commented on in a timely manner, and comments are communicated to the offshore team effectively.

Sample Management: Manage Proto, SMS and photoshoot samples across internal and external teams, liaising closely with factories to track sample dispatch and delivery across all seasons and ensure samples arrive on time.

Organise fit sessions: Carry-out fit sessions and provide technical expertise and support.

Problem-solve: Identify and resolve potential production issues.

Communicate with suppliers: Work with suppliers to address quality and construction issues

Maintain quality: Maintain & continually develop internal procedures for ensuring the brands standards are consistent across quality, fits, blocks, grades, fabrication and finishes

Inspect production: Inspect garments for construction, fabric, and workmanship.

Support: Support the design team in additional tasks when required.

Data integrity is a huge part of this role and attention to detail is incredibly important. The ability to input information accurately, pick up on errors and inconsistencies and quickly make changes as well as follow the process through to completion is a must. 

What we're looking for

·       Minimum 2 years’ experience in a similar role

·       A degree or certification in technical design, or related field is desirable

·       A passion for the technical side of fashion

·       Experience with a range of product types and fabric applications; stretch (swim), woven, cut and sew knit

and fully fashioned knitwear

·       Proven knowledge of garment construction, fitting and grading

·       Accurate and strong attention to detail & organisational skills

·       The ability to communicate fit comments and make recommendations regarding

fit/fabrication/trim/construction during fit sessions.

·       Experience working and communicating with overseas suppliers

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

·       Pattern Making skills

·       An interest in the surf, fashion, and streetwear industries

·       A professional and flexible approach with the ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines

·       Be a team player with a flexible attitude who can prioritise, multitask & work autonomously

We have an amazing group of people in our design team that you will be supporting. You can showcase your technical skills and contribute to ensuring we have the best quality product on the market.

Why join Rusty?

You'll be part of a passionate, close-knit team within a well-loved Australian brand.

You'll be part of a an iconic, Australian-owned surf and lifestyle brand with nearly 40 years of heritage. You’ll be working alongside an experienced and supportive Design team who work together to achieve their best results.

You will be rewarded for your efforts with all the staff benefits that Rusty has to offer, such as weekly yoga classes, a generous clothing allowance and social club activities as part of our efforts to ensure a healthy work/life balance.

Ready to apply?

Rarely do these opportunities come up in our Design team, and we are keen to get the new person on board ASAP… so if you are interested, apply immediately!

*Please submit an example of precious work or project submission with your application.