Technical designer, activewear

About the job

INNER SELF is a Montréal running brand that makes technical apparel for the runner who shows up every day. We believe running is a practice before it is a performance, and that belief shapes everything we make. We design every piece ourselves, from the first sketch to the last fitting, and we keep refining it long after launch, because the details that matter most only show up over months of real running. Our vision is to build the running brand people trust most in daily life: the one in the drawer they reach for in July humidity and January cold, year after year.

We’re looking for a Technical Designer with activewear experience to own how our garments are built and how they fit. You’ll work directly with the founders and our factories, taking each piece from the first spec to the approved production sample: building tech packs, setting grade rules, running fittings, leading sample rounds and solving construction problems before they reach production. On a small team, your tech pack is the document everyone works from, and your ideas go straight into the product, with real creative and technical freedom over how each piece comes together. This is a role for someone who knows performance fabrics and construction inside out, enjoys working closely with a small team, and wants to grow with the company as the range and the brand expand.

Requirements

• Partner with the founders to develop new styles, fabrics and product updates for each season, from first sketch through production
• Translate design direction into complete tech packs
• Set grade rules and size specs across the men’s and women’s ranges
• Run fittings on live models, write clear and precise fit comments, and work with factories to correct patterns and specs
• Lead sample rounds with our factory partners, managing comments, approvals and timelines
• Build and refine 3D samples in CLO 3D or Browzwear to speed up development and reduce physical sample rounds (not mandatory)
• Specify performance construction methods such as bonded seams and hems, flatlock stitching, laser cuts, silicone grips and reflective details
• Source, evaluate and test fabrics, trims and components, and keep a clear record of how each one performs
• Gather feedback from runners and from the team, and turn it into practical improvements to fit, function and construction
• Review production samples against approved specs, and flag and resolve quality issues before bulk production
• Support multiple styles and development stages at the same time while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Build and maintain our technical library: tech pack templates, size charts, construction standards, measurement guides and fabric records

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience as a technical designer, ideally within activewear, running, sportswear or performance apparel
• A strong portfolio of tech packs, flats and finished garments that shows precision, technical depth and good product judgement
• Deep understanding of stretch knits, performance fabrics, garment construction and how they behave in motion
• Strong grading and fit experience across men’s and women’s ranges
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, and, if possible, in CLO 3D or Browzwear
• Experience working directly with overseas factories, from first proto through production approval
• Clear written English for factory communication. French is an asset
• Ability to take a garment from initial idea and reference through to a finished, production-ready product
• Strong attention to detail and a high bar for craft, at every size and on every unit
• Comfortable receiving feedback, iterating quickly and working closely with a small, hands-on team
• Curious, resourceful and eager to bring ideas to the product rather than simply execute specs
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift and the team is balancing long-term product development with immediate needs
• A runner, or someone who understands what a garment goes through over months of real running

Benefits

• Competitive salary, based on experience
• Paid vacation
• Products allowance
• Hybrid: part of the week in Montréal for fittings and samples, the rest from home
• A direct line to the founders

At INNER SELF, we hire for craft and potential. We are committed to fair hiring and welcome applicants of every background, identity and ability.

Salary: Competitive, based on experience