Senior Technical Designer - Woven Tops & Dresses at Shortstory

Our Story: Short Story is an award winning, technology-powered retailer dedicated to petite women 5'4" and under. Our mission is to create a seamless shopping experience for millions of petite women so they can dress with effortless confidence. As a fast-growing startup, we're revolutionizing retail with a data-driven learning system that leverages customer feedback to create tailored products. We've been recognized by top publications like Forbes, Fortune and are backed by top investors who share our vision of building the world's next great consumer brand. Our Values: We're building a company with intention and purpose. Our culture thrives on data insights, exceptional commitment to fit, and the urgency to move quickly on what matters. - ✨ Transform Lives. We're customer-first. Everything we create exists to give her confidence. - ⚡️ Demand Excellence. We deliver only our best work, in Fit and Finish. We obsess about details others overlook. - 💪 Embrace Challenges. We see obstacles as opportunities to invent better solutions. - 💡 Think Differently. We get a thrill from finding better solutions others haven't seen. The Role: We are seeking a Technical Designer, Tops & Dresses to lead fit excellence and technical development for our Tops and Dresses categories, ensuring every garment delivers best-in-class fit, consistency, and quality for petite clients. This role sits at the center of product creation—owning the technical fit process from concept through production. You will partner cross-functionally with Design, Merchandising, Product Development, and global vendor teams to translate creative vision into technically sound, production-ready garments. You bring deep expertise in fit, pattern, and garment construction, paired with a strong command of development workflows. You are highly detail-oriented, proactive, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where precision and speed are equally critical. This role is based onsite at our headquarters in San Francisco, CA. Responsibilities: - Manage the end-to-end fit process from first fit through bulk production - Oversee the development of block patterns and spec library to achieve consistent fit for your product categories carrying out seasonal product reviews - Develop and maintain Tech Packs throughout the product creation process. Ensuring detailed fit comments are created for Vendors domestic and offshore - Manage weekly fit sessions for your product categories - Analyze best and worst sellers for your product categories, driving continuous fit improvements - Manage time and actions. Ensure products are approved on time to meet delivery deadlines - Support with building out Technical Design Tools and driving key fit initiatives - Vendor Management and tracking monthly fit metrics - Collaborate across design, merchandising, and product development to refine style and fit (especially balancing comfort and proportions for petites) - Conduct wear testing and drive rigorous and continuous improvements based on both qualitative and measured fit feedback Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, or equivalent professional experience - 8+ years of experience in Women's Tops and Dresses technical design with strong category specialization - 5+ years of experience in patternmaking - A solid understanding of Petite Fit and grading. As well as, expertise in garment construction, denim wash treatments and fabrication - Mastery of 2D Pattern Software, Google Sheets, Adobe Illustrator - Experience working with factories directly (overseas and domestic) and resolving real-world production challenges - Demonstrated ability to build fit from the ground up and iterate across multiple styles KEY SKILL SETS: - Impeccable attention to detail required when creating and reviewing technical specifications - Analytical Thinking: Ability to diagnose fit and construction issues quickly, propose actionable solutions, and iterate effectively - Clear Communication: Skilled in conveying technical feedback clearly to both creative teams and factory partners across time zones - Customer-Centric Mindset: Passionate about delivering exceptional product fit and functionality for Petite clients, with empathy for their unique needs - Time & Project Management: Capable of managing multiple styles, calendars, and deliverables without compromising accuracy or quality - Strong communicator who can thrive in a scrappy startup environment and wear multiple hats Why You'll Love Working at Short Story: - This role offers a rare and exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in an often-overlooked segment of the fashion industry: Petite women’s apparel. As the Sr Technical Designer, you’re shaping the fit, comfort, and confidence of a highly loyal and underserved customer base. - You’ll be at the intersection of design, innovation, and technical precision. This is a chance to build fit from the ground up—not just tweak existing standards—giving you real ownership over how the product feels and performs. - You’re not just a cog in the wheel—you’ll own critical elements of the product lifecycle, from block development to fit approvals, giving you high visibility and direct influence on the final product. Your decisions will shape Short Story’s Petite fit identity. - With cross-functional collaboration across Merchandising, Product Development, and global vendors, you’ll be part of a team that brings vision to life. Plus, your work will directly impact production, client satisfaction, and brand loyalty. - This role is uniquely focused on Petite fit, allowing you to hone a niche skill set that’s in demand but not commonly mastered. If you're passionate about making every woman feel seen and styled with intention, this is your calling. - With support to develop tools, drive fit initiatives, and improve processes, this isn’t just a “maintenance” role—it’s a builder’s role. You’ll shape systems and standards that last. So, if you’re a detail-driven, solutions-oriented technical designer who loves the challenge of translating creative vision into perfectly constructed garments—and you want to champion better fit for Petite women you should apply now. Compensation & Benefits: - Actual compensation for this position may vary based on skills, experience, and business needs - Comprehensive compensation package including medical, dental, and vision benefits - 401k with company match - Flexible PTO policy & paid holidays - Catered lunch on Fridays and company events - Employee discount on merchandise - Opportunity to work at a Y-Combinator backed startup alongside a dedicated and experienced founding team Short Story is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and a work environment free of discrimination and harassment for all employees and applicants. We work diligently to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.