Careers
Product developer - apparel & accessories
Tsopani | Boulder, Colorado
Full time · Hybrid: two days in person per week in Boulder
Compensation: $85,000–$125,000, depending on experience
Reports directly to the founder
About Tsopani
Tsopani is a mountain apparel and guided experiences brand based in Boulder, Colorado. Our products draw from time spent guiding, climbing, skiing and working in the mountains, with an attention to materials, construction and design that extends beyond their technical use.
We’re building a collection of apparel and accessories with a distinct point of view. We’re looking for someone who can help shape those products and take responsibility for bringing them into production.
The role
You will own product development from initial concept through finished production, working directly with the founder on design, materials, fit, sourcing, costing and delivery.
This is a hands-on role with substantial creative input and operational responsibility. You should be comfortable developing a silhouette, reviewing a pattern, sourcing a fabric, negotiating with a factory and keeping multiple products moving against a shared calendar.
The collection spans technical outerwear, insulated garments, fleece, knits, pants and accessories. You’ll need strong technical apparel experience and the judgment to bring in specialist support where a category requires it.
What you’ll do
Design and refine apparel and accessories in collaboration with the founder, translating references, concepts and field feedback into finished products.
Create and maintain technical drawings, tech packs, bills of materials, measurement specifications and construction details.
Lead fittings, sample reviews and revisions with patternmakers and factories, ensuring consistent fit and clear, actionable feedback.
Source fabrics, insulation, yarns, trims and manufacturing partners suited to our quality standards, quantities and price targets.
Evaluate factory capabilities, minimum order quantities, lead times and quality controls; build and manage supplier relationships.
Own costing and negotiate pricing, identifying ways to meet margin targets while preserving design intent and performance.
Manage development and production calendars, sample approvals, material commitments and factory communication.
Coordinate testing, pre-production approvals, quality inspections and shipment readiness.
Translate guide and wear-test feedback into specific product improvements.
Establish practical systems for product documentation, approvals and vendor tracking as the brand grows.
What you’ll bring
Typically 7-15+ years of relevant apparel design, development or production experience, with demonstrated ownership from concept through bulk production.
A portfolio of technical outdoor or performance apparel showing both design judgment and construction knowledge.
Strong understanding of fit, patternmaking, grading, garment construction and material behavior.
Direct experience sourcing materials and working with overseas mills and factories.
Experience managing costs, production schedules and quality issues.
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Excel or Google Sheets. PLM and CLO experience is welcome.
Clear communication, organized working habits and the ability to identify problems early and recommend solutions.
Comfort working closely with a founder in a small team, with responsibility for both creative decisions and daily execution.
Experience with down and synthetic insulation, technical shells, wool blends, fleece, socks, gloves or headwear is especially relevant.
Experience working with emerging brands and smaller production runs is valuable.
Location and travel
This position requires two days in person each week in Boulder, Colorado, with remote work on the remaining days. Candidates must be able to meet this weekly schedule. Occasional travel to factories, mills, trade shows and field tests may be required.
Compensation
Profit sharing with discounted equity options
Optional Health Care Contribution
$2,500 Relocation Signing Bonus
Optional Travel Stipend
How to apply
Send your resume, portfolio and a brief introduction to careers@tsopani.com
Include one product you personally took from concept through production, explaining your role, the challenges you encountered and how you resolved them. Please also include your location, availability and confirmation that you can work in Boulder two days each week.