Sewing Assistant

  • Full-time

Company Description

Vorbeck’s goal is to enable the next generation of communications and sensing devices for first responders, industrial workers, and the military. Our technology combines traditional “hard” electronics with flexible, printed, “soft” electronics. Many of our systems are based on graphene printed electronics, which are thin, light-weight, extremely flexible, and mechanically and environmentally robust.  

Vorbeck manufactures its own materials (Vor-x®), conductive inks (Vor-ink™), electronic components, and complete wearable-electronic systems. The collaboration between in-house materials-science/chemistry teams, electrical & mechanical engineers, and soft goods designers, allows us to rapidly develop simple, efficient, and high-performing products … and keeps the work fun. 

Vorbeck was founded in 2006, based on technology licensed from Princeton University. In addition to wearable and portable electronic systems, Vorbeck provides unique EMI shielding coatings and high-strength composite materials to commercial partners for applications ranging from medical devices to aerospace. 

More information at www.vorbeck.com

Job Description

  • Assist soft goods team with all aspects of garment construction, including fittings, pattern alterations, cutting, sewing, and finishing.
  • Maintain wearables lab cleanliness and pattern library organization, assist in machine upkeep, and uphold lab safety standards.
  • Join technical apparel designer and team on occasional fabric and notion runs.
  • Make samples and mock-ups as directed.
  • Collaborate with technical apparel designer and production development team to guide designs into prototypes and eventual production with top-notch craftsmanship in mind.
  • Participate as a team member in organizing and communicating all product related information.
  • Ensure bill of materials, inventory, measurements and construction comments are communicated to Technical Apparel Designer. 
  • Review in-house and factory prototypes for accuracy, quality and function, and report findings to Technical Apparel Designer.
  • Work with team to ensure that calendar deliverable deadlines are met to reach company goals.
  • Participate in team meetings to assure strong communication on all process and product related issues. 

Qualifications

  • College degree or equivalent experience in garment construction, apparel design, garment manufacturing, patternmaking, or in a related field.
  • 1 to 5 years work experience in garment construction or general sewing. Experience constructing wearable electronics, outdoor gear, athletic or tactical clothing a plus.
  • Working knowledge of fabric limitations and standard garment construction language, concepts, and practices.
  • Basic patternmaking and pattern alteration experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to cut and sew garments by hand and by machine, both household and industrial, to a production-level standard.
  • Sewing skills including various methods of zipper installation, hemming and binding, stitching, etc.
  • Long arm sewing machine and serging experience preferred, but not required.
  • Demonstrated high-level craftsmanship.
  • Ability to sew and assemble soft goods quickly.
  • Ability to read and understand documents including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and standard operating procedures.
  • Ability to learn quickly, work closely with and take instruction from Technical Apparel Designer, and to ask questions.
  • Experience working on a team under tight deadlines.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office.
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite is preferred but not required.
  • Ability to lift up to 10lbs consistently.

Additional Information

  • This is an hourly position with a time commitment of 30-40 hours per week expected. Working hours are flexible within normal 9-5 Monday-Friday business hours, and will be discussed on a per-applicant basis.
  • Our headquarters is located in Jessup, MD, and is within a convenient commuting distance from Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. Reliable transportation is required.
  • Ideal candidate will begin as soon as possible in September 2019.
  • Hourly compensation between $15 and $20/hour, dependent upon work experience. Benefits are available.