**About the Role** The Apparel Engineer partners with brand developers, sourcing developers, and vendors on product industrialization through both physical and virtual sampling at all development stages, including innovation and concept. The role ensures that products are engineered to meet brand standards on safety, fit, functionality, performance, quality, and cost, while incorporating risk management principles. This position bridges the gap between development and production by managing the handover process, ensuring production readiness, resolving pre-production risks, and communicating critical points of attention. The Apparel Engineer independently manages all pre-production and re-allocation sample approvals locally, participates in brand development and innovation trips, and supports the implementation of standardized processes across brands and regions. The role also involves managing vendor performance, supporting sourcing strategies, and driving continuous improvement. **Key Responsibilities** _Responsibilities include but are not limited to:_ + Provide technical expertise and support to cross-functional teams, vendors, and brands. + Proactively manage issues with stakeholders. + Support product innovation trials and complex collaborations. + Partner with brands on construction, sizing, grading, and block projects. + Validate pattern overlays and samples before brand submission. + Approve patterns ahead of sample making as required. + Review virtual and physical samples (Proto, SMS, POC, PPS, Counter, Size Set), provide comments, and update forms/systems. + Partner with brands on construction toolboxes, manuals, and SOP updates. + Manage and track Tech Pack discrepancies; drive process improvements with brands. + Update minor and intermediate Tech Pack discrepancies in the system on behalf of brands. + Prepare for and support brand trips (Development, CKO, Innovation, Collabs, Fit Training). + Allocate risk to all orders and focus on high-risk styles per RBM guidance. + Participate in Tech Pack handover meetings between brand and vendor. + Manage rain room testing and follow-up for Futurelight, Goretex, GB testing, and others. + Manage the handover from development to production (Risk Analysis handoff meeting). + Independently manage pre-production sample approvals locally. + Support the re-allocation process and manage sample approvals locally. + Onboard new vendors and brands; support capability growth of existing vendors. + Drive continuous improvement and standardization through training and cross-regional collaboration. + Support the TVCP Program through module creation, training, and CFT correlation. + Support the RBM program globally, including training and calibration. + Attend Pre-Production and RAM meetings as required. + Travel frequently to factories. + Engage in continuous learning and participate in projects. **What We Will Be Looking for in You** **Competencies:** + Growth mindset and process orientation. + Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills. + Effective verbal and written communication. + Technical mentorship and solution orientation. + Strong sense of urgency and adherence to deadlines. + Motivation for personal development and feedback culture. + High learning agility. **Skills:** + Strong knowledge of product development through production. + Proficient in pattern making (flat pattern and draping), sizing, and grading. + Experience with computerized pattern systems (e.g., Gerber), PLM (e.g., Flex), 3D (e.g., Browzwear), Adobe Illustrator. + Skilled in live model and body form fitting. + Knowledge of garment construction, raw materials, wet processing, testing, and manufacturing. + Ability to interpret design intent and propose alternative solutions. **Other Requirements:** + Individual contributor with the ability to work independently and proactively. + Language: English and local language. + Experience: At least 5 years of relevant experience in a similar role. R-20250717-0082 VF Diversity Vision Statement VF is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success and growth of VF is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity throughout VF around the world.VF is an equal employment opportunity/ affirmative action employer of minorities, females, protected veterans and the disabled. VF is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected factor.