Position Summary
The Apparel Cost Engineer drives profitability by identifying & optimizing manufacturing efficiencies within the supply base by establishing labor & costing standards using industrial engineering & lean methodology across the apparel supply chain. This role leverages expertise in apparel costing, garment construction, manufacturing processes, fabric utilization, and process engineering to optimize product costs while maintaining quality, performance, and consumer expectations.
The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and problem-solving skills with deep knowledge of apparel manufacturing, including labor engineering, fabric consumption, marker efficiency, and cutting operations. Working cross-functionally with Product Development, Global Costing & Sourcing, Merchandising, raw material and finished goods suppliers, and global manufacturing partners, this role influences cost optimization from concept through commercialization.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Engineering & Manufacturing Analysis
- Develop efficient processes to validate Standard Minute Values (SMVs) and labor content for apparel products.
- Apply industrial engineering principles to evaluate garment manufacturing processes and productivity.
- Analyze operation breakdowns and manufacturing methods to improve production efficiency.
- Lead value engineering initiatives that optimize quality, consistency & cost while maintaining product performance standards.
- Partner with factories to identify labor, equipment, and process optimization opportunities.
- Ensure robust feedback of how CSC can optimize products & processes to leverage factory partner efficiency drivers
Production Fabric Cutting & Consumption Engineering
- Serve as the subject matter expert for fabric utilization, marker efficiency, and cutting-room operations.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing fabric waste and improving first-pass yield.
- Evaluate fabric width utilization, pattern placement strategies, and yield optimization opportunities.
- Collaborate with suppliers and factories to improve cutting-room productivity and fabric savings.
- Assess spreading, cutting, bundling, and material handling processes for operational efficiency.
- Ensure robust feedback on how CSC can optimize products & processes to leverage factory partner material & cutting efficiency drivers
- Validate consumption calculations and ensure consistency between development and production costing.
- Support implementation of cutting technologies and digital marker solutions where applicable.
Sourcing & Vendor Partnership
- Partner with sourcing teams and suppliers to identify cost-effective manufacturing solutions.
- Benchmark product costs across factories, countries, and sourcing regions.
- Support supplier evaluations, capability assessments, and manufacturing audits.
- Provide true cost, productivity, risk, and profitability implications of each sourcing option
Continuous Improvement
- Develop and standardize costing methodologies, engineering standards, and best practices.
- Drive process improvements through automation, data analytics, and digital tools.
- Support strategic initiatives focused on manufacturing excellence and cost transparency.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Apparel Engineering, Textile Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain Management, OR relevant 8 to 10 years of industry experience in manufacturing.
- 5+ years of experience in technical apparel costing, industrial engineering, or manufacturing engineering,
- Strong knowledge of garment construction, apparel manufacturing processes, and global sourcing.
- Demonstrated expertise in fabric consumption engineering, marker efficiency, and production cutting-room operations.
- Experience developing SMVs, labor cost calculations, and manufacturing productivity analyses.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and costing models.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification or training in Industrial Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, GSD.
- Experience with automated cutting systems, digital marker software, and fabric optimization tools.
- Knowledge of apparel categories including knit, woven, outerwear, performance, and athletic products.
- Familiarity with global manufacturing operations across Asia, Central America, and other sourcing regions.
Key Competencies
- Apparel Cost Engineering
- Fabric Consumption Analysis
- Production Fabric Cutting Expertise
- Marker Efficiency Optimization
- Industrial Engineering & SMV Development
- Garment Manufacturing Processes
- Value Engineering
- Supplier Collaboration
- Project Management
- Strategic Decision-Making
Travel Requirements
- Domestic and international travel up to 25–40% of the time.
- Travel to supplier manufacturing facilities, material suppliers, and regional offices.
- Conduct factory assessments, cost engineering reviews, cutting-room evaluations, and productivity studies.
- Participate in supplier meetings, commercialization reviews, training workshops, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ability to travel internationally and work effectively across diverse cultures, time zones, and manufacturing environments.
Reporting Relationship: Reports to the Director, Apparel Costing & Engineering
This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.