Role Purpose
Develop foundational Apparel Engineering capability while supporting the technical development, sample review and production readiness of assigned apparel products. Working under the guidance of experienced Apparel Engineers and managers, the role applies established standards, builds practical knowledge across product categories and supports timely, accurate physical and digital development for compressed Go-To-Market calendars. Develop effective working relationships within VF pillars, with Brand and factory partners by communicating clearly, following through on commitments, asking questions and contributing positively to shared product outcomes.
Key Accountabilities
1. Product Development Support
• Learn and apply established Apparel Engineering standards, tools and processes to assigned products and development activities.
• Support Brand Development, Sourcing Development and vendors with routine technical follow-up across development and commercialization stages.
• Assist with fit, pattern, construction, measurement, material and manufacturing reviews, documenting observations and proposed actions for review by an experienced Apparel Engineer.
• Support construction, sizing, grading and block-related activities within clearly defined instructions and scope.
• Raise unclear, complex, high-risk or material issues promptly rather than resolving them independently.
2. Physical & Digital Sample Support
• Support the review of physical and digital samples across relevant development stages, including Proto, SMS, POC, PPS, Counter and Size Set.
• Check assigned samples against the Tech Pack, measurements, approved product intent and established construction and workmanship standards.
• Prepare clear draft comments, measurements, images and supporting information for review and approval by an experienced Apparel Engineer where required.
• Update sample records, forms and systems accurately and on time, maintaining alignment between physical and digital findings.
• Follow up with vendor technical teams on agreed actions and escalate late, repeated or unresolved issues.
3. Risk, Testing & Production Readiness Support
• Support product risk classification and monitoring using established RBM guidance and direction from the Manager or Senior Apparel Engineer.
• Prepare information for Tech Pack handover, Risk Analysis handoff, PRM, PP meetings, and participate as required.
• Identify and record Tech Pack discrepancies; update minor discrepancies only where authorized and escalate all material or unclear items.
• Coordinate assigned testing activities and track results, failures and agreed corrective actions under guidance.
• Support production-readiness checks by confirming that assigned actions, sample comments and technical information are complete and current.
4. Learning, Cross-Category Growth & Development Trips
• Build technical capability through intentional learning and planned exposure across product categories, manufacturing methods and development stages.
• Participate in technical calibration, coaching, knowledge-sharing and training, and maintain an active Individual Development Plan.
5. Factory Exposure & Partner Support
• Travel to factories as required to gain hands-on exposure to product development and manufacturing, support sample and product reviews, and develop effective working relationships with CFT and wider factory pattern and digital specialists teams.
• Observe factory processes, sample-room practices and production methods to strengthen practical understanding of how technical decisions affect execution.
• Support CFT and factory partners by providing accurate information, following up agreed actions and escalating questions that require more experienced technical judgment.
• Participate in vendor training, TVCP, CFT correlation and RBM calibration activities as a learner and contributor under guidance.
6. Collaboration & Ways of Working
• Work collaboratively with brands, vendors, CFT,…