melin Assistant Headwear Designer

Company Overview

At melin we believe that with more thought, time and care invested into how we make our

products that we can actually extend the life of our hats and the adventures we take them on. We are looking to expand our internal family and are seeking one incredible human, capable of excellence in a fast-paced work environment and eager to join an elite, yet small team of “A players”.

Role Purpose

We are looking for a proactive Assistant Designer to join our team and help shape the future of melin headwear. Working hand-in-hand with our Senior Designers, you will touch every part of the design process: from identifying the next big trend to attending fittings and refining garment construction. Your goal is simple: ensure our design team stays organized, our tech packs stay flawless, and our product remains the best in the world. If you have a passion for technical design and a "sense of urgency" DNA, you’ll fit right in.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following

• Work directly with the Senior Designer to assist in all areas of design and product development for the hat category


• Assist in lab dips and print strike off comments


• Update seasonal tracker with changes and color approvals


• Research and identify trends relevant for melin


• Find fabric, trim, and print inspiration


• Sketch new designs under the Senior Designer’s direction


• Create similar repeat patterns and graphics, tech packs, and construction pages to hand-off to tech team


• Update tech packs and line sheets with changes


• Set up color palettes in Adobe Illustrator


• Set up print/art files


• Maintain and organize submits and approvals in seasonal binders


• Assist in print creation and recoloring


• Attend all fittings and take detailed notes


• Complete tasks with a sense of urgency and meet deadlines

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor or Associate degree in Fashion Design


• Two or more years of relevant work experience, in the active and casual apparel space


• Some graphic/textile art experience preferred


• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Google Sheets, and Google Docs


• Self-starter with strong organizational and communication skills


• Strong sense of creativity and sketching skills in Adobe Illustrator


• Detail oriented and highly organized


• Ability to prioritize, handle multiple tasks/projects, and work well as a team


• Strong knowledge of garment construction

Location & Office Structure: This is an in-office hybrid position, mandatory 4 days per week in office in San Clemente, CA with the option to work from home 1 day per week. Subject to change without notice as per company guidelines.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $75,000; salary is based on the experience that you bring to the position.

Benefits and Perks:

• Complimentary meals provided 3x weekly


• Generous product gift program and all brand discounts


• Growth opportunities within the Archipelago family of brands: melin, OluKai, Kaenon, Roark


• Company bonus program


• 5 year and 10 year Milestone Anniversary travel gifts


• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance in accordance with plan guidelines


• Company paid life insurance in accordance with plan guidelines


• 401k with employer match in accordance with plan guidelines


• 15 Days of PTO accrued annually, plus one additional day of PTO every year on your anniversary, and 3 Floating Holidays per year


• Paid beach and giveback days, bi-annual team building events and other in-person celebrations


• Work with talented and great people who share a love of melin


• Dog friendly office

Archipelago Companies values a diverse, inclusive, and entrepreneurial workforce and culture, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [email protected]. Archipelago will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.