Technical Sewer & Pattern Maker Whitewater Designs | Eugene, OR (West 11th area) | Full-time, in person $26.00 - $30.00 per hour, depending on experience About the Role Whitewater Designs is a locally owned manufacturer in Eugene. We produce high-quality paddle sports gear — cargo nets, throw bags, cam buckle straps, and more — and through our Mammoth Manufacturing division, we build sewn goods for customers well outside the paddle sports world. That mix is a big part of what makes this job interesting. One week you're refining a product that goes down a river; the next you're figuring out how to build something a completely different industry needs, at a price and a pace that works. We're hiring an experienced technical sewer with pattern and product development skill to join our small, tight-knit production team. This is not a repetitive production-line job. You'll be building, prototyping, and problem-solving — and you'll work directly alongside our longtime lead product developer, learning our full product line from the inside out. What You'll Do Sew technical products on industrial machines — heavy fabrics, webbing, hardware, coated materials Develop and refine patterns for new and existing products
Prototype:
figure out how to build what a customer needs, then figure out how to build it repeatably and well Set up machines, troubleshoot, and hold the quality standard on what goes out the door Help document our products and processes so the knowledge lives on paper, not just in someone's head Support and help train other members of the sewing team Keep your workspace organized and equipment maintained Contribute to a positive, low-drama work environment
What We're Looking For Required:
Strong industrial sewing experience — comfortable across multiple machine types, working independently Experience with technical or heavy materials (outdoor gear, marine, upholstery, packs, awnings, safety equipment, industrial textiles — related fields absolutely count) Pattern making or product development experience, or a clear track record of working out construction on your own Real attention to detail and pride in build quality Reliable attendance and strong work ethic
Preferred:
Experience with walking foot machines (Juki, Brother, etc.) Experience leading, training, or scheduling a small production team CAD or digital pattern experience Production or manufacturing background Familiarity with paddle sports or outdoor gear Bilingual (Spanish/English) Why Work Here Real mentorship. You'll learn our entire product line directly from the person who developed most of it. That kind of hand-off doesn't come along often. Room to grow. This role is built to expand. If you want more responsibility — over product development, over the production floor — the path is there and it isn't theoretical. Variety. Two very different product lines, custom orders, and new product development. You will not be bored. Clean, organized shop with upgraded machines — auto trimmers, needle positioning, ergonomic setups. Small team where your work actually matters. No layers, direct communication. After mastering our method - if you see a better way to do something, say so. Consistent daytime schedule , year-round. Benefits 401(k) with company matching Health insurance / medical insurance stipend Paid sick time and vacation Six paid holidays per year Pay increase after 90 days based on performance Employee discounts + industry discounts Free boat rentals through Oregon Paddle Sports Schedule & Details Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Full-time, year-round In-person position in Eugene, OR (West 11th area) Application Questions Please describe your sewing experience, including the types of machines and materials you've worked with. Tell us about a product or project where you worked out the construction or pattern yourself. Please attach photos of your work. We care more about seeing what you've built than about a formal resume — show us something you're proud of, ideally something technical. What interests you about this type of work?
Work Location:
In person Whitewater Designs is an equal opportunity employer.
Pay:
$26.00 - $30.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
401(k) Employee discount Paid time off Application Question(s): Please describe your sewing experience, including the types of machines and materials you've worked with. Tell us about a product or project where you worked out the construction or pattern yourself. Please attach photos of your work. We care more about seeing what you've built than about a formal resume — show us something you're proud of, ideally something technical. What interests you about this type of work?
