Ripton Denim Apparel Product Developer

Location: Boulder, CO

Type: Full-time

Compensation: $60,000-$70,000

Reports to: Senior Product Developer

Email jobs@ripton.co to apply

Ripton is the world’s premier performance denim company, blending artful and often streetwear inspired design, authentic outdoor utility & grit, and an irreverent spirit into everything we do. Based in Boulder, Colorado, we’re a fast-growing, founder-led company with big ambitions: to reinvent outdoor apparel from the bottom up and build a brand that resonates globally.

As a Product Developer, you will bring performance denim concepts to life by working closely with design, material suppliers, and our manufacturing partners. You will be instrumental in elevating our assortment and building our speed-to-market pipeline.

Who You Are:

You’re excited to work on a new frontier — denim with an athletic end use. You’re inspired by the challenge of turning concepts into compelling, high-performing products. You have an apparel background, with a strong grasp of garment construction and calendar management. You’re detail-oriented, an effective communicator, and energized by making great samples with as few prototypes as possible.

Product Development at Ripton:

This is a fast-paced environment where multitasking, creative problem-solving, and working under tight deadlines are part of the daily rhythm. You’ll be involved throughout the entire product lifecycle — responsible for development, engineering, fit execution, and specifications for your assigned styles.

We mostly follow an 18-month product calendar, but staying nimble is essential. If a product isn’t ready, we’ll slow down. If something inspires us, we’ll speed up. While the calendar is key to scaling Ripton, success also hinges on staying critical and responsive to feedback. We’re looking for a product developer who’s just as comfortable pivoting as they are planning — so the right product hits the market at the right time.

We have two product seasons per year, with about 60–70 styles each season — some new, some updated, some carryover — all rad.

Role and Responsibilities:

Manage moderate to high-level development of assigned styles from concept through production, ensuring garments meet Ripton’s standards for quality, fit, and construction
Track development timelines and ensure timely execution of deliverables according to the product calendar
Collaborate with designers to execute fit intent, design aesthetic, and wash briefs — ensuring proper translation into proto samples across denim and cut-and-sew
Recommend materials, construction methods, and cost-engineering solutions that meet design expectations
Own vendor communication and style-level allocation; manage seasonal WIPs
Maintain accurate style records in the PLM system, including specs, BOMs, style files, and sample tracking
Maintain proto tracker, and master line list
Organize and update libraries for wash and fit references, pattern blocks, and materials
Participate in fit sessions and lead fit execution
Some overseas travel to manufacturers may be required
Participate in special projects and process/calendar optimization
Stay informed on customer feedback to help improve product
Work across multiple seasons and product types simultaneously
Take feedback well and be willing to shift direction when needed
Be driven by innovation. Be creative. Be curious. Learn from both success and failure

Desired Skills and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Apparel, Product Development, or equivalent experience
3+ years of experience in the apparel industry; denim experience a plus
Strong knowledge of garment construction, patterning, and testing protocols
Excellent organization and time-management skills with a sharp attention to detail
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Comfortable working in a team and building trust with both internal teams and vendor partners
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel), Adobe Illustrator, Google Workspace, and PLM systems
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Why Join Ripton

We’re not just building a brand — we’re building a movement. You’ll help shape the creative soul of a company redefining performance apparel with a natural humble fabric, with lots of style, attitude, and a strong mission. If you’ve ever wanted to lead with vision, do work that matters, and have fun doing it — this is your chance.

To Apply: Send your portfolio, resume, and a short note about why Ripton resonates with you to [jobs@ripton.co].