Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Knitting Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

As a Knitting Engineer, you are the technical architect behind our knitwear collections. This pivotal role involves translating creative design concepts into sophisticated, high-quality, and commercially viable products. You will leverage your deep expertise in knitting technology, programming, and material science to innovate and problem-solve throughout the entire product lifecycle. From initial yarn selection and swatch development to programming complex structures on Stoll or Shima Seiki machines and overseeing the transition to bulk production, you will be the guardian of technical excellence and innovation in our knit products. This position requires a unique blend of creativity, engineering precision, and hands-on technical skill to push the boundaries of what is possible in knitwear.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Textile Technician
Junior Knitwear Developer
Mechanical Engineer (with textile specialization)
Textile Designer with a strong technical focus

Advancement To:

Senior or Lead Knitting Engineer
Knitwear R&D Manager
Head of Textile Innovation
Director of Product Development (Knitwear)

Lateral Moves:

Technical Designer (Knitwear Specialist)
Materials or Fabric Sourcing Manager
Quality Assurance Manager (Textiles)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop and engineer innovative knit structures, fabrics, and full-fashioned garments from concept through to commercialization, ensuring alignment with design vision and performance requirements.
Program, operate, and maintain advanced industrial flat knitting machinery (e.g., Stoll, Shima Seiki) to create prototypes, development samples, and sales samples with precision and speed.
Collaborate intimately with Design, Merchandising, and Product Development teams to translate creative concepts into technically feasible and manufacturable knit solutions.
Conduct comprehensive research and analysis of new yarns, fibers, and finishing technologies to drive innovation and enhance product performance, aesthetics, and sustainability.
Create, manage, and meticulously maintain detailed technical specification packages (Tech Packs) for all knitwear, including construction details, yarn specs, and machine settings.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical knitting challenges that arise during the development, sampling, and bulk production stages, ensuring minimal disruption and optimal quality.
Manage the end-to-end sample development process, adhering to strict product creation calendar deadlines and ensuring all deliverables are met on time.
Analyze and optimize knitting programs and machine parameters to improve efficiency, reduce yarn consumption, and enhance overall product quality and cost-effectiveness.
Establish and document robust quality standards and testing protocols for knit fabrics and garments, ensuring all products meet or exceed performance and durability benchmarks.
Communicate technical requirements, construction standards, and quality expectations clearly to domestic and overseas manufacturing partners and vendors.
Lead the technical evaluation and approval of all development stages, including knit-downs, lab dips, strike-offs, and pre-production samples.
Engineer and program advanced knitting techniques, such as jacquard, intarsia, plating, and integral knitting, to achieve specific visual effects and functional properties.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive physical and digital library of yarn qualities, knit swatches, and technical programs for future reference and rapid development.
Utilize 3D knitting and virtual sampling software (e.g., Stoll CREATE, Shima APEX) to create realistic digital prototypes, reducing the need for physical sampling and shortening development timelines.
Provide expert technical guidance and training to cross-functional teams on the capabilities, limitations, and possibilities of knitting technology.
Perform root cause analysis on production failures or quality issues, implementing effective corrective and preventative action plans in collaboration with factory partners.
Drive initiatives for waste reduction and improved sustainability in the knit development process, such as designing for full-fashion or zero-waste construction.
Calculate yarn consumption and preliminary costing for new knit developments to ensure financial viability and alignment with target margins.
Stay at the forefront of the industry by continuously researching and evaluating new knitting machinery, software updates, and innovative manufacturing processes.
Translate material properties and fabric performance data into actionable insights for the design and engineering of purpose-built apparel for specific end-uses.

Secondary Functions

Support the Materials and Sourcing teams by providing technical validation for new yarn suppliers and knit manufacturers.
Contribute to the organization's long-term textile innovation strategy and technology investment roadmap.
Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to define inspection criteria and acceptable tolerance levels for finished knit goods.
Mentor junior technicians and interns, fostering a culture of technical curiosity and continuous learning within the team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced proficiency in programming knitting software, such as Stoll M1 Plus and/or Shima Seiki APEX systems.
Expert, hands-on knowledge of operating, setting up, and troubleshooting industrial flat knitting machines.
Deep understanding of knit structures, including jersey, rib, purl, jacquard, intarsia, links-links, and spacer fabrics.
Comprehensive knowledge of yarn properties, including fiber types (natural and synthetic), spinning methods, counts, and their impact on fabric performance.
Proven ability to create and interpret detailed Technical Packages (Tech Packs) for complex knitwear using PLM software or Adobe Illustrator.
Experience with fabric testing methods (e.g., ASTM, AATCC) for properties like pilling, bursting strength, stretch/recovery, and colorfastness.
Competency in virtual knitting/3D apparel software (e.g., Stoll CREATE, Shima SDS-ONE APEX, CLO3D, Browzwear) is highly desirable.
Strong understanding of the complete knitwear production cycle, from yarn spinning and dyeing to garment finishing and assembly.
Ability to perform accurate color evaluation and provide clear feedback on lab dips and shade bands.
Familiarity with both full-fashioned/integral knitting and cut-and-sew knit production methods.
Knowledge of post-knit finishing processes, including washing, steaming, and chemical treatments, and their effect on the final product.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Exceptional ability to diagnose technical issues and develop innovative, practical solutions under pressure.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in programming, documentation, and quality assessment.
Collaboration: A proactive team player who can communicate effectively with creative designers, business-minded merchants, and production partners.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and competing priorities against a fast-paced calendar.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to thrive in a dynamic R&D and product creation environment.
Innovative Mindset: A natural curiosity and passion for pushing the boundaries of technology and materials.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree or advanced certification in textile technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Textile Engineering or Technology
Materials Science & Engineering
Mechanical Engineering with a textile focus
Apparel/Fashion Design with a strong technical knit concentration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of direct, hands-on experience in a knitwear development, textile engineering, or knitting technologist role within the apparel, footwear, or textile industry.

Preferred:

Experience working directly with high-end or performance apparel brands.
A proven portfolio of innovative knit structures and commercialized products.
Direct experience liaising with overseas factories and navigating the challenges of remote production.
Hands-on experience operating a variety of gauges on Stoll and/or Shima Seiki machinery.