Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Knitwear Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

As a Knitwear Engineer, you are the crucial link between creative vision and tangible, high-quality knitted garments. You are a technical artisan, a problem-solver, and an innovator who transforms yarn and code into beautiful, functional apparel. This role requires a unique blend of technical mastery in machine programming, a deep understanding of garment construction, and a collaborative spirit to work with designers and production partners. You will be instrumental in driving the quality, fit, and innovation of our knitwear collections, ensuring each piece is engineered to perfection from concept to final product.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Knitwear Designer
Technical Designer (Knitwear Focus)
Textile Science Graduate
Knitting Machine Technician

Advancement To:

Senior Knitwear Engineer / Lead Knitwear Developer
Knitwear Development Manager
Director of Product Development
Technical Design Director

Lateral Moves:

Product Developer (Multi-Category)
Materials or Fabric Manager
Technical Sourcer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Translate initial design concepts and creative briefs into fully realized, production-ready technical packages (tech packs) for a diverse range of knit garments.
Expertly program and operate industrial knitting machines, such as Stoll (M1+) and/or Shima Seiki (Apex), to develop new stitches, innovative fabric structures, and full garments.
Manage the end-to-end product development lifecycle for knitwear, meticulously tracking progress from initial design handoff and prototyping through to final production approval.
Collaborate closely with the Design team to interpret creative concepts, providing critical technical guidance on feasibility, construction options, and yarn selection to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Engineer garments to meet or exceed target cost and margin goals by strategically advising on construction methods, yarn choices, and machine efficiencies without compromising design integrity.
Lead and conduct technical fit sessions with cross-functional partners, analyzing garment fit, balance, and construction on live models or forms and providing clear, actionable feedback for revisions.
Develop and maintain comprehensive Bill of Materials (BOMs) for all knitwear styles, ensuring accuracy for costing, sourcing, and production.
Source, evaluate, and approve new and innovative yarns and trims, managing a physical and digital library of materials for future development.
Analyze and provide precise comments on all development samples, including prototypes, strike-offs, and pre-production samples, ensuring they meet all technical specifications and quality standards.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues that arise during sampling and bulk production, working directly with vendors and factories to implement effective solutions.
Create and maintain rigorous quality and performance standards for all knitwear products, including testing for shrinkage, torqueing, and durability.
Develop and perfect new and existing knitting techniques, including intarsia, jacquard, plating, and fully-fashioned construction, to drive innovation within the collection.
Foster and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with both domestic and international vendors, factories, and yarn mills, ensuring seamless communication and partnership.
Create and manage the development calendar for the knitwear category, ensuring all key milestones and deadlines are met to support on-time delivery.
Research and stay at the forefront of emerging technologies, machinery, software, and sustainable practices within the knitwear industry to drive continuous improvement.
Generate detailed technical sketches and digital renderings using Adobe Illustrator to clearly communicate design details and construction callouts.
Manage the approval process for lab dips and yarn color standards, ensuring color consistency from development through to bulk production.
Partner with the Merchandising team to understand market needs and ensure the technical development aligns with commercial goals.
Visit partner factories and mills as needed to oversee technical execution, train teams on new techniques, and conduct in-person quality control audits.
Maintain a comprehensive digital and physical library of knit swatches, program files, and approved garment standards for reference and archival purposes.
Own the grading process for all knitwear styles, ensuring consistent fit and proportion across the full-size range.

Secondary Functions

Support cross-functional partners with technical knitwear knowledge, providing data and analysis on yarn consumption, costing, and production timelines.
Contribute to the evolution of our knitwear development processes and technology roadmap, researching and recommending new software, tools, and machinery.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs and quality feedback into actionable engineering requirements and product improvements.
Participate in sprint planning, seasonal retrospectives, and other agile ceremonies within the product development team to enhance team efficiency and output.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Knitwear Programming: Advanced proficiency in programming software for industrial knitting machines, specifically Stoll M1+ and/or Shima Seiki Apex systems, to create complex structures and patterns.
Technical Package (Tech Pack) Creation: Mastery in creating highly detailed and accurate tech packs using PLM software or Excel, including technical sketches, BOMs, graded specs, and construction details.
Yarn & Materials Expertise: Deep knowledge of various yarn types, fiber properties, gauges, and spinning techniques, with the ability to source, test, and select appropriate materials.
Fit & Garment Construction: A sophisticated understanding of pattern-making, grading, and construction principles specific to knitwear to achieve impeccable fit and function.
Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for creating technical flats and construction diagrams, and Photoshop for stitch simulation and texture mapping.
PLM Software: Experience working with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems (e.g., Centric, FlexPLM) for managing product data and development workflows.
Cost Engineering: Strong ability to analyze garment costs and engineer products to meet specific financial targets while maintaining quality and design intent.
Quality Control: In-depth knowledge of apparel quality standards and testing methods, with the ability to identify and resolve production quality issues.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Problem-Solving: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical challenges in knitting, construction, and production with creativity and efficiency.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: A keen eye for precision in every aspect of the development process, from stitch structure and spec measurements to color matching and quality control.
Collaborative Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively partner with designers, merchants, and international vendors, ensuring clear alignment and execution.
Project Management & Organization: Strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously within a fast-paced environment, adhering to strict calendars and deadlines.
Adaptability & Flexibility: A proactive and agile mindset, capable of pivoting quickly in response to changing priorities, design updates, and production challenges.
Innovation & Creativity: A passion for pushing boundaries and exploring new techniques, materials, and technologies to bring fresh, innovative ideas to the product.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree or advanced certification in Textile Science or Fashion Knitwear Design.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Textile Engineering or Technology
Knitwear Design / Fashion Design with a technical focus
Apparel and Textile Science
Product Development

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-10 years

Preferred: Extensive hands-on experience in a corporate apparel or luxury fashion environment, with a proven track record of developing complex and innovative knitwear from concept to market. Direct experience working with and programming Stoll and/or Shima Seiki machines is highly desirable.