Review of Industrial Knitting Job Descriptions

Students who have pursued or are interested in pursuing a degree in Textile Engineering/Materials Science will often explore employment at industrial or manufacturing facilities that involve using machines to design and produce fibers and fiber-based products. Depending on the skill level, industrial knitting jobs involve researching, producing, inspecting, and repairing fiber products ranging from hosiery to carpet materials. As a hand knitter who is also interested in becoming skilled in machine knitting, I have reviewed some of the common industrial knitting job descriptions.

Knitting Programmer/Technician

Nike is an example of a company that hires Knitting Programmers/Technicians. In reviewing its knitting job description, I discovered that this position involves programming and operating flat knitting machines; evaluating new yarns and fabrics; creating designs and developing new knitted products; and conducting test runs that monitor performance and reliability of knitting machines. The education required for this type of job is a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Manufacturing or two years of related experience to substitute education. Some of the skills and experiences required include understanding fashion programs and the garment assembly process as well as experience with pattern design, shape implementation, and five years experience programming and operating flat knitting machines.

Knitting Process Engineer

In a nutshell, a Knitting Process Engineer is responsible for knitting process improvement in the areas of product line quality, knitting machine efficiency, and knitting safety. The preferred education is a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, while the required experience is two years in weft insertion knitting.

Warp Knitting Machine Operator

Knowing how to a operate warp knitting machine is a must for the average industrial knitting job. The job description of a Warp Knitting Machine Operator involves operating and monitoring warp knitting machines; inspecting fiber materials for flaws; and repairing warp knitting machines by lubricating them and replacing defective needles. Examples of products that are made with warp knitting machines include lace, net, or elastic outer and undergarments.

Knitting Machine Fixer

Those who like to repair machines will enjoy the job of a Knitting Machine Fixer. The duties of this position's knitting job description involve inspecting knitting machines for proper functioning; and adjusting, replacing, setting up, and repairing knitting machines by maneuvering hand wheels that operate gears, needles, dividers, and sinkers.

Having reviewed these industrial knitting jobs descriptions students majoring in Textile Engineering/Materials Science now have an idea of what to expect in various textile manufacturing jobs. Those interested in undergraduate or graduate Textile Engineering/Materials Science degree programs will benefit from reading my Associated Content article "Best Colleges of Textiles in the US ." This link provides you with details of the program requirements and a description of the program courses.

Sources

"Product Development and Engineering - Knitting Programmer/Technician Jobs in Portland , Or, Unit."Nike.

"Warp-Knitting-Machine-Operator-Job-Description."Career Planner.com Inc.