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Knitter Technician | Textile Manufacturing & Production

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

ManufacturingSkilled TradesTextiles

🎯 Role Definition

As a Knitter Technician, you are the backbone of our fabric production team. You will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the knitting process, from machine setup and programming to troubleshooting, maintenance, and quality assurance. This hands-on role requires a blend of mechanical expertise, technical precision, and a proactive problem-solving mindset to ensure our state-of-the-art knitting equipment runs efficiently and produces superior quality textiles that meet exact specifications. You will be a key player in optimizing production, minimizing downtime, and driving continuous improvement on the manufacturing floor.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Textile Machine Operator
  • Mechanical Maintenance Assistant
  • Graduate of a Textile Technology or Vocational Program

Advancement To:

  • Senior Knitter Technician or Lead Technician
  • Knitting Department Supervisor / Manager
  • Production Shift Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control (QC) or Quality Assurance (QA) Technician
  • Textile R&D Technician or Fabric Developer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Set up, program, and operate a range of industrial knitting machines (e.g., circular, flat, warp, hosiery) according to detailed production schedules and technical specifications.
  • Perform complex style and pattern changes, including gauge conversions, needle selection, and yarn carrier adjustments to meet diverse product requirements.
  • Conduct routine and preventative maintenance, including lubricating moving parts, cleaning machine surfaces, and inspecting components for wear to maximize machine longevity and performance.
  • Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve mechanical, electrical, and electronic malfunctions in a timely manner to minimize production downtime and waste.
  • Monitor machine operation and fabric output continuously, making precise adjustments to tension, speed, and stitch settings to ensure consistent quality.
  • Expertly identify and correct a wide variety of knitting defects, such as drop stitches, holes, streaks, and barre, and implement solutions to prevent recurrence.
  • Read and interpret technical design sheets, spec sheets, and computer-aided design (CAD) files to ensure accurate machine setup and fabric construction.
  • Replace worn or broken knitting elements, including needles, sinkers, jacks, and selectors, ensuring correct alignment and function.
  • Mount, thread, and manage yarn supply, ensuring proper yarn path and tension from the cone to the needle for flawless knitting.
  • Maintain meticulous and accurate records of production data, machine settings, downtime events, and maintenance activities for reporting and analysis.
  • Collaborate closely with the Quality Control department to analyze fabric quality, understand defect trends, and contribute to root cause analysis.
  • Program and modify knitting patterns using specialized software systems such as Stoll M1+, Shima Seiki APEX, or other proprietary platforms.
  • Assist in the installation, commissioning, and testing of new knitting equipment and technologies.
  • Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Manage inventory of spare parts, needles, and other critical components for the knitting department.
  • Train and mentor junior technicians and machine operators on proper machine operation, safety protocols, and quality standards.
  • Perform detailed fabric quality inspections during and after production runs, using light tables and measurement tools to verify compliance with standards.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting process enhancements, equipment upgrades, and workflow optimizations.
  • Work with yarn suppliers and the materials team to test new yarn types and provide feedback on their performance during the knitting process.
  • Calibrate and fine-tune electronic systems, sensors, and actuators on modern knitting machinery for optimal performance.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the R&D and product development teams by producing knit-down samples and prototypes for new fabric concepts.
  • Participate in regular team meetings to discuss production goals, challenges, and safety topics.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area in line with 5S or similar lean manufacturing principles.
  • Support inventory cycle counts for yarn and machine spare parts.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • In-depth mechanical and electronic troubleshooting knowledge of industrial knitting machinery (e.g., Stoll, Shima Seiki, Monarch, Mayer & Cie, Lonati).
  • Proficiency in setting up, operating, and performing complex style changes on circular and/or flat knitting machines.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical schematics, blueprints, and production specification sheets.
  • Strong understanding of different yarn types, properties, and the principles of yarn tensioning.
  • Expertise in identifying, analyzing, and resolving a wide range of fabric defects.
  • Skill in programming and pattern creation using knitting software (e.g., Stoll M1+, Shima Seiki APEX).
  • Experience with preventative maintenance schedules and procedures for textile machinery.
  • Competence in performing gauge conversions and complete machine overhauls.
  • Proficient use of hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment like multimeters.
  • Knowledge of different knit structures, including jersey, rib, interlock, jacquard, and intarsia.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Effective time management and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reporting and collaboration.
  • Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn new machine technologies and processes.
  • A proactive and safety-conscious mindset.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or technical certificate in a relevant field.
  • Completion of a vocational or trade school program in Industrial Maintenance or Textile Technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Textile Technology / Engineering
  • Mechanical or Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of hands-on experience as a Knitter Technician or Knitting Machine Mechanic in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrated experience with specific, modern knitting machine brands relevant to the employer (e.g., Mayer & Cie large diameter circular, Stoll CMS, Shima Seiki WHOLEGARMENT).
  • Experience in a high-volume, quick-turnaround production setting.
  • A proven track record of reducing machine downtime and improving fabric quality.
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