Warp Knit & Innovation Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Warp Knit & Innovation Engineer to support the development and commercialization of innovative warp knitted fabrics. This position will focus on fabric construction, yarn and fiber selection, machine development, product trials, testing, and process optimization. The successful candidate will work closely with Engineering, Design, Sales, Manufacturing, Quality, and external suppliers to transform customer and design requirements into commercially viable textile products that meet performance, aesthetic, quality, and cost objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and engineer new warp knitted fabric constructions based on customer and internal requirements.
• Translate design concepts and technical specifications into practical, manufacturable textile constructions.
• Select appropriate fibers, yarns, fabric structures, and machine parameters for new product development.
• Conduct fabric trials and evaluate appearance, hand feel, performance, quality, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Analyze trial results and implement improvements to fabric construction and manufacturing processes.
• Optimize warp knitting machine settings and production parameters.
• Work with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to establish appropriate finishing and processing routes.
• Support product development from initial concept through sampling, testing, customer approval, and production launch.
• Collaborate with yarn, fiber, machinery, and processing suppliers to develop new materials and technologies.
• Research emerging textile technologies, fibers, yarns, machinery, finishes, and sustainable materials.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to fabric construction, raw materials, machinery, and manufacturing processes.
• Maintain accurate records of development trials, specifications, test results, and technical documentation.
• Work cross-functionally with Design, Sales, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing teams.
• Identify opportunities for product innovation, cost reduction, quality improvement, and process optimization.
• Support advanced innovation projects and development of new textile applications.
• Maintain industry contacts and stay current with trends in textile technology, warp knitting, fibers, yarns, and technical textiles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Textile Technology, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in warp knitting, textile product development, textile engineering, or textile manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of warp knitted fabric construction and manufacturing.
• Understanding of yarn and fiber properties and their impact on fabric performance.
• Experience with textile testing, product trials, and fabric development.
• Experience working with textile machinery and manufacturing processes.
• Automotive textile or technical textile experience is a plus.
• Experience working with yarn/fiber suppliers or textile machinery suppliers is preferred.