Textile Technician - Knitting Specialist
Who We Are
We are a venture-backed manufacturing startup building the most advanced automated production facilities in the United States. We are on a mission to make American manufacturing economically viable — through intelligent machinery, automation, and a relentless focus on execution. We are early, we are moving fast, and we are looking for exceptional people who want to build something that matters.
Role Title: Textile Technician - Knitting Specialist
Location: Leander, TX; Austin, TX, On-site
Shift: 1st shift, Full-time
Role Summary
We are seeking a motivated Textile Technician – Knitting Specialist with strong knitting specialization to join our production team. The Knitting Specialist is primarily responsible for the safe, efficient, and high-quality operation of circular knitting machines—such as Monarch and Vanguard models—to produce tubular knitted fabrics that meet target specifications for stitch length, density, evenness, and defect rates.
This hands-on, technical role ensures continuous high-speed production of quality knitted fabric while maintaining machine performance, yarn feed consistency, and overall process efficiency. Candidates with experience across textile manufacturing, such as fiber preparation, carding, and spinning are valued, as the position supports seamless integration from yarn to finished knit fabric.
Responsibilities
Operate and monitor circular knitting machines to produce tubular or flat knitted fabrics, ensuring correct yarn feed, tension, stitch length, gauge, and fabric quality while minimizing defects such as holes, drop stitches, barré, or uneven density.
Set up, thread, and adjust machines for different yarn types, counts, and fabric constructions; perform style changes and optimize parameters via machine controls/HMI.
Respond promptly to machine signals and alarms to identify and resolve issues such as yarn breaks, tension variations, needle/sinker problems, fabric defects, or reduced efficiency.
Conduct routine preventive maintenance and cleaning of circular knitting equipment, including needles, sinkers, cams, yarn feeders, and related components, to minimize downtime and maintain performance.
Perform quality-control checks on knitted fabric, e.g., visual inspection, measurements for weight, width, density, and defects, and take corrective actions such as component replacement, tension adjustments, or process optimization.
Support upstream textile processes as needed, including monitoring blow-room/fiber-cleaning, carding, and rotor spinning equipment to ensure consistent yarn quality delivered to knitting.
Carry out machine settings and adjustments via HMI or equivalent interfaces for knitting parameters, e.g., feeds, speeds, stitch length, multi-lot production, and related process stages.
Maintain accurate production records, report issues, and contribute to continuous improvement of knitting efficiency and fabric quality.
Basic Skills & Qualifications
3+ years as a textile technician or operator with hands-on experience in textile manufacturing, with strong emphasis on operating circular knitting machines. Direct experience with Monarch and/or Vanguard circular knitting machines is highly preferred. Experience managing multiple machines in a shift-based production environment is required. Equivalent experience, related skills, and/or relevant education may be considered upon review.
Practical knowledge of circular knitting processes, including yarn feeding, tension control, stitch formation, needle/sinker systems, and troubleshooting common fabric defects.
Working familiarity with broader textile manufacturing stages (blow room/fiber cleaning, carding, and/or rotor spinning) to support yarn quality and process continuity.
Ability to perform routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, and basic mechanical adjustments on knitting machines and related equipment.
Strong attention to detail, ability to work independently, and comfort responding quickly to production issues in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Preferred Skills & Experience
Direct, hands-on experience operating and maintaining Monarch and Vanguard circular knitting machines.
Basic electrical/electronic knowledge (e.g., sensors, motors, switches), ability to read simple schematics, and willingness to learn PLC and HMI interfaces or advanced diagnostics.
Mechanical aptitude combined with eagerness to embrace digital tools and new machine generations.
Lean manufacturing basics and a continuous improvement mindset.