The Sweater Technologist is the technical expert of knitwear product development from tech pack review → knit engineering → sample execution support → bulk production. This role translates buyer intent into workable knit construction, defines yarn + knitting parameters, ensures fit/spec compliance, and troubleshoots issues across programming, linking, finishing, and washing to achieve right-first-time samples and stable bulk production.

Tech pack & technical breakdown

• Review buyer tech packs, sketches, and measurement specs; identify gaps, risks, and unclear points.
• Convert design intent into knit construction details: gauge, stitch types, yarn selection, plies, loop length/tension, and finishing approach.
• Create/validate technical worksheets: BOM inputs, knit sequence, measurement points, tolerances, and shrinkage allowances.
• Lead technical clarification with merchandising/production team and provide consolidated questions to buyers when needed.

Knitting engineering & machine program troubleshooting

• Define knitting parameters and provide technical guidance to programmers/operators for electronic knitting machines (e.g., Cixing/Shima).
• Read, dissect, and troubleshoot knitting programs/patterns to solve issues such as dropped stitches, uneven panels, distortion, needle selection errors, yarn breakage, and abnormal take-down.
• Run/approve swatches and test trials to confirm stitch definition, density, and dimensional stability. 3

Specs, yarn consumption & costing inputs

• Calculate and validate yarn consumption (sample and bulk), including waste factors and process allowances.
• Estimate knitting efficiency drivers affecting consumption: gauge, stitch density, panel size, and construction complexity.
• Provide technical inputs for costing: yarn type/ratio, knitting time impact, linking complexity, washing/finishing requirements.

Sample execution support & fit/spec control

• Support sample room in achieving correct construction, fit, and appearance; drive right-first-time outcomes.
• Conduct measurement checks, fit reviews, and spec adjustments in collaboration with merchandising and QA.
• Document and communicate revisions clearly (rev history, parameter changes, causes, and corrective actions). 5

Linking / assembly troubleshooting

• Guide linking methods and best practices (needle counts, linking techniques, seam types, tension control).
• Troubleshoot common issues: seam grin, puckering, twisted seams, mismatched panel lengths, broken yarn at seam, poor elasticity recovery.

Washing / finishing & handfeel troubleshooting

• Define and validate washing/finishing routes for knitwear: softening, enzyme wash (if applicable), tumble, steaming/pressing, setting.
• Recommend washing chemicals and parameters; troubleshoot issues like harsh handfeel, excessive shrinkage, spirality, uneven shade, pilling, stretch-out, and surface fuzz.
• Ensure finishing controls support spec stability (shrinkage targets and measurement repeatability).

Bulk production readiness & handover

• Prepare bulk-ready technical package: approved parameters, program notes, critical checkpoints, shrinkage allowances, and quality risks.
• Support pilot run / PP sample / size set approvals from technical standpoint.
• Train and coach sample/prod teams on critical technical requirements and preventive controls.

• Minimum 5 years experience as a sweater/knitwear technician or technologist in export manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of sweater construction: panels vs integral knit/whole garment (if applicable), gauges, stitches, and fit/spec control.
• Ability to read, dissect, and troubleshoot electronic knitting machine programs/patterns.
• Deep knowledge of yarn technologies: compositions, counts, ply, twist, elasticity, hairiness, shrinkage behavior, and performance impacts.
• Practical linking knowledge: techniques, seam behaviors, and issue resolution.
• Practical washing/finishing knowledge: routes, parameters, chemicals, handfeel control, and troubleshooting.
• Language: English or Chinese required; bilingual preferred.