About this role
As a Technology Entrepreneur – Textile Integration, you will be required to:
- Identify and frame innovation opportunities by uncovering gaps, inefficiencies, and unmet needs in existing textile and material offerings, translating them into clear, actionable concepts
- Drive end-to-end material innovation and new product development, transforming initial product ideas into engineered knit constructions while exploring novel structures, fibers, yarns, blends and finishes
- Engineer and program knit constructions based on finalized product patterns, design specifications, and functional requirements, ensuring alignment with intended product performance
- Translate consumer insights and brand briefs into material solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, performance, manufacturability, and cost
- Develop and validate prototypes through structured knitting trials, evaluating material performance, hand feel, durability, and production feasibility
- Conduct testing and performance validation in accordance with customer-specific test protocols and product requirements
- Continuously explore emerging materials and technologies, including innovative yarns, knit and weave structures, and advanced processing and finishing techniques
- Challenge conventional material and product standards by pushing beyond existing specifications to develop novel, high-value material propositions
- Build a differentiated material portfolio that strengthens product positioning, creates market distinction, and supports compelling brand storytelling
- Own the complete innovation lifecycle, from ideation and concept development through prototyping, testing, validation, and handover for production scale-up, capturing key learnings at every stage
- Collaborate cross-functionally with knit design, sourcing, manufacturing, and commercial teams to ensure innovations are technically feasible, commercially viable, and market-ready
The ideal candidate should have
- A Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, combined with substantial hands-on experience in textile/knitting technology and product development
- 5+ years of industry experience
- Strong working knowledge of the knitting and textile platforms, including engineered circular knit, flat knit, seamless/engineered knit, warp knit and lace technologies.
- Working experience in knitting programming software such as Stoll M1+, APEX 3, and Create+ and creativity beyond regular machine programs
- Using this understanding to identify opportunities for product innovation, differentiation, cost optimization and commercially viable solutions.
- In-depth knowledge of yarns, material properties, and functional performance and concept creation
- Strong, hands-on technical knowledge of knitting structures, machinery, and processes
- A proven track record of concept development, translating problems or market opportunities into tangible material or product concepts
- A curious, experimental mindset with a strong willingness to explore, test, and refine ideas through hands-on trials
- Strong technical knowledge combined with commercial and consumer awareness
- The ability to work independently in ambiguous and less-defined problem spaces
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively across design, technical, and business teams
- Certifications or coursework in Pattern Technology, Textile Design, Product Development, or Innovation Management would be a strong advantage