Knitting Technician

Join a legacy of excellence at Saint Croix Inc.,

For over 60 years we’ve set the standard in luxury sportswear. Founded and proudly headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, we are known worldwide for our handcrafted garments that combine innovative technology with timeless craftsmanship.

At Saint Croix, we don’t just create clothing - we craft works of art that reflect the highest standards of luxury and comfort. We’re more than just a manufacturer; we’re a community of craftsmen, designers, and innovators working together to create something extraordinary.

As we continue to grow, we’re looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to join our team and help carry forward our commitment to quality, precision, and style.

JOB DESCRIPTION

As a Knitting Technician within a fashion brand, you will play a critical role in translating design concepts into high-quality knit fabrics. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining knitting machinery, ensuring fabric samples and production runs meet design and quality standards. You’ll collaborate closely with the knitting programmer, design, development, and production teams to help bring fashion collections to life through innovative knit structures and techniques.  We are willing to train.

Monday – Thursday 6: 00 AM – 4: 30 PM (40 hours)

**Not eligible for sponsorship**

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to set up, operate and maintain flatbed or circular knitting machines to produce samples and production fabrics in line with design briefs.
• Interpret technical knit specifications from knitting programmers, designers and product developers, translating them into machine settings.
• Troubleshoot knitting issues and machine faults quickly to maintain production timelines and quality.
• Monitor all machines to ensure they are running at peak efficiency without compromising quality.
• Work closely with the knitting programmer and design team to prototype new stitch types, textures, and fabric behaviors (e.g., drape, stretch, density).
• Conduct fabric testing and adjustments to ensure visual and tactile qualities align with the brand's standards.
• Perform regular preventive maintenance on machines to ensure continuous, high-quality output. (Oiling, cleaning, needle replacement, etc.)
• Maintain clear records of machine settings, yarn usage, sample development, and production outcomes.
• Verify proper yarn inventory for work order such as fiber content, color/dye lot consistency
• Participate in quality control processes to inspect finished knit pieces for defects or inconsistencies.
• Stay informed about emerging knitting technologies and trends in knitwear manufacturing.
• Assist in training new technicians and retrain existing technicians or operators
• Work with Floor Supervisors to maintain a safe and enjoyable work environment.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned, or apparent.

QUALIFICATIONS: SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of knitwear construction, yarn types, and garment finishing
• Proficiency with knitting machinery such as Stoll, or similar.
• Ability to interpret knitwear tech packs and garment specifications.
• Attention to detail and sensitivity to fabric aesthetics and brand identity.
• Basic computer skills, especially for machine programming interfaces and recordkeeping.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Excellent organizational, planning and prioritization skills
• Exhibits strong problem solving, deductive reasoning and decision-making skills
• Attendance is an essential function of the position
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Technical diploma or certificate in textile engineering, knitwear technology, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience operating knitting machines within a fashion or apparel manufacturing environment
• Prefer certification from an accredited Stoll Training Center
• Experience in sampling and rapid prototyping for seasonal collections.
• Understanding of garment production lifecycles from sampling to bulk production.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Regularly

• Required to stand for extended periods of time (8-10 hours)
• Good vision – strong peripheral vision when working on knitting beds, ability to differentiate color and see fine details in knit structure
• Good hand finger dexterity to tie strings, replace needles

Frequently

• Talk and hear to coordinate day-to-day knitting activities
• Must be able to reach above your head to string up machines
• Must be able to squat to inspect knits and maintain the machine
• Lift 5-10 pounds

Occasionally

• Operates copier, computer and other office equipment.
• Need to lift or move yarns and fabric rolls
• Lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• The noise level is usually medium to low, due to knitting machines running.

Saint Croix, Inc., is a fully owned subsidiary of RTP Company. RTP Company is a global compounder of custom-engineered thermoplastics headquartered in Winona, Minnesota.

EOE, including disability/vets; All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. 

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