Knit Product Development & Programming Lead

Darn Tough Vermont®; Waterbury (VT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Cabot Hosiery Mills seeks a Product Development Programmer Manager to lead the Programming & Sampling team, driving knit machine programming and sample production. You will work closely with Product Development and Design to translate CAD concepts into functioning patterns and programs, while guiding day-to-day operations and staffing.

You will oversee experimentation, maintain specs and BOM documentation, and collaborate with Production, Quality Control, and Continuous Improvement to ensure

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in machine programming and knit quality.
• Strong leadership and people management skills; able to build and develop a high-performing team.
• Exceptional communication skills — written, verbal, and cross-functional.
• Analytical mindset with strong math skills.
• Attention to detail is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Programming & Sampling team and oversee day-to-day operations.
• Translate new design concepts from CAD into workable patterns and programs.
• Oversee SMU requests and ensure alignment with design intent.
• Provide feedback on machine capabilities and restrictions to design teams.
• Audit specs, BOMs, and programs prior to production.
• Ensure accurate spec documentation and tracking of changes.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, performance reviews, and safety compliance.

Skills

Knitting machine programming

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Team management

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Math proficiency

SOP knowledge

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical degree or equivalent training preferred

Tools

BOM processes

Job description

Cabot Hosiery Mills seeks a Product Development Programmer Manager to lead the Programming & Sampling team, driving knit machine programming and sample production. You will work closely with Product Development and Design to translate CAD concepts into functioning patterns and programs, while guiding day-to-day operations and staffing.

You will oversee experimentation, maintain specs and BOM documentation, and collaborate with Production, Quality Control, and Continuous Improvement to ensure