Knitting Technician - 1st Shift

RTP Company; Goodview (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Not eligible for sponsorship

Job summary

Saint Croix Inc. in Minnesota seeks a Knitting Technician to translate design concepts into high-quality knit fabrics. You will operate and maintain knitting machinery, ensure samples meet standards, and collaborate with the knitting programmer, design, and production teams to bring fashion collections to life.

The position is 1st shift, 40 hours per week, with overtime as required. Not eligible for sponsorship. This role supports ongoing quality, precision, and style across our knitwear lines.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of knitwear construction, yarn types, and garment finishing processes.
• 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 record-keeping.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Knitwear construction

Stoll knitting machinery

Interpret knitwear tech packs

Attention to detail

Record-keeping

Teamwork

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Tools

Knitting machinery control interfaces

Job description

Join a legacy of excellence at Saint Croix Inc., where for over 65 years we've set the standard in luxury sportswear. Founded and still proudly headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, we are known worldwide for our handcrafted garments that combine innovative technology with timeless craftsmanship. 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.

Knitting Technician

Job Summary

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. This is a 1st shift position working 40 hours per week, with overtime as required.

• 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.

Requirements

Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of knitwear construction, yarn types, and garment finishing processes.
• 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 record-keeping.
• 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, deduct