Supplier Quality Engineer (Socks & Technical Knitwear)

Position Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) for Socks & Technical Knitwear is the ultimate gatekeeper of material integrity structural quality and manufacturing standards across our global supply chain. This is a highly technical hands-on role. The ideal candidate must possess an advanced engineering background in circular knitting technologies yarn performance behaviors and physical/chemical laboratory testing. You will manage overseas factory quality compliance audit production lines and lead technical root-cause analyses to resolve product failures before mass distribution.

Core Responsibilities

1. Technical Material & Yarn Quality Assurance

• Yarn & Fiber Validation: Audit and verify raw materials ensuring that yarn counts filament structures and fiber compositions (Nylon Spandex Combed Cotton blends) meet structural compression and performance benchmarks.
  
• Grip & Polymer Chemistry Integrity: Oversee the quality execution and durability of silicone/PVC grip applications on performance socks. Troubleshoot and resolve adhesion failures cracking or peeling caused by fabric softeners or chemical finishes.
  
• Lab Testing Compliance: Manage physical and chemical laboratory testing protocols (e.g. colorfastness to sweat/washing abrasion resistance pilling benchmarks and ASTM stretch & recovery metrics). Interpret third-party lab results to approve or reject bulk material lots.
  

2. Factory Quality Management & Production Auditing

• Knitting Machinery & Specification Alignment: Preview and technically audit sample stages (Protos SMS PPS) against Tech Packs. Verify machine cylinder diameters stitch tension and needle counts/gauges to ensure production capability.
  
• Root-Cause Analysis (RCA): Lead the technical investigation and resolution of manufacturing and structural defects (e.g. irregular shrinkage yarn breakage seam failures or sizing distortions).
  
• Supplier Risk & WIP Monitoring: Conduct quality risk assessments on high-complexity styles. Routinely monitor factory WIP (Work-In-Progress) logs and audit factory quality management systems (QMS) to ensure consistent output.
  

3. International Communication & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Global Supplier Accountability: Direct daily technical communication with overseas finished-goods manufacturers and yarn mills (primarily in Asia). Hold vendors accountable to strict quality corrective action plans (CAPA). Note: Requires flexibility for bi-weekly after-hours calls due to overseas time zones.
  
• Cross-Functional Feedback: Partner closely with Product Development and Design teams to review wear-testing trials and feedback ensuring that quality standards are engineered into the product without sacrificing design intent.
  

• Technical Skills:
  
• Deep applied comprehension of sock circular knitting machinery needle counts and cylinder gauges.
  
• Profound knowledge of technical yarn performance properties (moisture-wicking antimicrobial high-elongation Spandex).
  
• Expertise in executing Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) and root-cause analysis methodologies (5 Whys 8D Fishbone).
  
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel (Master Data/WIP tracking) and basic familiarity with Adobe Illustrator and PLM systems.
  

Requisitos

Job Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree in Textile Engineering Material Science Industrial Manufacturing Engineering or a highly technical knitting-focused discipline.
  
• Experience: 5 years of experience as a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) Quality Assurance Engineer or Technical Developer within the apparel industry. Explicit experience in socks hosiery or seamless knitwear production is mandatory.
  
• Language & Travel:
  
• 100% Fluent English is mandatory (C1/C2 level) for daily international vendor management and corporate reporting.
  
• Must possess a Valid U.S. Visa and the ability to travel internationally to audit material mills and production lines on-site.