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 general 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: Bachelor’s 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.

📌 Supplier Quality Engineer (Socks & Technical Knitwear) (Tijuana)
🏢 Staffvia
📍 Tijuana