An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Knitting Technician to join the Winchester School of Art (WSA) E-Textile Innovation Lab to develop knitted textiles/e-textiles using Shima Seiki WholeGarment knitting machinery.

You will support the delivery of research projects and contribute to the development of promotional materials related to knitting for the MSc programme in E-textiles and Wearable Technologies to be launched in 2026. The main responsibility will be to develop different wearables (e.g. socks, sleeves, vests), which involves yarn selection, programming using APEX4, knitting, testing, and writing technical reports. You will work closely with other researchers within the research team (e.g. designers, material scientists, electronic engineers) and project collaborators.
You will have experience in knitting using the Shima Seiki WholeGarment MACH2®M153XS and SDS-ONE APEX4 software. A track record in developing e-textiles is preferred but not essential. Candidates with industrial experience are strongly encouraged to apply. This is an opportunity to join a fast-growing area of research at the University of Southampton. You will have opportunities to develop and consolidate your skills through collaborating with team members, and project partners from the industrial and healthcare sectors. There is opportunity to extend the contract beyond the initial 6 months.