Technical textiles designer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

• textile design
• materials science
• textile technology
• product design

It's important that you check courses cover the technical skills and knowledge employers want, rather than ones that concentrate only on fashion design.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You may be able to gain some of the skills and knowledge relevant to this role through a textile technical specialist higher apprenticeship or a fashion and textiles product technologist higher apprenticeship.

With experience you may be able to move into trainee technical design roles.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You can start as a textiles or materials technician and do further training on the job to specialise in technical fabrics research and development.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• design skills and knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• persistence and determination
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• operations analysis skills
• maths skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Technical textiles designers research, create and test textiles for use in healthcare, manufacturing and construction materials.

In this role you may:

• develop ideas for products to meet particular performance standards
• identify the suitability and availability of materials
• create designs using computer software
• develop prototypes
• assess the technical performance of textiles
• record and interpret test results
• write technical reports and estimate costs
• research new development methods and technologies

Location : You could work in a laboratory or in a factory.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm flexibly

Career Path:

You could work in a research department for a university or company that specialises in technical textiles, for example carbon fibre or graphene.