Career in Textile Engineering

Textile engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the design, manufacture, and testing of textiles. Textiles are used in a wide variety of applications, from clothing and home furnishings to industrial products and medical devices. Textile engineers must have a strong understanding of the properties of different fibers, yarns, and fabrics, as well as the processes used to manufacture them.

Education and Training

Textile engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in textile engineering or a related field, such as chemical engineering or materials science. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or doctorate. In addition to classroom instruction, textile engineers often complete internships or co-ops in the textile industry.

Job Duties

Textile engineers perform a variety of job duties, including:

Designing new textiles and fabrics
Developing new manufacturing processes
Testing textiles and fabrics to ensure they meet quality standards
Working with customers to develop new products
Managing textile production lines
Conducting research to improve textile manufacturing processes

Work Environment

Textile engineers typically work in a laboratory or office setting. However, they may also spend time in production plants or other facilities where textiles are manufactured. Textile engineers must be able to work independently and as part of a team. They must also be able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical personnel.

Salary

The median annual salary for textile engineers was $87,800 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $54,560, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $139,220.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for textile engineers is expected to be good over the next decade. The demand for textiles is expected to grow as the population grows and as new applications for textiles are developed. However, competition for jobs will be keen, as many qualified candidates are available.

Other careers related to textile engineering include:

Chemical engineer
Materials scientist
Fashion designer
Textile chemist

Conclusion

Textile engineering is a challenging and rewarding career that offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of new products and technologies. If you have a strong interest in textiles and a knack for problem-solving, then a career in textile engineering may be right for you.