How to Become a Textiles Engineer
Once considered a craft, the textile trade has evolved into a science requiring the skills and knowledge of mechanical, electrical, computer, chemical, electronic and structural engineers. Today, textile engineers play an important role in fields as diverse as the design and marketing of fashions and apparel to careers in fabric dyeing, quality control, research and product development.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Choose a college major in your field of interest. Pursuing a course of study in textile management and technology will teach you the process of manufacturing textiles, related accounting skills and industry economics. More scientific minds might opt for a major in textile chemistry.
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Complete your schooling. Get a Bachelor's of Science degree in textile engineering technology. For those who want to become a textiles engineer, this degree offers a good foundation for work in the global textile industry.
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Further your education by getting a Master's of Science degree in textile engineering. A graduate degree will develop your knowledge in the more advanced fields of textile science and engineering and prepare you for more advanced career options.
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Work as an intern while you are in college to get valuable work experience and letters of recommendation. Most universities offer internship programs for academic credit. Projects range from working for fashion designers helping to market clothing lines to engineering new equipment for manufacturing processes.
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Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The test is administered in all states and is meant as a measure of minimum competency to enter the engineering profession.
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Gain some work experience. Many states have requirements which require that you work under the supervision of someone who is already a licensed engineer. You must do this before applying for a license.
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Obtain an engineering license. This requires passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. All states have laws regulating the practice of engineering and each state has a licensing board and administers a competency exam.
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Consider taking a job teaching textiles engineering at a university after you become a textile engineer. Search for academic jobs on a website like AcademicKeys, where you can post your resume and find jobs at universities nationwide (see Resources below).
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Tips & Warnings
Keep your options open to positions in new technology. You can study computer science, information technology and textile engineering to lead you on a path to develop software programs for the garment industry.
The career options in this industry are varied. In addition to traditional textile engineer positions with upholstery or apparel companies, you can also pursue jobs that include developing fiber-engineered products for medical, architectural and scientific applications.
