Textile chemical quality technicians perform chemical laboratory tests on textile materials and products. They interpret results and support colouration and finishing of textiles.
Textile chemical quality technicians typically do the following tasks:
Perform quality control tests on textile chemical samples to assess their composition, purity, and adherence to industry standards
Conduct chemical analyses using specialized equipment and techniques to determine the presence of harmful substances or contaminants
Monitor and evaluate the performance of textile chemicals during production processes to ensure proper functioning and effectiveness
Collaborate with chemical suppliers to review and validate the specifications and safety data sheets of chemicals used in textile manufacturing
Implement and maintain quality control procedures, protocols, and documentation to ensure consistency and traceability
Investigate and resolve chemical-related issues or non-conformities, working closely with production teams and suppliers
Monitor and track inventory levels of textile chemicals, ensuring timely procurement and proper storage conditions
Provide technical support and guidance to production teams regarding the safe handling, usage, and disposal of textile chemicals
Stay updated on industry regulations, standards, and best practices related to textile chemical safety and quality control
Assist in the development and implementation of new testing methods, equipment, and technologies to improve efficiency and accuracy in chemical quality control
The following job titles also refer to textile chemical quality technician:
textile chemical quality analyst textile chemical laboratory technician textile chemical quality manager textile chemical laboratory tester textile chemical process analyst
Textile chemical quality technicians typically work in laboratories or quality control departments within textile manufacturing facilities. They may be exposed to various chemical substances and must strictly adhere to safety protocols and guidelines. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when handling and testing chemicals. The work environment is often temperature-controlled and well-equipped with laboratory instruments and analytical tools. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as production, research and development, and procurement, is common.
A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for a textile chemical quality technician role. Specialized training or a relevant associate degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field is beneficial. Strong knowledge of chemical principles, laboratory techniques, and quality control procedures is necessary. Familiarity with textile manufacturing processes and understanding of textile chemical properties and applications is advantageous. Experience in conducting chemical analyses, using laboratory equipment, and interpreting test results is preferred. Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are essential for this role.
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
Textile chemical quality technician is a Skill level 3 occupation.
These occupations require some skills and knowledge of textile chemical quality technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of textile chemical quality technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.
This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of textile chemical quality technician.
Nonwoven machine technology: Manufacturing of nonwoven fabrics according to specification. Development, manufacture, properties and evaluation of nonwoven fabrics.
Textile chemistry: Chemical processing of textiles such as the reactions of textiles to chemicals.
Textile technologies: Textile technologies to design, manufacture and evaluate the properties of textiles.
Properties of fabrics: The influence of chemical composition and molecular arrangement of yarn and fibre properties and fabric structure on the physical properties of textile fabrics; the different fibre types, their physical and chemical characteristics and different material characteristics; the materials used in different processes and the effect on materials as they are processed.
Textile printing technology: Addition of colour partially, according to the designed pattern, onto textile based materials. Processes for adding coloured patterns onto textile materials using printing machines and techniques (rotary of flat bed screen printing or others, heat transfer, inkjet, etc.).
These skills are necessary for the role of textile chemical quality technician.
Distinguish accessories: Distinguish accessories in order to determine differences among them. Evaluate accessories based on their characteristics and their application in wearing apparel manufacturing.
Control textile process: Plan and monitor textile production to achieve control on behalf of quality, productivity and delivery time.
Measure yarn count: Be able to measure yarn length and mass to assess fineness of roving, sliver and yarn in different measuring systems.Also able to convert into the various numbering system such as tex, Nm, Ne, denier, etc.
Maintain work standards: Maintaining standards of work in order to improve and acquire new skills and work methods.
Distinguish fabrics: Distinguish fabrics in order to determine differences among them. Evaluate fabrics based on their characteristics and their application in wearing apparel manufacturing.
Conduct textile testing operations: Prepare for textile testing and evaluation, gathering the test samples, conducting and recording tests, validating data and presenting results.
Evaluate textile characteristics: Evaluate textiles and their properties in order to manufacture products in conformity with specifications.
Check quality of products in textile production line: Check characteristics of textile products like yarns, woven, knitted, braided, tufted or nonwoven textiles, finished cloths, ready-make-garments and determine the product quality along different stages of the textiles or clothing production line.
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of textile chemical quality technician. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Dyeing technology: Processes involved in textile dyeing using different dyeing technologies. Also, addition of colours to textile materials using dye stuffs.
Textile finishing technology: Processes used for changing the properties of textile materials. This includes operating, monitoring and maintaining textile finishing machines.
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of textile chemical quality technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Test physical properties of textiles: Evaluating the physical properties of textiles by using testing methods, normally in accordance with a standard; it includes fibre identification and trouble shooting.
