Textile Engineering: A Stable Career Option

Textile Engineering: A Stable Career Option

Textile engineering is the science behind production of textile products. As a result, textile industry has become one of the booming industries in the domestic as well as international market.

What is textile engineering?

The technology which deals with production of textile fabrics, yarns, colors of fabrics, the process, and the equipments is known textile engineering. It comprises of the laws, principles, and scientific techniques used for manufacturing of textile fabrics. It also focuses on design of the fabric and analysis of polymers involved in the formation of textiles. In India, there are over 1000 textile mills and textile industry is making a significant contribution in the growth of Indian economy. There are a number of Engineering Colleges in India where one can study textile engineering and be a part of the booming industry.

To pursue a career in textile engineering

To pursue a career in textile engineering, one needs to acquire a B.Tech degree in textile engineering. It is a 4 years program and the admission process may vary depending on the institute.

Direct admission: Some institutes follow direct admission process where candidates are required to pass 10+2 exams with 50% aggregate in core science subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

Merit based admission: Others follow merit based admission process where candidates need to appear for Entrance Exam in India for which the eligibility is 10+2 with 50% aggregate in science subjects. Marks obtained in board exams as well as entrance exams are taken into consideration in merit based admission.

Apart from the undergraduate course, candidates can pursue polytechnic diploma course, post graduate course or M.Tech after completing B.Tech, and PhD after completing PG degree.

Topics covered in textile engineering

The core subjects that come within textile engineering Courses in India include 1. Fabric formation 2. Textile chemical processing 3. Computer applications in textile 4. Textile testing 5. Yarn manufacturing 6. Knitting and knit CAD 7. Weaving and weave CAD 8. Design and structure of fabric 9. Coloration technology 10. Quality assurance 11. Textile mill management

Job profiles for textile engineers

Candidates having a degree in textile engineering are hired to fill the following positions.

a. Quality control engineer: They are responsible for design, development, and implementation of best quality practices. They are supposed to maintain, monitor, and ensure highest quality in terms of textile products.

b. Production engineer: They work in the sphere of manufacturing administering the production of textiles at factories. Their main job is to make sure that high quality products are manufactured efficiently using latest technology.

c. Process control engineer: A manufacturing facility goes through many processes and process control engineers oversee that they happen according to plan. The goal of a process control engineer is to make the industrial production process efficient and standardized.

d. CAD specialist: The job responsibilities of a CAD specialist include use of specialist software and computer-aided design (CAD) programs to develop a range of designs. They also make sketches, designs, and samples for presentation to potential customers.

e. Plant supervisor: The job responsibilities of a plant supervisor involve monitoring and coordinating plant operations. They supervise the work activities of subordinates and oversee the completion of projects by planning and coordinating manpower and equipment. They address maintenance and security requirements.

f. Product designer: Product designers in textile industry make use of various types of clothes and fabrics and create something artistic. They make use of color and pattern according to their perspective and are privileged to have unlimited tools to turn their imagination into reality.

g. Research and development professional: The research and development professionals are responsible for research, planning, and implementing new programs and protocols. They are entirely responsible for overseeing the development process of new products and programs from initial planning phase till production.

h. Medical textile engineer: The medical industry is also dependent on textiles. Textile is used in artificial arteries, filters for kidney dialysis machines, and bandages etc. Medical textile engineers make a significant contribution in the design and development of all such products.

i. Marketing professional: This being a very important section, the textile engineers makes the right strategies to promote the products.

j. Mill management: Plays a crucial role in a textile mill for continuous smooth running and further development. They need to foresee all activities in a textile mill ranging from planning to delivery.

Job opportunities in textile engineering

Government sector In the government sector, the Ministry of Textile is a prime recruiter offering lab based jobs, production based jobs, marketing and merchandising jobs, quality control jobs etc. Textile engineering graduates are also recruited by state wise textile corporations. However, one needs to get through examinations like UPSC or PSC to get a job in the government sector.

Private sector Talking about the private sector, textile engineering graduates are recruited in garment manufacturing units, textile mills, raw material agencies, synthetic material agencies, textile marketing, and merchandising firms. In the private sector, textile engineers also have opportunities in areas like product design and development, production, process control, quality control, research and development in top textile plants and companies. Besides being employed, textile engineers can look forward to their own entrepreneurial ventures.

Scope of textile engineering Considering the demand for fashionable garments, textile engineers need to be creative, be updated with current trends, and do a lot of research to work in compliance. After completing the course, students need to apply their scientific knowledge and creativity to deliver the desired output. The scope of textile engineering is immense in India and foreign countries because of the increasing demand of stylish attire.

End Note: Textile engineering is a stable career option as the demand for textile is never going to fade out. However, taking admissions in the leading institutes is the key to studying this subject.