Engineer - Innovation

Based at Noyon Lanka, Biyagama

We are seeking a highly innovative and technically driven individual to lead research, experimentation, and product development initiatives focused on knitting, fabrics, and lace innovations. The role is responsible for converting innovative ideas into technically viable, cost-effective, and production-ready solutions while collaborating with internal teams, customers, suppliers, and external partners to drive new product development and commercialization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and innovation activities related to knitting technologies, fabrics, materials, and manufacturing processes to identify and develop new product opportunities.
• Lead and guide experimentation activities related to product innovation and newness identified through interactions with designers, customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate development activities and conduct trials to create Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that are technically feasible, production-ready, and commercially viable.
• Analyze development and trial results to evaluate product performance, manufacturability, quality, and cost effectiveness.
• Develop technical specifications, style files, and technical documentation required for product development and production commencement.
• Maintain project records, development databases, technical documentation, validation reports, and historical samples for future reference.
• Prepare and manage development request sheets, development sign-offs, and technical review meetings.
• Coordinate resources including machinery, raw materials, and technical teams to ensure timely execution of experiments, trials, testing, and validations.
• Assist in obtaining technical validations, approvals, and pilot appraisals for new developments before commercialization.
• Present development outcomes, innovation concepts, and business cases to management and relevant stakeholders to support commercialization decisions.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Commercial, Product Development, and Technical teams to ensure successful implementation of new products.
• Support continuous improvement, innovation, and new product introduction (NPI) initiatives while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and standards.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, preferably in Textile Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 2–3 years of experience in Innovation, Product Development, Research & Development, Manufacturing, or a related technical environment.
• Strong knowledge of product development, experimentation, validation, and commercialization processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple innovation projects and meet development timelines.
• Knowledge of textile, fabric, knitting, lace, or manufacturing technologies will be a distinct advantage.
• Proficiency in data analysis, technical reporting, and documentation.
• Innovative mindset with a passion for research, emerging technologies, and continuous improvement.