Machine Operator

MAIN JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/ DUTIES

· Safely operate tufting machines in accordance with company procedures, production specifications, and established operating standards.

· Start, stop, and monitor tufting equipment as required.

· Load and thread yarn according to the specified pattern, construction, color, and production requirements.

· Load backing material and ensure it is properly aligned and feeding through the machine.

· Monitor machine operation continuously during the production run.

· Maintain appropriate machine speed, yarn tension, stitch rate, gauge, and other operating parameters as applicable to the equipment and product.

· Make routine adjustments to machine settings to maintain product consistency.

· Monitor yarn feed, backing feed, needles, loopers, knives, cutters, and other machine components for proper operation.

· Watch for broken yarns, missed stitches, pattern variations, backing issues, and other abnormalities.

· Stop the machine when necessary to correct conditions that could result in defective product or equipment damage.

· Perform basic troubleshooting and adjustments within the operator's level of training and authorization.

· Notify the supervisor and/or maintenance department of mechanical problems that cannot be safely corrected by the operator.

· Assist with machine changeovers, pattern changes, yarn changes, and other production transitions.

· Maintain proper machine housekeeping throughout the shift.

· Inspect tufted material continuously throughout the production process.

· Identify defects such as missing stitches, yarn breaks, improper pile height, pattern irregularities, color variation, backing problems, skips, pulls, contamination, and other quality issues.

· Compare production against samples, specifications, work orders, or other quality standards.

· Make appropriate machine adjustments to correct minor quality problems.

· Stop production and notify supervision when significant or recurring quality issues are identified.

· Separate, identify, and handle defective material according to company procedures.

· Prevent defective material from continuing through the production process.

· Perform required quality checks at designated intervals.

· Record quality issues accurately and communicate recurring defects to supervision.

· Assist with investigating the source of quality problems when requested.

· Maintain awareness of how machine settings, yarn condition, backing, speed, and other factors can affect finished-product quality.

· Maintain daily production records.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS/ SKILLS

· High School diploma or equivalent

· Excellent attendance is required

· Good computer skills. General AS400 Knowledge

· Strong communication skills

· Ability to safely operate industrial textile machinery.

· Basic mechanical aptitude.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Stand and walk for extended periods during the work shift.

· Frequently bend, stoop, reach, twist, kneel, or crouch.

· Frequently use hands and fingers for machine operation, material handling, inspection, and adjustments.

· Repeatedly reach above, below, and around machinery.

· Push and pull materials and equipment as required.

· Lift, carry, or move materials within the limits established by company safety procedures.

· Perform repetitive movements during portions of the production process.

· Maintain sufficient visual attention to monitor machine operation and inspect product.

· Distinguish differences in color, pattern, texture, and product appearance when required for quality inspection.

· Work around moving machinery and production equipment.

· Wear required PPE for the duration of the work period.

· Lifting: 50 pounds maximum lifted. Lowest point - Ground Level, Highest point – 4 ½ feet.