Quality Tech Apprentice

About KENTWOOL:
Family owned and operated since 1843, KENTWOOL has earned a reputation as being a manufacturing pioneer. As an innovative textile leader based in South Carolina, KENTWOOL has developed a truly state-of-the-art wool-based yarn spinning operation that produces the highest quality yarns in the industry.

Scope of Position

Under the direction of the Quality Lead, the Apprentice will gain the appropriate skills required to independently sample and test all raw materials, work-in-process and finished products that are being manufactured on the production floor, ensuring the products conform to all company and customer specifications.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities of the Apprentice

Gain knowledge, skills and experience to independently:

· Sample and evaluate incoming raw materials to ensure the tops meet defined standards established when materials were procured and input all quality data into the Quality Management System.

· Follow written procedures and processes to complete all required testing for materials entering and processed in Drawing Department. Finisher drawing frames to be tested daily for quality issues. Roving frames to be tested once a week to ensure that all roving heads are producing good quality product. All drawing test data is to be evaluated for quality issues and the test results are to be input into the Quality Management System.

· Follow process for testing Spinning change-overs to determine if product is within established specifications needed for acceptable for start-up. If out of specification, determine root cause and re-run tests. All test data is to be entered into the Quality Management System.

· Perform daily checks by spinning frame on yarn being manufactured in Spinning Department to ensure materials remain within defined yarn count tolerances and quality standards. A quality test will be run on the UT4 for each spinning frame, change-over and started up for production. All test results will be reviewed to ensure there are no quality issues. All required documentation and results after completion is submitted for approval and input into the Quality Management System.

· Run required testing on steamed yarn and document results according to standard procedures. The steamed and conditioned spinning bobbins will be tested on the Tensorapid. The test data is evaluated to make sure the strength and elongation are within tolerance, and non-conformances are present. All test results are entered into the Quality Management System.

· Test samples on finished product from Winding. The count will be checked to ensure it is within the approved range of the customer specifications. A test of cones from winding on the UT4 and the Tensorapid will be conducted. A wax check is required if the finished product requires waxed yarn. A retain of the yarn is collected, and evaluated to the test and confirm the finished item is within defined specifications, completion of the required documentation and input of all test results into the Quality Management System.

· Test samples on the finished product from Twisting. Yarn count will be checked to ensure it is within the specified range of customer requirements, est finished cones from twisting on the UT4 and the Tensorapid, complete a wax check if the finished product requires waxed yarn. A retain of the yarn is collected, evaluated and the test data analyzed to ensure the finished product is within tolerances of the defined specification, all results are recorded on new lots started in Twisting Department, and all test results are entered into the Quality Management System.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

· High school diploma or GED recommended.

· 3-5 years textile manufacturing experience preferred.

· Requires basic computer skills for data entry.

· Strong attention to detail.

· Must be able to follow standard work instructions.

· Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, use percentages, fractions, and decimals. Also, must be able to convert results into standardized textile units of measure (lbs./inch, % elongation, etc.)

· Ability to read and interpret product specifications and compare/contrast test results of raw materials, WIP, or finished products to specifications to determine if acceptable or out-of-tolerance goods.

· Need to understand the concept of root cause analysis and how to conduct an investigation to determine variance to product specification.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

The physical requirements and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The employee may be required to: sit, stand, walk, push, pull, bend, stoop, finger grasp, lift, talk, hear or perform repetitive motions. The employee may be required to: lift 10 pounds repeatedly as needed over 8-10 hour period, push or pull a maximum 1200 pound wheel load, work around wood and dust, reach above shoulder level, grip, grasp, and twist hand and wrist regularly. The employee may be required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as viewing a computer screen or sorting raw material fibers.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $14.50 - $15.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 3 years

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Quality: 3 years (Preferred)
• textile: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $16