Sewing Machine Operator I

Job Title: Sewing Machine Operator
Location: South Haven, MI        
Shift: 3rd; 11pm-7am M-F

Job Summary:
Operate sewing machine to join, gather, hem, reinforce, or decorate articles by performing the following duties.

Sewing Machine Operator I – Entry Level
Responsibilities:

• Place spool of thread on spindle of machine and draw thread through machine guides, tension, and eye of needle.
• Insert bobbin into shuttle and draw thread through slot in shuttle wall, or draw thread through guide and looper eye.
• Press knee lever, depress pedal, or move hand lever to raise presser foot or spread feed cups.
• Position parts to be joined under presser foot and needle and lower presser foot.
• Start, stop, and control speed of machine with pedal or knee lever.
• Guide parts under needle following edges, seams, guides on machine bed or markings on part.
• Observe stitching to detect defects and notify supervisor or Sewing Machine Repairer when defects are caused by machine malfunction.
• Select sewing supplies such as binding, braid, cord, piping, tape, thread, welt, velcro or rope, according to specifications or color of material.
• Cut excess thread or material. Oil machine.
• Can read and understand work orders, sales orders, and drawings.
• Trained on 1 style of sewing machine

Sewing Machine Operator II – Skilled Level
Responsibilities:

• must meet all level 1 requirements
• Trained on 2 styles of sewing machine

Sewing Machine Operator III – Advanced Level
Responsibilities:

• Must meet all level 1 requirements
• Must meet all level 2 requirements
• Trained on all types of sewing machines
• Helps with special sewing projects
• Works closely with engineering for sewing specs.
• Comfortable giving direction and or leading Peers.
• Shows interest in learning additional skills.
• Shows good decision-making skills without supervision.
• Great people skills

Sewing Machine Operator – Lead Position
Responsibilities:

• Must meet all level 1 requirements
• Must meet all level 2 requirements
• Must meet all level 3 requirements
• Exhibits strong potential for advancement into a leadership role within the company. Possesses at least 4 of the below skills and has the ability to be trained/coached in further leadership skills. Skill set includes:
  • Clear and Direct Communication: They consistently communicate instructions and information effectively, ensuring team clarity.
  • Active Listening: They demonstrate openness to feedback and make efforts to incorporate suggestions, fostering continuous improvement.
  • Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: They think quickly and critically to resolve unexpected issues and make sound decisions under pressure.
  • Technical Expertise: They possess a solid understanding of the manufacturing processes within their department, enabling them to provide informed guidance.
  • Team Trust and Influence: They have built trust among their peers, which is essential for motivating and leading teams. 
  • Proactive Time Management: They manage their tasks efficiently and take initiative by seeking additional work when their responsibilities are complete.
  • Safety Awareness: They consistently prioritize and promote a safe working environment.
  • Quality Focus: They ensure that standards are consistently met, maintaining high product and process quality.
  • Ability and willingness to cross train department employees and new employees.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attendance and dependability by consistently reporting to work on time and completing assigned tasks accurately. They must be able to maintain a clean and organized work environment, follow all company policies and procedures, and apply a high level of attention to detail and focus. The ability to work collaboratively with team members to support productivity and operational efficiency is also essential.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES

Must be able to pass forklift certification test and drive a forklift.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands 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 is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
• The employee is occasionally required to sit. 
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; and vibration. 

SAFETY

Follow all safety directives and protocols at all times and help identify potential hazards or violations that should be addressed to ensure personnel and facility safety are maintained. 

QUALITY

Along with every other member of our team, always be cognizant of overall performance in every aspect of our business and help maintain a constant focus on quality assurance and continuous quality improvement. 

Other Duties as Assigned:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Shur-Co LLC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.