Industrial Mechanic - Pillow Manufacturer

Cathay Home Inc•Lancaster, SC

1d•$26 - $41

About The Position

The Industrial Mechanic ensures the operational efficiency, safety, and reliability of automated and semi-automated machinery in a pillow manufacturing facility. The role includes analyzing equipment performance, reducing downtime, and implementing mechanical modifications to optimize production of foam, fiber-fill, down, and ergonomic pillows. The mechanic maintains and repairs specialized production equipment, supports process optimization with Industrial Engineers, diagnoses mechanical and electrical failures, and installs or upgrades machinery. The position also requires maintaining maintenance records in the CMMS and ensuring machinery complies with OSHA safety standards and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols.

Requirements

At least 3–5 years of experience as an industrial machinery mechanic or maintenance technician.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Advanced knowledge of pneumatic cylinders, vacuum-fill systems, high-speed automated sewing mechanisms, heavy-duty gearboxes, and automated cutting tools.
Proficiency in MIG/TIG welding and machining to fabricate replacement parts or modify machine frames.
Basic understanding of automated sensors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and PLC troubleshooting, such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens systems.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently.
Comfort working in an environment with high levels of airborne fibers and noise; protective equipment is provided.
Ability to stand, bend, crawl, and climb ladders for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a textile, non-woven fiber, or high-volume consumer goods packaging plant.
Technical associate degree, journeyman card, or certification in Industrial Maintenance Technology or Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Responsibilities

Perform routine inspections, calibrations, and emergency repairs on pillow production equipment, including fiber carding machines, blowing systems, automated stitching and sewing lines, foam slitters, compression packaging units, and conveyor systems.
Collaborate with Industrial Engineers to study machine cycle times, identify mechanical bottlenecks, and modify machinery layouts or component designs to improve throughput and reduce material waste.
Read and interpret technical manuals, pneumatic and hydraulic schematics, blueprints, and basic PLC readouts to diagnose mechanical and electrical failures.
Install, align, and commission manufacturing machinery using precision rigging equipment and laser alignment tools, and make custom-welded brackets or other modifications.
Document maintenance actions, parts usage, and machinery downtime in the CMMS to track asset reliability trends.
Ensure machinery complies with OSHA safety standards, including maintaining light curtains and emergency stops and following LOTO protocols.