Manufacturing Machine Operator I

Peckham, Inc.•Lansing, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Machine Operator I operates manufacturing equipment to support fabric spreading and cutting or cut component/dye cut production. Depending on business needs, the operator may work primarily in one area or be cross-trained to support both. The role includes machine operation, material handling, inspection, documentation, accurate cutting and component preparation, material usage reporting, and compliance with quality and safety standards. Operators maintain productivity and contribute to a clean and safe work environment. In spreading and cutting, the operator spreads fabric evenly, checks for defects and shade consistency, loads the correct markers, verifies ply counts and fabric layering, sets machine parameters, moves spreads to the cutting area, and cuts patterns. The operator troubleshoots cutting issues, records fabric yardage, supports ERP/Shop Floor entries, and works toward quality and utilization targets. In component/dye cut production, the operator uses ink stamp, Eagle Laser, and cutting equipment for components such as Velcro, elastic, webbing, zipper tape, hook/loop, and labels. The operator loads and unloads components, separates sizes and colors, maintains accurate labeling, monitors and cleans equipment, reports malfunctions, follows FIFO workflow, supports component release schedules, maintains inventory accuracy, and assists with distribution to production. The operator is expected to maintain attendance, communicate and work professionally with others, participate in safety and ergonomic programs, keep the workstation organized, and assist with training or cross-training when requested. Other duties may be assigned based on production needs. No prior experience is required; training is provided. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older.
Basic reading, communication, and math skills.
Ability to follow written, verbal, or diagram instructions.
Basic computer skills and detail-oriented work habits.
Ability to identify defects, errors, and machine issues.
Willingness to perform spreading/cutting or component cutting, with potential cross-training.
Ability to stand, walk, reach, and regularly lift or move up to 40 pounds, with occasional lifting or moving up to 80 pounds.
Ability to distinguish colors; depth perception is required.
No prior experience is required; training is provided.

Responsibilities

Operate spreading machines to lay fabric evenly and inspect it for defects.
Load the correct markers before initiating cuts.
Verify shade consistency, count plies, and ensure accurate fabric layering.
Set machine parameters and markers according to pattern requirements.
Move spreads to the cutting area and operate cutting machines to cut patterns.
Troubleshoot cutting issues and adjust machine settings as needed.
Record fabric yardage and support ERP/Shop Floor entry tasks.
Meet quality and utilization targets.
Operate ink stamp, Eagle Laser, and cutting equipment for components such as Velcro, elastic, webbing, zipper tape, hook/loop, and labels.
Load and unload components, separate sizes and colors, and maintain labeling accuracy.
Monitor and clean equipment and report malfunctions.
Follow FIFO workflow and support component release schedules.
Maintain component inventory accuracy and assist with distribution to production.
Maintain attendance, communication, professionalism, and teamwork.
Participate in safety and ergonomic programs.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation.
Assist with employee training and cross-training when requested.
Perform other duties as assigned based on production needs.