Manufacturing Machine Operator I

Peckham•Lansing, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Machine Operator I operates manufacturing equipment to support fabric spreading and cutting, or cut component and dye-cut production. Depending on business needs, the employee may work in one primary area or be cross-trained to support both. The role includes operating machines, handling and inspecting materials, documenting work, and following quality and safety standards. Operators help ensure accurate cutting and component preparation, report material usage, meet productivity and quality targets, and maintain a clean and safe work area. In Spreading and Cutting, the operator spreads fabric evenly, checks for defects and shade consistency, loads the correct markers, counts plies, sets machine parameters, moves fabric spreads, and operates cutting machines. The operator troubleshoots cutting issues, records fabric yardage, and supports ERP and Shop Floor entry tasks. In Cut Component and Dye Cut, the operator runs ink-stamping, Eagle Laser, and cutting equipment for items such as Velcro, elastic, webbing, zipper tape, hook-and-loop, and labels. The operator handles and labels components, monitors and cleans equipment, reports malfunctions, follows FIFO workflow, supports component release schedules, and helps maintain inventory accuracy and distribute materials to production. The position requires no prior experience; training is provided. Employees must be at least 18 and have basic reading, communication, and math skills, along with the ability to follow instructions, use basic computer tools, and identify defects or machine issues. The job involves regular standing, walking, reaching, and lifting, including lifting or moving up to 40 pounds regularly and up to 80 pounds occasionally. The work environment may include exposure to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles, with usually moderate noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
No prior experience is required; training is provided.
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 work in either Spreading/Cutting or Component Cutting, with potential for cross-training.
Strong communication skills, including asking questions and expressing concerns.
Ability to distinguish colors and use depth perception.
Regular standing, walking, reaching, and lifting; ability to lift or move up to 40 pounds regularly and up to 80 pounds occasionally.

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 fabric 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 and Shop Floor entry tasks.
Meet quality and utilization targets.
Operate ink-stamp equipment, Eagle Laser equipment, and cutting equipment for components such as Velcro, elastic, webbing, zipper tape, hook-and-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 and maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation.
Assist with training and cross-training employees when requested.
Perform other duties as assigned based on production needs.