Sewing Machine Operator I

SHUR-CO LLC•Rootstown Township, OH

About The Position

The Sewing Machine Operator I operates a sewing machine to join, gather, hem, reinforce, or decorate articles. This is an entry-level role trained on one style of sewing machine. The operator prepares thread and bobbins, positions materials, controls the machine, guides parts during stitching, checks for defects, and reports machine-related problems. The role also involves selecting sewing supplies to match specifications or material color, trimming excess thread or material, and oiling the machine. Employees must be able to read and understand work orders, sales orders, and drawings. The employee is expected to be dependable, punctual, attentive to detail, accurate in completing assigned tasks, and able to maintain a clean and organized work area. The role requires following company policies, procedures, and safety protocols, supporting quality assurance and continuous improvement, and working collaboratively to maintain productivity and operational efficiency. Other related duties may be assigned as organizational needs require. The job is located in Rootstown, Ohio, and is listed as a day-shift position. It involves regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions, high or precarious places, and vibration. Physical activities include standing, walking, handling materials, reaching, talking or hearing, climbing or balancing, and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The employee must frequently lift or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally more than 50 pounds.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or one to three months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to use common-sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions.
Must be able to pass a forklift certification test and drive a forklift.
Strong attendance, dependability, and punctuality; ability to complete assigned tasks accurately.
Ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment and follow company policies and procedures.
Attention to detail and focus, and ability to collaborate with team members.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequently lifting or moving up to 30 pounds and occasionally more than 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Place thread on the machine spindle and route it through machine guides, tension, and the needle eye.
Insert the bobbin into the shuttle and route the thread through the shuttle slot or through the guide and looper eye.
Raise the presser foot or spread feed cups using the knee lever, pedal, or hand lever.
Position parts under the presser foot and needle, then lower the presser foot.
Start, stop, and control machine speed with the pedal or knee lever.
Guide parts under the needle by following edges, seams, machine-bed guides, or markings.
Observe stitching for defects and notify a supervisor or Sewing Machine Repairer when defects result from machine malfunction.
Select sewing supplies such as binding, braid, cord, piping, tape, thread, welt, Velcro, or rope according to specifications or material color.
Cut excess thread or material and oil the machine.
Read and understand work orders, sales orders, and drawings.
Follow safety directives and protocols and help identify hazards or violations.
Help maintain quality assurance and continuous quality improvement.
Perform other related duties as needed.