Experienced Sewing Machine Operator

Leggett & Platt•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The Sewing Machine Operator is responsible for production, quality, and safety standards related to sewing and assembling fabric and leather covers. The role involves sewing fabric, leather, and vinyl covers for chairs, sofas, and other furniture, matching cut material pieces, and using appropriate stitches to produce high-quality covers. The operator follows written and verbal instructions, interprets specifications, patterns, and job orders, and works with team members to meet production schedules. The position also includes maintaining time and production records, inspecting materials, completing paperwork and cycle counts, keeping the work area clean and organized, and ensuring preventive maintenance is performed as required. The operator must follow quality verification procedures, understand how to handle non-conforming product, comply with safety standards, and report unsafe conditions and quality concerns. Further training and personal advancement are encouraged. The work is performed near moving mechanical parts, and the noise level is usually loud. Physical demands include regular standing, hand use, and reaching; occasional walking and bending or crouching movements; and lifting up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Requirements

Ability to operate single-stitch, double-stitch, and serge sewing machines.
Ability to thread a sewing machine and make simple adjustments.
At least 6 months of experience with industrial sewing machines.
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 interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and product information books.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including regular standing, handling or feeling objects, tools, or controls, reaching, and lifting up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Responsibilities

Sew fabric, leather, and vinyl covers for chairs, sofas, and other furniture.
Match cut material pieces and sew them with the appropriate stitch to produce high-quality covers.
Follow written instructions and verbal instructions from the lead sewer.
Meet production schedules and coordinate with team members to do so.
Interpret specifications, patterns, and job orders.
Maintain time and production records.
Inspect production materials.
Pursue further training opportunities for personal advancement.
Follow specified quality verification procedures and produce quality parts.
Understand and follow the non-conforming product procedure.
Follow safety standards and report unsafe acts or conditions.
Maintain cleanliness and organization in the work area.
Complete required paperwork and ensure cycle counts are completed accurately.
Ensure preventive maintenance is performed as required.
Communicate quality concerns and issues to the supervisor, engineering, and materials teams.