OIN THE SOCAL PPE TEAM
Industrial Sewer / Firefighter PPE Repair Specialist
Build a skilled career doing work that protects firefighters.
Location: 2146 Main Street, San Diego, CA 92113
Pay range: $19.00-$22.00 per hour
Internal title: Sewing/Repair Specialist
About the role
SoCal PPE is hiring an Industrial Sewer / Firefighter PPE Repair Specialist to join our San Diego team. We clean, inspect, test, repair, document, and return structural and proximity firefighting protective clothing and equipment to fire departments and other public-safety customers.
This position plays a critical role in repairing and assembling textile components using industrial sewing equipment, different fabrics, and protective materials. Precision and consistency are essential because every repair must meet established quality standards, manufacturer instructions, and work-order specifications. This is more than a production sewing job: you will learn specialized methods and documentation practices used to care for firefighter protective gear.
What you will do
- Operate industrial and commercial sewing and garment-repair equipment.
- Review repair instructions and assess damaged firefighter protective clothing.
- Complete approved repairs using the correct materials, patterns, seam construction, and procedures.
- Position and manipulate large garments and materials while safely performing repetitive bending, twisting, and manual-handling tasks.
- Use basic tools, including scissors and calculators, to measure, cut, and verify material requirements.
- Read and interpret basic English work instructions, patterns, safety information, and work orders.
- Record the damage found, repair performed, materials used, and other required work-order information.
- Help inspect repaired items, route required post-repair testing, and maintain sewing equipment and an organized work area.
- Work across inspection, cleaning, quality, shipping, and operations to complete orders accurately and on time. Occasional overtime or schedule flexibility may be required.
Minimum qualifications
- Experience operating sewing machines in a manufacturing, garment, or textile environment.
- Ability to safely perform repetitive physical tasks, including bending, twisting, and handling large garments and materials.
- Basic English reading skills sufficient to understand work instructions, work orders, and safety guidelines.
- Ability to use basic tools such as scissors and calculators.
- Reliable transportation to and from the San Diego work location.
- Ability to learn specialized firefighter PPE repair requirements, manufacturer instructions, and SoCal PPE quality procedures.
- Ability to document work accurately, work effectively as part of a team, and complete a practical sewing demonstration during the hiring process.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience working with different textiles, garment fabrics, or protective materials.
- Familiarity with industrial sewing-equipment maintenance and basic troubleshooting.
- Basic knowledge of garment construction or textile-manufacturing processes.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
- High school diploma or GED.
Experience with firefighter turnout gear is helpful but not required. Training will be provided to the right candidate. Spanish-English bilingual ability is welcome but not required.
Opportunity to grow
As you demonstrate quality, reliability, leadership, and mastery of our processes, you may have opportunities to cross-train in advanced inspection, final quality assurance, production coordination, and employee training. Potential paths include Lead Sewing/Repair Specialist, Production Lead or Supervisor, and future operations or quality-management responsibilities. Advancement is based on demonstrated competency, performance, business needs, and available openings.
Why join SoCal PPE
- Purpose-driven work supporting firefighters and public-safety professionals.
- Specialized training in a skilled and important field.
- A quality-focused team environment where accuracy and accountability matter.
- Opportunities to expand your skills and prepare for leadership responsibility at a San Diego location convenient to South Bay and border-area communities.
Bring your sewing skills to work that matters.
SoCal PPE is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications and business needs.
Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
Language:
Ability to Commute:
- San Diego, CA 92113 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
