Company Overview
FPS Apparel is a B2B custom-decorated-apparel manufacturer in Chester, NY serving Fortune 1000 brands. Our in-house production combines dye-sublimation digital printing, vision-registered laser cutting, Gerber multi-ply cutting, and sewing.
Job Overview
The Cutting Operator owns the cutting room end-to-end: preparing the digital print/cut files that drive our FPS laser cutter and Gerber multi-ply cutting machines, then spreading, cutting, inspecting, and staging fabric for sewing. This is a hybrid hands-on + computer role — roughly half machine operation and fabric handling, half file preparation at a workstation. You work daily with the Digital Print Operator and Production Supervisor to keep printed fabric moving through cut and into sewing on schedule.
Responsibilities
Print & Cut File Preparation
- Create, edit, and verify print/cut files for the FPS laser cutter and Gerber multi-ply cutter from approved artwork and pattern files
- Nest/marker pieces for best material yield; adjust layouts for fabric width, shrinkage, pattern matching, and ply count
- Confirm cut paths register correctly to printed artwork (registration marks / vision system alignment) before releasing a job to the machine
- Maintain organized file naming, versioning, and job-folder structure so any operator can locate the correct production-ready file
- Flag artwork or pattern problems (missing cut lines, scaling, bleed, mirrored pieces) to the Digital Print Operator / Art team before fabric is cut
Cutting Operations
- Spread, inspect, and prepare fabric rolls to be cut on laser or multi-ply cutting machines according to customer specifications
- Cut fabric per cutting design requirements, adjusting machine parameters (speed, power, blade, vacuum, ply height) as needed
- Move cut fabric to the appropriate table to be stacked and bundled according to procedure
- Maintain a steady, consistent, and efficient workflow to meet deadlines
Quality, Maintenance & Communication
- Perform and communicate Quality Control on artwork, registration, and materials; quarantine and report defects before they reach sewing
- Perform preventive and regular maintenance on cutting heads, lenses, blades, and operating heads; notify supervisor of any concerns
- Communicate order status and needs-to-complete with the Digital Print Operator and Production Supervisor
- Keep the cutting area clean, organized, and safe
- Other related duties may be assigned
Qualifications
Required
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Computer proficiency with vector/graphics or CAD software — e.g. Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or a cutter CAD suite (Gerber AccuMark/CutWorks, Optitex, or similar) — and confident general file management
- Experience operating automated cutting equipment (laser, CNC, plotter/cutter, or multi-ply cutter) or demonstrable aptitude and willingness to be trained on our machines
- Basic math skills for precise measuring (fractions, decimals, unit conversion)
- Detail-oriented; able to work independently and self-check work
- Strong focus on safe work practices and adherence to all safety protocols
- Ability to maintain a clean working environment
- Able to stand for long periods and lift at least 40 lbs
- Willing to work overtime when required
Preferred
- Experience cutting textiles specifically (knits, wovens, sublimated fabric) including spreading and ply handling
- Experience with vision-registered cutting of printed material
- Nesting/marker-making experience for material yield optimization
- Background in apparel/sewn products, sign & graphics production, or commercial digital print
Physical Requirements & Schedule
- On-site in Chester, NY; standing, walking, reaching for the majority of shift
- Lift up to 40 lbs regularly; team-lift heavier rolls
- Full-time with overtime during peak production periods
Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
