Position Summary
The Knitting Mechanic is responsible for the setup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of knitting machines to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This position also serves as a technical resource by training machine operators and helping implement best practices to maximize productivity and minimize downtime.
Essential Responsibilities
- Set up knitting machines for new products, styles, and production runs.
- Adjust machine settings to meet product specifications and quality standards.
- Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and operational issues and perform repairs promptly.
- Perform preventative maintenance on knitting equipment.
- Troubleshoot machine problems to minimize downtime and improve production efficiency.
- Replace and adjust machine components including needles, cams, brushes, cylinders, feeders, and other wear items.
- Work with Production, Quality, and Engineering to improve machine performance and product quality.
- Develop standard machine setup procedures and documentation.
- Train new and existing operators on machine operation, setup, troubleshooting, safety, and quality expectations.
- Evaluate operator proficiency and provide ongoing coaching.
- Maintain maintenance logs and machine service records.
- Recommend equipment improvements and process enhancements.
- Ensure compliance with all company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
- Assist with installation and commissioning of new knitting equipment as needed.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational education preferred.
- 5+ years of experience maintaining and setting up industrial knitting machines.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with experience troubleshooting industrial manufacturing equipment.
- Ability to read mechanical drawings and equipment manuals.
- Experience training employees in a manufacturing environment.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced production environment.
- Basic computer skills for maintenance documentation and production reporting.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with flat knitting and/or circular knitting.
- Experience with electronic machine controls and PLC-based systems.
- A strong general understanding of knitting that would translate to all types of knitting machines.
- Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to bend, climb, kneel, and work around industrial machinery.
- Manual dexterity sufficient to perform precision mechanical adjustments.
- Ability to distinguish colors and identify small machine components.
Key Competencies
- Mechanical troubleshooting
- Preventative maintenance
- Machine setup and optimization
- Technical training and coaching
- Attention to detail
- Safety awareness
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Time management
- Quality focus
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Language:
Work Location: In person
