Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Milliken Loom Technical Instructor is responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering technical training programs for associates operating and maintaining Milliken weaving looms. This position ensures employees possess the technical knowledge, operational skills, and safety awareness necessary to achieve production, quality, and efficiency goals. The instructor serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for loom operations, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and best weaving practices.
DUTIES
- Develop and deliver classroom and hands-on training for new hires and existing associates on Milliken loom operation and maintenance.
- Create, update, and maintain training materials, work instructions, visual aids, and technical documents.
- Evaluate trainee performance and certify employees on loom operation, troubleshooting, and safety procedures.
- Provide coaching and mentorship to all technicians, operators, and maintenance personnel.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying skill gaps and implementing corrective training programs.
- Demonstrate proper setup, adjustment, and operation of Milliken looms to optimize efficiency and fabric quality.
- Train employees on troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and weaving process issues.
- Monitor training effectiveness through assessments, audits, and production performance metrics.
- Ensure compliance with company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and established operating procedures.
- Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams to develop workforce capabilities.
- Assist with onboarding and cross-training initiatives to build operational flexibility within the department.
- Maintain accurate training records and employee qualification documentation.
- Stay current with technological advances, equipment upgrades, and manufacturing best practices related to weaving operations.
- Randomly inspect all looms with focus on high stop machines
- Serve as a member of Safety Steering Committee
- Must be willing to act as a set technician, when necessary, as directed by management.
- Serve as Plant’s OJT for Hoist Operations and Lock-out / Tag-Out.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Industrial Technology, Textile Technology, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting weaving looms or similar textile equipment.
- Must be willing to travel for company mandated off-site training.
- Demonstrated knowledge of weaving processes, fabric construction, yarn characteristics, and loom mechanics.
- Strong understanding of safety standards and manufacturing best practices.
- Experience training, mentoring, or leading technical employees preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic training systems.
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Loom setup, operation, and optimization
- Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting
- Preventive and predictive maintenance practices
- Weaving quality standards and defect analysis
- Root cause analysis and problem solving
- Production performance monitoring
- Technical documentation development
- Adult learning and instructional techniques
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to climb stairs, bend, stoop, and reach as required.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to work in a noisy industrial environment while using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Work is performed primarily on the production floor, near moving machinery and ongoing process lines.
- Noise levels vary; hearing protection may be required.
- Exposure to fibers, lint, dust, and particulates typical of textile operations.
- Exposure to heat from extrusion zones and fluctuating seasonal temperatures.
- Work may involve tight/confined areas, ladder use, and navigating around machinery.
- Required use of PPE: safety glasses, safety shoes, gloves, hearing protection, and other items per task area.
OTHER DUTIES
- This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties. Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on business needs.
Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
To request a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact [email protected].
