1st Shift Machine Operator - Textiles

Fenner PLC; Manheim, Northern (PA, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Fenner Precision Polymers in Manheim, PA is seeking a skilled Textile Equipment Technician to set up and run weaving machines, enter loom parameters, and perform basic PLC-assisted troubleshooting. You will identify yarns, manage material patterns, and support slitting processes while maintaining safety and quality on a fast-paced production floor.

This role requires hands-on experience with textile equipment, familiarity with measurement tools (micrometers, calipers), and a proactive approach

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent experience.
• Basic Electrical I within 6 months of obtaining position; Electrical II within 1 year.
• PLC training is required after 1 year of obtaining position.
• Hydraulic or pneumatic training will be required as needed.
• Textile equipment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up and run machines with assistance to include load patterns and processing settings.
• Enter and set up looms.
• Identify correct yarn for each job.
• Assist with slitting processes.
• DSI Entries as needed.
• Submit First Article Inspection to QA.
• Cross training with QA department.
• Work in a team setting and report production problems to team lead or supervisor.
• Maintain and promote Fenner Precision Polymers Values and Behaviors at all times.
• Ability to adjust looms to change material width.
• Ability to design and set up new material patterns for textile equipment.
• Expertise to rebuild the Dolby (Brains of the textile equipment).
• Proven experience in extensive trouble shooting that goes beyond normal maintenance.

Skills

Machine setup

Loom setup

Weaving knowledge

Troubleshooting

QA collaboration

Material handling

Education

High school diploma or GED

Basic Electrical I

Electrical II

PLC basics

Hydraulic or pneumatic training

Job description

The schedule for this position is Monday - Friday; 6:00am - 2:00pm.

Basic Scope/Purpose:

(The job’s primary purpose or contribution to the department or organization.)

Principal Accountabilities:

(The job’s essential or most important functions and responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Set up and run machines with assistance to include load pattern and processing settings
• Enter and set up looms
• Knowledge of terminology for weaving and equipment
• Can start and stop machines
• Can tie knots and run knotting machine
• Can identify correct yarn for each job
• Assist with slitting processes
• DSI Entries as needed
• Submit First Article Inspection to QA
• Cross training with QA department
• Work in a team setting and report any production problems to team lead or supervisor
• Maintain and Promote Fenner Precision Polymers Values and Behaviors at all times.

• Recommend PM frequency and activities where appropriate.
• Use root cause analysis to determine what changes can be incorporated to prevent a problem from recurring.
• Pursue initiatives to improve productivity, yield and safety.
• Follow proper lockout/tag out procedures when repairing or replacing equipment.
• Complete all jobs in a timely manner to minimize machine downtime.
• Apply the proper mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic troubleshooting techniques to solve a problem, including the use of a PLC where applicable.
• Evaluate the need for spare parts and recommend purchase or manufacture of said parts as required.
• Operate material handling equipment such as tow motors, hand trucks, cranes, etc.
• Investigate alternate hardware or components to increase time between failures.
• Install design improvements generated jointly with the Manufacturing Engineering Team.
• Complete PM forms in detail within the specified service window.
• Coordinate PM activities and corresponding follow-up activities with the Team Leaders.
• Solicit feedback from production associates on machine changes and new processes.
• Report and address unsafe situations on the production floor to your supervisor.
• Install tools and set up machines to proper specifications.
• Examine and measure molded sleeves and finished belts for adherence to surface and dimensional specifications, using gauges such as micrometers, calipers, and drop gauges.
• Adjust process to meet specifications, improve productivity, yields & quality.
• Confer with Quality Assurance personnel to gain approval for a properly completed setup.
• Solve production processing problems and recommend ways to improve productivity.
• Maintain and Promote Fenner Precision Polymers Values and Behaviors at all times.
• Ability to adjust looms to change the material width.
• Ability to design and set up new material patterns for textile equipment.
• Expertise to rebuild the Dolby (Brains of the textile equipment).
• Proven experience in extensive trouble shooting that goes beyond normal maintenance.
• Has additional technical experience (Education) working in textiles
• Can set machines up to weave upside down.
• Maintain and Promote Fenner Precision Polymers Values and Behaviors at all times.

Career Progression Opportunities:

(example: junior or senior levels)

Education and/or Relative Experience:

(The level of education and/or experience needed to successfully accomplish the essential duties of this job.)

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Training in basic Electrical I is required within 6 months of obtaining position. Electrical II is required within 1 year of obtaining position.
• Basic PLC training is required after 1 year of obtaining position.
• Training in hydraulic or pneumatic will be required as needed.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

(The licenses, certificates or registrations that are required to perform the essential duties of this job.

Environmental, Health & Safety Accountabilities:

(The level of safety accountability needed to successfully accomplish the essential duties of this job.)

• Learn and follow EHS policies, rules and work instructions
• Attend required EHS training
• Wear the required PPE at all times
• Take personal responsibility for keeping yourself and your co-workers and visitors free from injury by participating in and/or conducting risk assessments, work place inspections, corrective actions and safety observations
• Report incidents, near miss, unsafe conditions, unsafe acts and other hazards in the work place. STOP WORK when imminent danger is present
• Maintain work area in a neat and orderly fashion and keep equipment in proper working condition.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.