Industrial Mechanic for Manufacturing

Cathay Home Inc.; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cathay Home Inc. in Dallas, TX, is seeking an Industrial Mechanic to ensure peak operational efficiency of automated pillow production lines. You will analyze machine performance, reduce downtime, and implement mechanical modifications to optimize production of foam, fiber-fill, down, and ergonomic pillows.

Responsibilities include preventative and corrective maintenance, process optimization, PLC troubleshooting, equipment upgrades, CMMS documentation, and strict OSHA safety compliance.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience as an industrial machinery mechanic or maintenance technician in a high-volume setting.
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of pneumatic systems, gearboxes and automated sewing/ cutting tools.
• Ability to weld and fabricate replacement parts for machine modifications; PLC troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Preventative and corrective maintenance on pillow production equipment (fiber carding, blowing, sewing lines, foam tools, conveyors).
• Collaborate to study cycle times, remove bottlenecks, and improve throughput with layout or component changes.
• Read manuals and PLC/Hydraulic schematics to diagnose failures; perform troubleshooting.
• Install and commission new machinery with alignment tools and brackets; document actions and downtime in CMMS.
• Ensure OSHA compliance, maintain safety interlocks, LOTO procedures, and proper protective equipment usage.

Skills

Industrial maintenance

Pneumatic systems

Electrical troubleshooting

Welding & fabrication

PLC troubleshooting

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Technical Associate/Journeyman certification

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

MIG/TIG welding

Job description

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off

The Industrial Mechanic is responsible for ensuring the peak operational efficiency, safety, and reliability of all automated and semi-automated machinery within our pillow manufacturing facility. This role goes beyond standard repairs; you will actively analyze machine performance, reduce downtime, and implement mechanical engineering modifications to optimize the production of foam, fiber-fill, down, and ergonomic pillows.

Responsibilities

• Preventative & Corrective Maintenance: Perform routine inspections, calibrations, and emergency repairs on specialized pillow production equipment including high-speed fiber carding machines, blowing systems, automated stitching/sewing lines, foam slitters, compression packaging units, and conveyor systems.
• Process Optimization: Collaborate with Industrial Engineers to study machine cycle times, identify mechanical bottlenecks, and modify machinery layouts or component designs to improve throughput and eliminate material waste.
• Troubleshooting & Diagnostics: Read and interpret technical manuals, pneumatic/hydraulic schematics, blueprints, and basic Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) readouts to diagnose complex mechanical and electrical failures.
• Equipment Upgrades: Install, align, and commission new manufacturing machinery using precision rigging equipment, laser alignment tools, and custom-welded brackets or modifications.
• Data & Documentation: Document all maintenance actions, parts usage, and machinery downtime within the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to help track asset reliability trends.
• Safety & Quality Assurance: Ensure all machinery functions strictly comply with OSHA safety standards, specifically maintaining light curtains, emergency stops, and proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols to prevent workplace injuries.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of experience as an industrial machinery mechanic or maintenance technician, preferably within a textile, non-woven fiber, or high-volume consumer goods packaging plant.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required. A Technical Associate’s Degree, Journeyman card, or certification in Industrial Maintenance Technology/Mechanical Engineering Tech is highly preferred.
• Mechanical & Pneumatic Expertise: Advanced knowledge of pneumatic cylinders, vacuum-fill systems, high-speed automated sewing mechanisms, heavy-duty gearboxes, and automated cutting tools.
• Fabrication Skills: Proficiency in welding (MIG/TIG) and machining to fabricate custom replacement parts or modify existing machine frames for process improvements.
• Automation Familiarity: Basic understanding of automated sensors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and PLC troubleshooting (e.g., Allen-Bradley or Siemens).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. independently.
• Comfortable working in an environment with high levels of airborne fibers and noise (protective equipment provided).
• Capable of standing, bending, crawling, and climbing ladders for extended periods.