Industrial Mechanic - Pillow Manufacturer

Cathay Home Inc.; Lancaster (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid time off

Opportunity for advancement

Job summary

Cathay Home Inc. is seeking an Industrial Mechanic to maintain and optimize our pillow production line in Lancaster, SC. You will inspect, calibrate, and repair high-speed production equipment, and work to reduce downtime and improve throughput.

You will partner with engineers to analyze cycle times, install upgrades, and ensure all work complies with OSHA safety standards and LOTO protocols. A strong background in fabrication and automation is essential.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience as an industrial machinery mechanic or maintenance technician in textile/high-volume packaging.
• High School diploma required; technical associate degree or journeyman certification preferred.
• Strong fabrication, MIG/TIG welding skills, and mechanical/pneumatic knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Preventative and corrective maintenance on pillow production equipment (fiber carding, blowing, sewing lines, foam slitters, packaging, conveyors).
• Collaborate with Industrial Engineers to study cycle times and reduce bottlenecks.
• Read manuals, pneumatic/hydraulic schematics, blueprints, and PLC readouts to diagnose failures.
• Install, align, and commission new machinery with precision tools and welded brackets.
• Document maintenance actions, parts usage, and downtime in CMMS to track reliability.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA safety standards, including LOTO and safety interlocks.

Skills

Mechanical & Pneumatic Expertise

Fabrication & Welding

Automation & PLC Troubleshooting

Education

High School Diploma

Technical Associate’s Degree or Journeyman Certification

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

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.