Manufacturing Machine Operator I

Peckham, Inc.; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Pet friendly work sites

Free fruit

Fitness classes

Massages available for purchase

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Peckham, Inc. in Lansing, MI is seeking a Machine Operator I to support fabric spreading and cutting processes. The role involves operating spreading and cutting equipment, ensuring accurate material usage, and maintaining quality standards in a team-oriented environment.

The position offers full-time hours (7:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday) with overtime as needed. Training is provided for all hires, and opportunities exist to cross-train across related production areas while contributing to

Qualifications

• No prior experience required; training provided.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Basic reading, communication, and math skills.
• Ability to follow written, verbal, or diagram instructions.
• Basic computer skills and detail-oriented work habits.
• Ability to identify defects, errors, and machine issues.
• Willingness to perform either Spreading/Cutting OR Component Cutting, with cross-training potential.

Responsibilities

• Operate spreading machines to lay fabric evenly and inspect for defects.
• Load correct markers before initiating cuts and verify shade consistency.
• Set machine parameters and markers based on pattern requirements.
• Move spreads to cutting area and operate cutting machines to cut patterns.
• Troubleshoot cutting issues and adjust machine settings as needed.
• Record fabric yardage and support ERP/Shop Floor entry tasks.
• Maintain quality and utilization targets; keep work area clean and safe.

Skills

Basic reading

Communication

Math

Job description

Peckham is a nonprofit vocational rehabilitation organization. We specialize in providing vocational rehabilitation and training opportunities for people with significant disabilities, and/or other barriers to employment. These jobs are open to all abilities but Peckham gives preference to individuals with disabilities.

Important Details: Wage: $13.73 per hour Hours: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Monday - Friday plus overtime as necessary Full-Time positions only Location: 3510 Capital City Blvd Lansing, MI 48906

WHY WORK AT PECKHAM - PECKHAM SUMMARY:

The Machine Operator I is responsible for operating manufacturing equipment to support fabric spreading & cutting OR cut component/dye cut production functions. Based on business needs, this role may work in one primary area or be cross trained to support both. Responsibilities include machine operation, material handling, inspection, documentation, and adherence to quality and safety standards. Operators ensure accurate cutting, component preparation, and material usage reporting while maintaining productivity and contributing to a clean and safe work environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Employee may perform duties in one area or cross-functionally in both

Spreading & Cutting Responsibilities:

• Operate spreading machines to lay fabric evenly and inspect for defects
• Load correct markers before initiating cuts
• Verify shade consistency, count plies, and ensure accurate fabric layering
• Set machine parameters and markers based on pattern requirements
• Move spreads to cutting area and operate cutting machines to cut patterns
• Troubleshoot cutting issues and adjust machine settings as needed
• Record fabric yardage and support ERP/Shop Floor entry tasks
• Ensure quality and utilization targets are met

Cut Component/Dye Cut Responsibilities:

• Operate Ink stamp equipment, Eagle Laser equipment, cutting equipment for components such as Velcro, elastic, webbing, zipper tape, hook/loop, labels, etc.
• Load/unload components, separate sizes/colors, and maintain labeling accuracy
• Monitor machines, clean equipment, and report malfunctions
• Follow FIFO workflow and support component release schedules
• Maintain component inventory accuracy and assist in distribution to production

General Responsibilities (Applies to All Work Areas)

• Maintain excellent attendance, communication, professionalism, and teamwork
• Participate in safety and ergonomic programs
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation
• Assist with training and cross-training of employees when requested
• Perform other duties as assigned based on production needs

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• No prior experience is required, training is provided
• 18 years of age or older
• Basic reading, communication, and math skills
• Ability to follow written, verbal, or diagram instructions
• Basic computer skills and detail-oriented work habits
• Ability to identify defects, errors, and machine issues
• Willingness to perform either Spreading/Cutting OR Component Cutting, with cross-training potential

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regular standing, walking, reaching, and lifting. Lift/move up to 40lbs frequently and up to 80lbs occasionally. Exposure to moving mechanical parts or airborne particles. Requires color vision and depth perception. Moderate noise level working environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While carrying out the responsibilities of this position, the employee will regularly need to stand, sit, walk, and use their hands for handling or feeling objects. Strong communication skills are essential. Asking questions and expressing concerns is critical to success. The role frequently requires standing and reaching with hands and arms. Employees must be able to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision requirements for this position include the ability to distinguish colors. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees will be required to stand, sit, walk, and use their hands for handling or feeling objects. Strong communication skills are essential.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

OTHER INFORMATION

This job description in no way states or implies all duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Peckham is an Equal Opportunity Employer - EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled. Peckham provides equal opportunities and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. EEO is Law EOE-Embracing Diversity to Achieve Excellence

PECKHAM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled. Peckham provides equal opportunities and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. EEO is Law

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION NOTICE Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

ABOUT PECKHAM

Peckham is a national award-winning non-profit organization, recognized for its achievement in providing exceptional vocational rehabilitation for people with disabilities and barriers to employment. We accomplish our mission by working with community partners and through our own diverse business lines consisting of apparel manufacturing, warehousing, call centers, environmental services, and farming. Peckham prides itself on having a great culture which fosters a respectful, collaborative, and fun work environment. Employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, share ideas, and engage in lifelong learning. Our culture further supports our mission by encouraging flexibility, health, and wellness. Staff enjoy benefits such as generous PTO policies, modern facilities, pet friendly work sites, free fruit, fitness classes, massages available for purchase, and opportunities for flexible work arrangements.

MISSION

Peckham, a nonprofit community vocational rehabilitation organization, is a unique business and human services agency which values quality, diversity, and performance. Our mission is to provide a wide range of opportunities to maximize human potential for persons striving for greater independence and self-sufficiency. We embrace collaboration, effective resource management, and innovative approaches to achieve world‑class excellence.

VISION

To prove that people with disabilities and other barriers are more than capable of delivering world‑class, high-quality products and solutions.