Sewing Machine Operator I

Shurco; South Haven (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Shurco is seeking a Sewing Machine Operator I–Lead to join our manufacturing team. This role offers progression from entry level to an advanced operator and lead position, including opportunities to work with engineering on sewing specs and mentor peers.

You will read work orders, select materials, set up machines, monitor quality, and maintain a clean, safe work environment while developing leadership skills and cross-training peers. This role is on site at our Michigan facility.

Qualifications

• Trained on 1 style of sewing machine.
• Must meet all level 1 requirements.
• Must meet all level 2 requirements.
• Must meet all level 3 requirements.
• Ability to read and understand work orders, sales orders, and drawings.
• Ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attendance and dependability.

Responsibilities

• Operate sewing machine to join, gather, hem, reinforce, or decorate articles.
• Place spool of thread on spindle and draw thread through machine guides, tension, and eye of needle.
• Insert bobbin into shuttle and draw thread through slot in shuttle wall, or through guide and looper eye.
• Position parts to be joined under presser foot and needle and lower presser foot.
• Start, stop, and control speed of machine with pedal or knee lever.
• Guide parts under needle following edges, seams, guides on machine bed or markings on part.
• Observe stitching to detect defects and notify supervisor when defects are caused by machine malfunction.
• Select sewing supplies such as binding, braid, cord, piping, tape, thread, welt, velcro or rope, according to specifications or color of material.
• Cut excess thread or material.
• Oil machine.
• Can read and understand work orders, sales orders, and drawings.
• Trained on 1 style of sewing machine
• Sewing Machine Operator II – Skilled Level Responsibilities: Must meet all level 1 requirements; Trained on 2 styles of sewing machine.

Skills

Clear communication

Active listening

Problem-solving

Technical expertise

Team leadership

Time management

Safety awareness

Quality focus

Cross-training

Tools

Sewing machine

Job description

Job Summary:Operate sewing machine to join, gather, hem, reinforce, or decorate articles by performing the following duties.Sewing Machine Operator I – Entry LevelResponsibilities:Place spool of thread on spindle of machine and draw thread through machine guides, tension, and eye of needle.Insert bobbin into shuttle and draw thread through slot in shuttle wall, or draw thread through guide and looper eye.Press knee lever, depress pedal, or move hand lever to raise presser foot or spread feed cups.Position parts to be joined under presser foot and needle and lower presser foot.Start, stop, and control speed of machine with pedal or knee lever.Guide parts under needle following edges, seams, guides on machine bed or markings on part.Observe stitching to detect defects and notify supervisor or Sewing Machine Repairer when defects are caused by machine malfunction.Select sewing supplies such as binding, braid, cord, piping, tape, thread, welt, velcro or rope, according to specifications or color of material.Cut excess thread or material. Oil machine.Can read and understand work orders, sales orders, and drawings.Trained on 1 style of sewing machineSewing Machine Operator II – Skilled LevelResponsibilities:Must meet all level 1 requirementsTrained on 2 styles of sewing machineSewing Machine Operator III – Advanced LevelResponsibilities:Must meet all level 1 requirementsMust meet all level 2 requirementsTrained on all types of sewing machinesHelps with special sewing projectsWorks closely with engineering for sewing specs.Comfortable giving direction and or leading Peers.Shows interest in learning additional skills.Shows good decision-making skills without supervision.Great people skillsSewing Machine Operator – Lead PositionResponsibilities:Must meet all level 1 requirementsMust meet all level 2 requirementsMust meet all level 3 requirementsExhibits strong potential for advancement into a leadership role within the company. Possesses at least 4 of the below skills and has the ability to be trained/coached in further leadership skills. Skill set includes:Clear and Direct Communication: They consistently communicate instructions and information effectively, ensuring team clarity.Active Listening: They demonstrate openness to feedback and make efforts to incorporate suggestions, fostering continuous improvement.Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: They think quickly and critically to resolve unexpected issues and make sound decisions under pressure.Technical Expertise: They possess a solid understanding of the manufacturing processes within their department, enabling them to provide informed guidance.Team Trust and Influence: They have built trust among their peers, which is essential for motivating and leading teams.Proactive Time Management: They manage their tasks efficiently and take initiative by seeking additional work when their responsibilities are complete.Safety Awareness: They consistently prioritize and promote a safe working environment.Quality Focus: They ensure that standards are consistently met, maintaining high product and process quality.Ability and willingness to cross train department employees and new employees.QUALIFICATIONSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attendance and dependability by consistently reporting to work on time and completing assigned tasks accurately. They must be able to maintain a clean and organized work environment, follow all company policies and procedures, and apply a high level of attention to detail and focus. The ability to work collaboratively with team members to support productivity and operational efficiency is also essential