Sewing Machine Operator - Industrial Services - FT

Goodwill Industries Group; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Industries Group in South Bend, IN is seeking an Industrial Sewing Operator to join our production line. You will operate industrial sewing machines, interpret patterns, and ensure quality and on-time completion of textile products.

You will calibrate and maintain equipment, monitor materials, and adhere to safety standards while collaborating with team members to meet production goals.

Qualifications

• Strong hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills for handling small parts and fabrics.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, including patterns and specs.
• Ability to safely operate industrial sewing machines and related tools.
• Basic understanding of sewing materials, machine setup, and routine care.
• Awareness of workplace safety practices and following procedures.
• Effective communication and ability to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Operate a range of industrial sewing equipment for stitching, hemming, and gathering across fabrics.
• Interpret production orders, patterns, and sketches to align components per design specs.
• Calibrate and maintain machines including re-threading and lubrication.
• Monitor materials to prevent shortages and report needs promptly.
• Maintain PPE and a clean, safe workstation.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Hand-eye coordination

Follow instructions

Operate sewing machines

Sewing materials & care

Safety awareness

Teamwork & communication

Tools

Industrial sewing machines

Measuring equipment

Cutting tools

Marking equipment

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Western Headquarters - South Bend, IN 46619

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: Not Specified

Salary Range: $13.00 Hourly

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Manufacturing

Job Objective

To operate industrial sewing machines in the assembly and finishing of textile products, ensuring every piece meets rigorous quality standards for structural integrity and aesthetic detail while maintaining consistent production timelines. This position reports to Industrial Services Production Manager who evaluates performance annually.

Essential Job Functions

• Expertly operate a range of industrial sewing equipment to execute precise stitching, hemming, and gathering across diverse fabric types.
• Interpret production orders, technical patterns, and sketches to accurately align and join components, ensuring the final product adheres to exact design specifications.
• Conduct routine machine calibration and maintenance, including re-threading, needle replacement, and lubrication, to maximize equipment uptime and sewing performance.
• Proactively monitor thread, fabric, and notion levels to prevent production delays, ensuring a seamless workflow and timely reporting of material shortages.
• Uphold stringent workplace safety standards through the consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the maintenance of a lean, hazard-free workstation.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications (Required Education and Skills)

• Strong hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills, with the ability to handle small parts, needles, and fabrics in a production environment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, including basic patterns or work specifications, while identifying obvious stitching or fabric quality issues.
• Ability to safely operate, or be trained to operate, industrial sewing machines and related tools, including basic cutting, measuring, and marking equipment.
• Basic understanding of sewing materials, machine setup, and routine equipment care.
• Awareness of workplace safety practices and the ability to follow established procedures to support quality and efficiency.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, following direction from supervisors.

Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Flexible availability.
• Able to frequently bend, twist, reach above shoulder level, push and pull, crouch or stoop, kneel, repetitively use feet, and use head and neck in a twisting or static motion and to look up and/or down, and lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Use of material guides and attachments, basic quality inspection tools, pressing and finishing equipment, fabric handling accessories, and ergonomic or safety enhancements.