Sewing Technician

Phenixfirehelmets; Riverside, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Phenix Technology Inc. in Riverside, CA is hiring for a Sewing Technician. This full-time, temporary role supports production of fire helmets by preparing materials, operating industrial sewing machines, and ensuring quality per specifications.

Expected 12-month assignment with on-site work; leather materials handling is part of daily tasks and adherence to Lean Manufacturing principles is encouraged to improve safety and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Experience in sewing; comfortable with industrial sewing equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret work spec sheets, drawings, measurements, and production instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Willingness to embrace Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Prepare raw materials and assemblies for sewing, including pinning, marking, trimming, measuring, and other preparation tasks.
• Operate industrial sewing machines to fasten materials used in Phenix products.
• Sew materials (leather, webbing, fabric) according to specs and quality standards.
• Read and interpret work instruction sheets and production drawings.
• Use measuring devices to ensure proper dimensions, placement, and consistency.
• Maintain machine readiness and perform routine maintenance on sewing machines.
• Inspect materials and identify defects to prevent quality issues.

Skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Reading specifications

Teamwork

Tools

Industrial sewing machines

Basic maintenance

Job description

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
SCHEDULE: Monday - Thursday 7 AM - 5:30 PM
TRAVEL: Minimal (less than 10%) Occasional travel may be required, including day trips, overnight, and out-of-state travel.
LOCATION: Riverside, California (On-site)
SALARY: $17.50 - $21.00 DOE

This is a full-time, temporary position expected to last approximately 12 months. While employment is intended for the duration of the assignment, all employment remains at will.

*Our products incorporate leather; a material derived from animal sources. Team members in all roles may be required to handle or work near leather materials.*

BETTER PEOPLE. BETTER PRODUCTS. BETTER WORLD.

At Phenix Technology Inc., we don't just manufacture fire helmets—we build products that protect the people who protect others.

For more than 50 years, we've proudly designed and manufactured American-made fire helmets trusted by firefighters around the world. We believe exceptional products begin with exceptional people, which is why we're committed to creating a workplace where employees are empowered to grow, improve, and make a meaningful impact every day.

Our Core Values

Our Core Values guide every decision we make and every interaction we have. They define who weare and what we expect from ourselves every day.

• Make Excellence Our Habit
• Leave the World a Better Place
• Create an Environment of Joy
• Focus on Continuous Improvement

Who You Are

You're a skilled, detail-oriented individual who takes pride in craftsmanship and producing consistent, high-quality work. You understand that precision matters and that even the smallest details can have an impact on the quality and performance of the finished product.

You're comfortable working with industrial sewing equipment, using measurements and specifications to guide your work, and preparing materials before they reach the sewing machine. You enjoy working with your hands, staying focused on detailed tasks, and seeing raw materials become a finished product.

Most importantly, you understand that the work you perform contributes to products firefighters depend on, and you take that responsibility seriously.

You are someone who:

• Takes pride in craftsmanship and producing quality work.
• Has exceptional attention to detail and notices imperfections others may overlook.
• Enjoys working with your hands and performing detailed, precision-based work.
• Is comfortable working with industrial sewing equipment and different types of materials.
• Understands that proper preparation is essential to producing a quality finished product.
• Can maintain consistency and accuracy while meeting production expectations.
• Takes ownership of your work and can be counted on by your teammates.
• Follows established processes while looking for opportunities to improve them.
• Is comfortable learning new products, materials, and sewing techniques.
• Communicates when something doesn't look right rather than allowing a quality issue to continue.
• Accepts feedback with a positive attitude and is always looking to improve.
• Values teamwork and willingly supports others when needed.
• Takes safety seriously—for yourself and those around you.
• Wants to be part of a company where the work you perform has a meaningful impact.

What You'll Do

Sewing & Material Preparation

• Prepare raw materials and assemblies for sewing, including pinning, marking, trimming, measuring, and other required preparation tasks.
• Operate industrial sewing machines to fasten and attach materials used in the manufacture of Phenix products.
• Sew required materials, including support tapes, webbing, leather, and other components, according to established specifications and quality standards.
• Read and interpret work specification sheets, drawings, measurements, and production instructions.
• Use standard measuring devices accurately to ensure proper dimensions, placement, and consistency.
• Maintain accuracy and consistency across repetitive and detailed sewing operations.
• Inspect materials before and during production and identify defects or inconsistencies that could affect the finished product.

Equipment & Quality

• Maintain sewing machine readiness by ensuring machines are properly threaded, stocked, adjusted, and prepared for production.
• Perform routine daily maintenance and adjustments on industrial sewing machines.
• Complete preventative maintenance tasks as required.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and make appropriate machine adjustments when needed.
• Identify sewing, material, or equipment concerns and communicate issues to the Production Lead or appropriate team member.
• Perform in-process quality checks to ensure completed work meets Phenix quality standards.
• Accurately complete required production paperwork and records.
• Work collaboratively with Production, Quality, and other team members to maintain efficient production flow.
• Assist with training new Sewing Technicians as requested.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation in accordance with Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles.
• Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, safety, or workflow.
• Follow company policies, safety procedures, work instructions, and the Phenix Quality System.
• Represent Phenix professionally at customer meetings, industry trade shows, or other events when assigned.
• Remain flexible and assist in other areas of production when business needs require.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational needs.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means:

• Sewn components consistently meet Phenix quality and workmanship standards.
• Materials are properly prepared before sewing to minimize defects and rework.
• Measurements, stitching, placement, and finished assemblies remain accurate and consistent.
• Production expectations are met without sacrificing quality.
• Sewing equipment is properly maintained and kept production-ready.
• Quality concerns are identified early and communicated appropriately.
• Your workstation remains clean, organized, and safe.
• Your teammates can rely on you to produce consistent work and support production needs.

What You Bring

We're looking for someone with:

• Previous sewing experience as a seamstress, sewer, Sewing Technician, or similar position.
• Experience with or demonstrated familiarity operating industrial sewing machines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to accurately measure, mark, trim, pin, and prepare materials for sewing.
• Ability to use standard measuring devices accurately.
• Ability to read and follow work specifications, drawings, measurements, and production instructions.
• Strong manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
• Ability to perform repetitive, precision-based work while maintaining consistency.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work with a sense of urgency and meet production deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Positive, practical, and results-oriented approach to work.
• Willingness to embrace Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement.
• Ability to successfully complete a practical sewing assessment as part of the selection process.

The following are preferred but not required:

• Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience sewing leather, webbing, heavy fabrics, or similar industrial materials.
• Experience performing basic maintenance or troubleshooting on industrial sewing machines.
• Ability to read drawings and detailed process instructions.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement practices.
• Basic computer and word-processing skills.

Physical & Additional Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, employees may be required to:

• Frequently sit, stand, walk, use hands to handle or operate tools and equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
• Perform repetitive hand, wrist, and finger movements associated with sewing and material preparation.
• Occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Frequently lift and/or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Maintain visual acuity sufficient to perform detailed sewing work, inspect materials, take measurements, and read small print.
• Work with or near leather and other materials derived from animal sources.

Why You'll Love Working Here

At Phenix Technology Inc., you'll be part of a company that values people just as much as performance.

We believe in investing in our employees, encouraging professional growth, celebrating successes, and creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Not sure where to start with a video resume? Check out this video!