Tufting Machine Operator

Engineered Floors, LLC; Dalton (GA); On-site; USD 19,286 - 24,796; Full time

Job summary

Engineered Floors in Dalton, GA is seeking a Tufting Machine Operator to safely run tufting machines and produce first-quality carpet. You will follow safety procedures, perform creeler tasks, visually inspect carpet for defects, and notify supervision as needed.

You will maintain machine uptime, keep threads aligned, record production and downtime, and assist with backing changes. Basic math and data entry skills are expected, with on-the-job training provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must be able to read, write and perform basic arithmetic operations (add/subtract/divide/multiply).
• Computer knowledge or data entry skills are a necessary part of the job and will be trained.

Responsibilities

• Follow all safety procedures and company policies.
• Know and perform creeler tasks when machine is down.
• Visually inspect carpet at machine and in the floor for defects; correct or notify supervisor as needed.
• Keep machine running and never bypass safety or quality procedures.
• Maintain thread alignment and machine setup between header and needles.
• Record production and downtime on the machine report with detailed roll and lot information.
• Clean, sweep, and keep the work area around the machine tidy.

Skills

Safety procedures

Quality awareness

Basic math

Reading/writing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Data entry software

Job description

The purpose of the Tufting Machine Operator is to safely run tufting machines efficiently as possible to produce first quality carpet.

• Follow all safety procedures and company policies.
• Know and perform creeler tasks when machine is down.
• Visually inspect carpet at machine and in the floor for any and all visual defects.
• Correct any and all visual defects and/or notify Supervisor for direction.
• Keep machine running whenever possible never bypassing safety or quality.
• Keep machine threaded and threaded straight between header and through needles.
• Remove and replace hooks and blade blocks as needed.
• Keep blade blocks jigged with sharp blades by using the jig specified for each machine.
• Start and doff rolls as needed.
• Change backing as needed.
• Accurately record production and downtime on machine report including style, color, yarn lots, roll numbers, roll lengths, backing roll numbers, and any supplemental information as needed.
• Accurately record length on correct roll tickets and attach them to correct rolls using plastic fasteners.
• Write roll number and roll length on the selvage of all WIP rolls.
• Clean, sweep, and/or blow down work area keeping the area around the machine clean.
• Blow lint out of machine at least once per shift.

Performance Expectations (if applicable)

• On feet over 90% of shift moving up and down stairs and around the machine and creel area.
• Must be able to crouch down and stand to reach posts and tubes of creel rack ranging from 1’ to 6.5’ high.
• Must be able to crouch and bend to knees and crawl under tufting machine to exchange parts.
• Must be able to exert enough force with hands and arms to pull blade blocks out of the machine and push them back in (approximately 10 pounds of pressure).
• Must be able to lift and place cores weighing no more than 40 pounds in the machine roll up.
• Must be able to push with another team member rolls of backing weighing up to 1900 pounds on a backing cart around the machine for a backing change.
• Must be able to manually lift and control packages of yarn that weight up to 12 pounds.
• Must be able to push yarn dollies/carts loaded with yarn through the creel and to shrink wrap machine (maximum weight of 450 pounds).
• Must be able to read, write, and perform general math skills.
• Must possess enough dexterity in hands and fingers to thread yarn through needles and tie knots in the yarn.

Experience/Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must be able to read, write and do basic addition, subtraction, division and multiplication.
• Computer knowledge or data entry skills are a necessary part of the job but will train.

Other Requirements

• Overtime is required on occasion.
• All accidents must be reported immediately.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.
• Safety equipment must be worn as required.
• Report to management any quality, safety, or potential problems encountered while performing the job.
• Responsible for quality and safety of his/her own output.