Description

Sewing Machine Operator II

Department: Cut and Sew
Reports To: Floor Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Position Summary

The Sewing Machine Operator II is responsible for operating industrial sewing equipment to assemble, reinforce, alter, and repair garment and non-garment products in accordance with customer specifications, quality standards, and production requirements. This position requires a high level of proficiency in sewing operations, attention to detail, and the ability to consistently meet production and quality expectations in a manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Production Operations

• Operate industrial sewing machines and related equipment to assemble, reinforce, modify, or repair garment and non-garment products.
• Monitor machine performance and product quality to identify defects, thread breaks, stitching irregularities, or equipment malfunctions.
• Position materials and product components accurately using machine guides, templates, clamps, markings, and other alignment tools.
• Install and thread sewing machines, including loading spools, bobbins, and other required materials.
• Guide materials and product components through sewing machines to ensure accurate assembly and construction.
• Operate ancillary equipment, including hot knives, snap presses, and other manufacturing tools, ensuring proper setup and operation.
• Select appropriate materials, thread, fasteners, and supplies based on product specifications and production requirements.
• Fold, stretch, and manipulate materials as necessary to achieve desired product construction and appearance.

Quality Assurance

• Inspect products throughout the production process to ensure compliance with quality standards and customer specifications.
• Review repair tags, production instructions, and product markings to identify defects, damage, or required modifications.
• Conduct or participate in first-hour inspections with Quality Control personnel to verify proper machine setup and operational accuracy.
• Repair or alter products by replacing components, correcting stitching, or performing other required modifications.
• Ensure finished products meet established quality standards before completion.

Equipment Maintenance & Housekeeping

• Perform routine machine maintenance, including replacing needles, cleaning equipment, oiling machines, and maintaining operational components.
• Adjust machine settings, guides, attachments, and operating mechanisms according to product specifications and performance requirements.
• Install and replace machine attachments, including needles, cutting blades, and pattern plates.
• Remove excess thread and material from finished products.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including sewing machines, workstations, tables, and surrounding production areas.

Productivity & Documentation

• Accurately record production quantities and maintain required production documentation.
• Track and record work time and production activities as required.
• Meet or exceed established production standards following the designated training period.
• Achieve daily production goals as established by the Floor Supervisor or designee.

Team Support

• Assist with clipping, packing, and other production-related functions during periods of reduced sewing workload or as operational needs require.
• Follow all company policies, attendance requirements, safety procedures, and quality standards.
• Collaborate effectively with supervisors and team members to maintain workflow efficiency and product quality.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Additional Requirements

• Work additional hours, including overtime, as required to meet production schedules and operational needs.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Frequently lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds independently.
• Lift and move materials weighing up to 100 pounds with assistance when necessary.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, twist, reach, and perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements throughout the workday.
• Ability to work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining quality and productivity standards.

Disclaimer

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

KCARC reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description as necessary to meet organizational and operational needs. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Employees may be required to perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Nothing contained in this job description shall be construed as creating an employment contract, express or implied. Employment with KCARC remains at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or KCARC at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Improvements Made

Professional Language: Updated the wording to align with manufacturing industry standards and clearly define job expectations.

Enhanced Organization: Grouped responsibilities into logical sections, including Production Operations, Quality Assurance, Equipment Maintenance, Productivity, and Team Support.

Quality and Performance Focus: Emphasized accuracy, quality control, productivity, and operational efficiency.

Recruitment-Friendly Format: Created a clear, structured job description that is easy for applicants and hiring managers to review while maintaining all essential responsibilities from the original position.

Requirements

     Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet departmental and operational needs, including overtime as required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with coworkers, supervisors, and customers.
• Ability to actively listen, interpret instructions, and respond appropriately to workplace needs and expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds using professionalism, tact, empathy, and respect.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and productive working relationships.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently or collaboratively within a team environment.
• Demonstrates accountability, initiative, and leadership in carrying out assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment when handling sensitive business information.
• Adaptable and open to change, with a willingness to embrace new processes, procedures, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Ability to frequently alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements associated with production and manufacturing tasks.
• Frequent lifting, bending, twisting, turning, and reaching may be required.
• Ability to safely perform physical tasks in a manufacturing environment while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
• Must possess the physical stamina necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.

Improvements Made

Professional Tone: Replaced informal phrases with polished, professional language commonly used in job descriptions.

Enhanced Competencies: Strengthened expectations around communication, leadership, accountability, adaptability, and confidentiality.

Improved Clarity: Organized qualifications and physical requirements into clear, concise statements that are easy for applicants to understand.

Consistent HR Language: Aligned the wording with modern recruiting and job description standards while maintaining the original intent and requirements.