Advanced Knitting Mechanic / Trainer

Position Summary

The Knitting Mechanic is responsible for the setup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of knitting machines to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This position also serves as a technical resource by training machine operators and helping implement best practices to maximize productivity and minimize downtime.

Essential Responsibilities

• Set up knitting machines for new products, styles, and production runs.
• Adjust machine settings to meet product specifications and quality standards.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and operational issues and perform repairs promptly.
• Perform preventative maintenance on knitting equipment.
• Troubleshoot machine problems to minimize downtime and improve production efficiency.
• Replace and adjust machine components including needles, cams, brushes, cylinders, feeders, and other wear items.
• Work with Production, Quality, and Engineering to improve machine performance and product quality.
• Develop standard machine setup procedures and documentation.
• Train new and existing operators on machine operation, setup, troubleshooting, safety, and quality expectations.
• Evaluate operator proficiency and provide ongoing coaching.
• Maintain maintenance logs and machine service records.
• Recommend equipment improvements and process enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with all company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
• Assist with installation and commissioning of new knitting equipment as needed.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational education preferred.
• 5+ years of experience maintaining and setting up industrial knitting machines.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience troubleshooting industrial manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and equipment manuals.
• Experience training employees in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced production environment.
• Basic computer skills for maintenance documentation and production reporting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with flat knitting and/or circular knitting.
• Experience with electronic machine controls and PLC-based systems.
• A strong general understanding of knitting that would translate to all types of knitting machines.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, climb, kneel, and work around industrial machinery.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform precision mechanical adjustments.
• Ability to distinguish colors and identify small machine components.

Key Competencies

• Mechanical troubleshooting
• Preventative maintenance
• Machine setup and optimization
• Technical training and coaching
• Attention to detail
• Safety awareness
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Time management
• Quality focus

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance
• Yearly bonuses