Patten - Sewing Machine Operator

WHO ARE WE?

Since 1947, Patten (Mustang Survival's sister company, under the Wing Group) has been instrumental in manufacturing inflatable life rafts.  Predominantly focused on military manufacturing and government contracts, Patten produces cutting edge inflatable lifesaving equipment.    These products include the vast majority of inflatable rafts that have been utilized by NASA since the first Apollo mission, containment in the recent Deepwater Horizon disaster, and inflatable emergency shelters.  Originally located in Lake Worth, Florida, their entry into Jacksonville, Florida will bring exciting new opportunities! 

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

The Sewing Machine Operators operate and tend sewing machines in order to perform garment sewing operations. This may include to joining, reinforcing, decorating, or performing related sewing operations in the manufacture of garment or non-garment products by operation or tend sewing machines or hand stitching when required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adjust machine settings and controls and regulate stitching speeds for different product lines using a variety of fabrics and industrial textiles
• Ensure all materials and auxiliary supplies are available prior to beginning work
• Test machinery for proper functionality at the beginning of a shift. Address any discrepancies or problems faced during the testing period. Watch gauges, dials, or other indicators throughout a shift to ensure a machine continues to work properly.
• Draw thread though needles and adjust machine functions to meet the requirements of the sewing project
• Position materials under needles to sew them together or make patterns. Feed garment or textile sections through the machine or hand sew if required
• Replace and rethread needles for a subsequent project or in case of the existing one needing more thread
• Sew missing stitches or replacement parts in accordance to repair instructions provided
• Observe operations to detect any faults or defects in stitching
• Notify supervisor of any problem or discrepancy during the sewing process
• Attach button, grips, hooks, webbing and fasteners to finished garments
• Ensure that the finished product conforms to the design and merchandizing instructions
• Ensure that excess material or thread are cut away from the finished product
• Perform general and preventative maintenance tasks on sewing machines, such as cleaning and oiling machines to ensure longevity
• Count number of garments stitched during a shift and record this information in company provided logs
• Following health and safety guidelines
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Knowledge and related experience with operating, operation monitoring, and assemble of sewing and other related machinery to include single needle sewing operation and/or automatic tacker machine
• Basic sewing skills and the ability to read and understand written and oral instruction
• Ability to manage one’s own time with the ability to work alone and as a team and the willingness to be flexible
• Give full attention to what people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Ability to apply common sense understanding and logic to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions
• Possess an eye for detail and concern for quality control
• Arm-hand-eye coordination and steadiness with the ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position
• Ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine to exact positions with control precision with the ability to work quickly and accurately
• Concentration skills to work for long periods on repetitive tasks
• Ability of manual dexterity to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, read and/or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit for an extended amount of time conducting repetitive movements working in a fast environment. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10-15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, visual color discrimination, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and explosives and protective eye wear should be worn. The noise level in the work environment is typically loud.