Job Summary:
The purpose of the Tufting Machine Operator is to safely run tufting machines efficiently as possible to produce first quality carpet.
Essential Duties & 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 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.