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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Knitting Operator

💰 $35,000 - $55,000

ProductionManufacturingTextiles

🎯 Role Definition

As a Knitting Operator, you are the skilled artisan at the heart of our textile production. You will be responsible for the hands-on operation of state-of-the-art knitting machines, transforming raw yarn into high-quality fabrics that meet precise specifications. This role is crucial for maintaining production flow, upholding our rigorous quality standards, and ensuring the efficiency of our manufacturing process. This role requires a detail-oriented and mechanically-inclined individual who thrives in a dynamic production environment and takes pride in creating exceptional textiles.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Production Worker
  • Warehouse Associate
  • Textile Trainee

Advancement To:

  • Knitting Technician
  • Production Supervisor
  • Quality Control Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • Weaving Machine Operator
  • Dyeing Machine Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate and monitor multiple industrial knitting machines (e.g., circular, flat, warp) to produce high-quality knitted fabrics or garments according to production orders.
  • Perform complete machine setup and style changeovers, including threading yarn through guides, needles, and rollers, and adjusting machine settings for different patterns and fabric types.
  • Continuously inspect fabric during production for defects such as dropped stitches, holes, runs, and color or yarn inconsistencies, immediately flagging and addressing quality issues.
  • Make necessary mechanical adjustments to needles, sinkers, and other machine components to maintain optimal performance and ensure product specifications are met.
  • Read and interpret detailed technical specification sheets, work orders, and pattern diagrams to ensure correct machine setup and production output.
  • Perform routine preventative machine maintenance, including cleaning, oiling, and lubricating machine parts to prevent breakdowns and extend equipment life.
  • Identify and troubleshoot common machine malfunctions, performing minor repairs or escalating complex mechanical or electrical issues to the knitting technician or maintenance team.
  • Doff (remove) completed rolls of fabric or garment pieces from the machine, weigh them, and accurately label them with production information like style, lot number, and date.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed production records, logging machine output, downtime, material usage, and any quality control issues encountered during the shift.
  • Collaborate with shift supervisors and quality control personnel to understand production priorities and quality standards, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
  • Mount new yarn cones onto the creel, tying new yarn ends to the ends of the running yarn with approved knots to ensure continuous operation without interruption.
  • Monitor yarn tension, stitch formation, and fabric take-up systems, making fine-tune adjustments to achieve the desired fabric density, weight, and appearance.
  • Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols and procedures, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintaining a clean and organized work area.
  • Assist in the development and sampling of new products by setting up machines for trial runs and providing feedback on fabric quality and machine performance.
  • Change out broken or worn needles, jacks, and other knitting elements using specialized tools to prevent fabric defects and maintain machine efficiency.
  • Operate material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks or lifts, to move raw materials (yarn) and finished goods (fabric rolls) within the production facility.
  • Patrol the assigned machine section regularly to proactively identify potential problems with yarn supply, machine operation, or fabric quality before they become major issues.
  • Communicate effectively with operators on other shifts during handovers to ensure continuity of production and pass on critical information about machine status and current orders.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing activities to help optimize production processes, reduce waste, and increase overall efficiency.
  • Ensure proper functioning of stop motions and other safety devices on the knitting machines to prevent accidents and damage to the equipment.
  • Calculate yarn consumption and fabric yield to ensure efficient use of materials and report any significant variances to management.
  • Maintain a clean work environment by regularly blowing down machines with compressed air to remove lint and debris, which can affect fabric quality and machine performance.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the maintenance team with more complex repairs and preventative maintenance schedules.
  • Contribute to a culture of safety by participating in safety meetings and identifying potential hazards.
  • Help train new operators on machine functions, safety procedures, and quality standards.
  • Maintain inventory of necessary supplies like needles, oils, and cleaning materials for the assigned machine set.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in operating industrial knitting machines (e.g., Circular, Warp, Flatbed, Stoll, Shima Seiki).
  • Strong mechanical aptitude for machine setup, troubleshooting, and performing minor repairs.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, production orders, and pattern drafts.
  • Knowledge of different yarn types, their properties, and how they behave during the knitting process.
  • Experience with quality control inspection techniques for identifying defects in knitted fabrics.
  • Foundational understanding of machine maintenance, including cleaning, oiling, and needle changes.
  • Familiarity with production tracking software and accurate data entry.

Soft Skills

  • Keen attention to detail and a high personal standard for quality and precision.
  • Strong problem-solving skills to quickly diagnose and resolve machine and quality issues.
  • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Clear communication and teamwork skills to coordinate with supervisors, technicians, and other operators.
  • Physical stamina and dexterity, including the ability to stand for long periods, lift heavy items, and perform repetitive tasks.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational or Technical Certificate in Textile Technology or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Textile Manufacturing
  • Industrial Mechanics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of hands-on experience as a Knitting Operator, with specific expertise in circular, warp, or flatbed (Stoll/Shima Seiki) knitting machines.
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