Industrial Mechanic - Pillow Manufacturer

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off

The Industrial  Mechanic is responsible for ensuring the peak operational efficiency, safety, and reliability of all automated and semi-automated machinery within our pillow manufacturing facility. This role goes beyond standard repairs; you will actively analyze machine performance, reduce downtime, and implement mechanical engineering modifications to optimize the production of foam, fiber-fill, down, and ergonomic pillows.

Responsibilities

Preventative & Corrective Maintenance: Perform routine inspections, calibrations, and emergency repairs on specialized pillow production equipment including high-speed fiber carding machines, blowing systems, automated stitching/sewing lines, foam slitters, compression packaging units, and conveyor systems.

Process Optimization: Collaborate with Industrial Engineers to study machine cycle times, identify mechanical bottlenecks, and modify machinery layouts or component designs to improve throughput and eliminate material waste.

Troubleshooting & Diagnostics: Read and interpret technical manuals, pneumatic/hydraulic schematics, blueprints, and basic Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) readouts to diagnose complex mechanical and electrical failures.

Equipment Upgrades: Install, align, and commission new manufacturing machinery using precision rigging equipment, laser alignment tools, and custom-welded brackets or modifications.

Data & Documentation: Document all maintenance actions, parts usage, and machinery downtime within the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to help track asset reliability trends.

Safety & Quality Assurance: Ensure all machinery functions strictly comply with OSHA safety standards, specifically maintaining light curtains, emergency stops, and proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols to prevent workplace injuries.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of experience as an industrial machinery mechanic or maintenance technician, preferably within a textile, non-woven fiber, or high-volume consumer goods packaging plant.

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required. A Technical Associate’s Degree, Journeyman card, or certification in Industrial Maintenance Technology/Mechanical Engineering Tech is highly preferred.

Mechanical & Pneumatic Expertise: Advanced knowledge of pneumatic cylinders, vacuum-fill systems, high-speed automated sewing mechanisms, heavy-duty gearboxes, and automated cutting tools.

Fabrication Skills: Proficiency in welding (MIG/TIG) and machining to fabricate custom replacement parts or modify existing machine frames for process improvements.

Automation Familiarity: Basic understanding of automated sensors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and PLC troubleshooting (e.g., Allen-Bradley or Siemens).

Physical Requirements
•Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. independently.
•Comfortable working in an environment with high levels of airborne fibers and noise (protective equipment provided).
•Capable of standing, bending, crawling, and climbing ladders for extended periods.