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