Pine Mountain-Loom Technician Instructor

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver classroom and hands-on training for new hires and existing associates on Milliken loom operation and maintenance.
• Create, update, and maintain training materials, work instructions, visual aids, and technical documents.
• Evaluate trainee performance and certify employees on loom operation, troubleshooting, and safety procedures.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to all technicians, operators, and maintenance personnel.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying skill gaps and implementing corrective training programs.
• Demonstrate proper setup, adjustment, and operation of Milliken looms to optimize efficiency and fabric quality.
• Train employees on troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and weaving process issues.
• Monitor training effectiveness through assessments, audits, and production performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and established operating procedures.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams to develop workforce capabilities.
• Aid in onboarding and cross-training initiatives to build operational flexibility within the department.
• Maintain accurate training records and employee qualification documentation.
• Stay current with technological advances, equipment upgrades, and manufacturing best practices related to weaving operations.
• Randomly inspect all looms with focus on high stop machines.
• Serve as a member of Safety Steering Committee.
• Be willing to act as a set technician, when necessary, as directed by management.
• Serve as Plant’s OJT for Hoist Operations and Lock-out / Tag-Out.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Industrial Technology, Textile Technology, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting weaving looms or similar textile equipment.
• Willingness to travel for company mandated off-site training.
• Demonstrated knowledge of weaving processes, fabric construction, yarn characteristics, and loom mechanics.
• Strong understanding of safety standards and manufacturing best practices.
• Experience training, mentoring, or leading technical employees preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic training systems.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Technical Skills:
  • Loom setup, operation, and optimization
  • Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting
  • Preventive and predictive maintenance practices
  • Weaving quality standards and defect analysis
  • Root cause analysis and problem solving
  • Production performance monitoring
  • Technical documentation development
  • Adult learning and instructional techniques

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to climb stairs, bend, stoop, and reach as required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work in a noisy industrial environment while using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily on the production floor, near moving machinery and ongoing process lines.
• Noise levels vary; hearing protection may be required.
• Exposure to fibers, lint, dust, and particulates typical of textile operations.
• Exposure to heat from extrusion zones and fluctuating seasonal temperatures.
• Exposure to tight/confined areas, ladder use, and navigating around machinery.
• Required use of PPE: safety glasses, safety shoes, gloves, hearing protection, and other items per task area.