Lead Industrial Sewing Machine Operator
Job Description
Job DescriptionA&K Designs, Inc is a family owned and operated sports apparel manufacturing company, proudly serving the Portland community for the last 35 years. We have a strong company culture that is committed to fostering an environment for every teammate thats welcoming, respectful, and inclusive. Everything we produce has high visibility and we take pride in our quality, innovation, and on-time delivery.
We are moving forward, searching for new ways improve what we do and who we are, and looking for energetic and engaged people to join our team.
We are looking for a Lead Industrial Sewing Machine Operator to support our apparel manufacturing team. This role is responsible for coordinating workflow among sewing operators, providing training, and performing advanced sewing operations as needed. A key focus of the position is maintaining consistent quality standards by inspecting work, troubleshooting issues, and guiding team members to improve accuracy and efficiency. The Lead Operator works closely with the Sewing Supervisor to ensure production goals are met while upholding the companys standards for craftsmanship, safety, and organization.
Our regular schedule is Monday - Thursday, 6:00am to 3:15pm, Friday, 6:00am to 11:00am.
Job duties may include:
- Lead the daily activities of sewing operators and guiding team members
- Train, mentor, and support operators at different skill levels to improve efficiency and quality
- Operate a wide range of industrial sewing machines (single-needle, double-needle, overlock, coverstitch, etc.) to complete complex sewing tasks
- Troubleshoot machines, answer technical questions, and resolve production issues in real time
- Inspect finished garments, identify errors, and ensure all products meet quality standards
- Follow all safety procedures and ensure work areas are clean and organized
What you will need to have:
- 5+ years of industrial sewing experience; prior lead experience strongly preferred
- Proficiency with multiple sewing machines and garment construction techniques
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to coach and support diverse team members
- Ability to read garment patterns and tech packs, solve sewing issues, and deliver consistent high-quality results
- Clear communication skills in English (verbal and written) at an intermediate level
- Ability to use tablet and/or computer at an intermediate level
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing production environment
- Bilingual in English and Spanish, or Bilingual in English and Chinese, highly desired
What you'll get:
- Medical, dental and vision with generous employer contribution
- 401k with employer match
- Two weeks paid time off
- 8 company paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Day shift schedule: Monday - Thursday 6am to 3:15pm, Friday 6am to 11am