Spring Machine Operator

Position Summary

The Pocket Spring Machine Operator safely sets up and operates automated equipment that forms steel wire coils, encloses them in fabric pockets, and produces pocket spring components used in mattress production. The position follows work orders, machine settings, product specifications, quality tolerances, traceability requirements, and all safety procedures.

Essential Responsibilities

• The following duties are representative of the position and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties may be assigned as business needs require.
• Review production orders and specifications; verify the article, wire gauge, spring dimensions, unit configuration, and required materials.
• Complete pre-use equipment checks and confirm guards, emergency stops, sensors, wire guides, and the work area are safe.
• Set up and operate pocket spring equipment only after completing required training and receiving authorization.
• Load wire, nonwoven fabric, bonding materials, and other components using approved material-handling methods and lifting aids.
• Monitor coil forming, pocketing, cutting, joining, and assembly operations and make only authorized machine adjustments.
• Inspect first pieces and periodic samples for spring dimensions, coil shape, pocket integrity, bond quality, row count, and unit size.
• Record required production and quality checks, maintain traceability, segregate nonconforming product, and minimize scrap.
• Keep the work area clean, follow lockout/tagout requirements and never bypass safeguards; report wire breaks, jams, or equipment problems immediately.

Primary Objectives / Key Performance Expectations

• Operate safely and complete all required equipment and quality checks.
• Produce pocket spring components that meet dimensional, construction, and traceability requirements.
• Meet production targets while minimizing scrap, defects, material damage, and unplanned downtime.
• Maintain dependable attendance, accurate records, housekeeping, teamwork, and cross-training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and prior automated machine-operation or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to read work orders, labels, machine settings, and dimensional specifications.
• Basic math and measurement skills, including use of a tape measure; caliper experience preferred.
• Attention to detail, basic troubleshooting, dependable attendance, teamwork, and shift/overtime availability.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for most or all of an 8- to 10-hour shift.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and push, pull, position, or maneuver foam blocks using approved assistance.
• Ability to bend, reach, grip controls and materials, and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to work safely near cutting blades and moving equipment and to see, hear, and communicate sufficiently, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing environment.
• Pocket spring area with moving machinery, steel wire, conveyors, compressed air, and material-handling equipment.
• Exposure to noise, vibration, wire ends, lubricants or bonding materials, and temperature changes; assigned PPE required.
• Frequent interaction with employees across all departments.
• Fast-paced environment that may require shift changes, overtime, or weekend work.