Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Skilled Glove Cutter

💰 $18 - $26 per hour (DOE)

ManufacturingProductionSkilled LaborTextilesIndustrial

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hands-on professional with a passion for precision and craftsmanship? We're looking for a dedicated Glove Cutter to become an integral part of our manufacturing family. In this role, you will be the first critical step in a process that transforms raw materials into world-class protective and performance gloves. Your expertise in operating cutting machinery, evaluating material quality, and optimizing pattern layouts will directly impact our product's final quality and our company's success. This is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented individual who takes pride in their work and thrives in a fast-paced, quality-driven production environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Apprentice Cutter or Production Trainee
  • Textile Machine Operator
  • General Manufacturing Associate

Advancement To:

  • Lead Cutter or Cutting Department Team Lead
  • Production Supervisor
  • Quality Control Inspector or Specialist
  • Pattern Maker / Grader

Lateral Moves:

  • Die Cutting Specialist (for other apparel or industrial products)
  • Upholstery Cutter

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate hydraulic, clicker, or automated cutting presses to precisely cut various materials, including leather, synthetics, and technical textiles, according to specified glove patterns and work orders.
  • Carefully inspect raw materials such as leather hides and fabric bolts for defects, flaws, color variations, and imperfections to ensure only the highest quality materials enter the production line.
  • Strategically position and lay out patterns and dies on materials to maximize yield and minimize waste, adhering to strict material efficiency and cost-control standards.
  • Read and interpret complex work orders, production schedules, and technical specification sheets to determine the correct cutting requirements, materials, and quantities for each job.
  • Sort, bundle, count, and meticulously label cut glove components by size, style, material, and left/right hand, preparing them for the sewing and assembly departments.
  • Perform continuous in-process quality checks on cut pieces, using measuring tools to verify that dimensions and shapes meet precise design specifications and tolerances.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed daily production logs, recording material usage, number of units cut, die numbers used, and any production discrepancies for inventory and reporting.
  • Adhere rigorously to all company safety protocols and OSHA guidelines, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), machine guarding, and lockout/tagout procedures.
    s- Monitor the cutting process and equipment performance to proactively identify and correct any machine malfunctions or deviations from quality standards.
  • Sharpen, maintain, and properly care for cutting tools and dies, ensuring they remain in excellent condition to produce clean, precise cuts and extend their lifespan.
  • Perform manual cutting using hand knives and patterns for custom orders, product samples, or intricate designs that cannot be processed by machine.
  • Troubleshoot common issues with cutting equipment, performing minor adjustments and repairs or escalating complex problems to the maintenance team promptly to minimize downtime.
  • Ensure the cutting area is kept clean, organized, and free of hazards to maintain a safe, orderly, and highly efficient work environment.
  • Communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors and team members regarding production progress, material shortages, or equipment problems to prevent workflow delays.
  • Evaluate the quality and consistency of finished cut parts, performing first-piece and last-piece inspections to guarantee they meet all quality benchmarks before being moved to the next stage.

Secondary Functions

  • Collaborate with the sewing and assembly departments to ensure a smooth workflow and address any feedback related to cut component quality or quantity.
  • Assist the inventory control team with periodic material counts and audits to ensure a-ccurate stock levels.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and suggesting process enhancements to increase safety, quality, and overall productivity.
  • Contribute to the prototyping and sample-making process by providing expert feedback on material cut-ability and pattern efficiency for new glove designs.
  • Train and mentor apprentice cutters or new team members on machine operation, safety procedures, and quality standards to foster skill development within the team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Die Cutting Machine Operation: Proficient in operating hydraulic presses, clicker presses, and/or automated cutting systems.
  • Material Inspection: Expertise in evaluating the quality of leather, synthetics, and textiles, identifying flaws and unique characteristics.
  • Pattern Layout & Nesting: Skill in arranging patterns to maximize material yield and minimize scrap.
  • Tool and Die Maintenance: Ability to handle, store, and perform basic maintenance and sharpening of cutting dies and blades.
  • Blueprint & Work Order Interpretation: Capable of reading and understanding technical specifications, production orders, and design documents.
    -Quality Control Measurement: Proficient in using rulers, calipers, and other measuring tools to ensure parts meet precise specifications.
  • Hand Cutting: Skill in using manual cutting tools for custom or delicate work.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail is critical to ensure precision in cutting and quality in materials.
  • Manual Dexterity: Excellent hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for handling materials, tools, and small components.
  • Problem-Solving: The ability to troubleshoot machine issues and resolve cutting challenges effectively.
  • Safety Consciousness: A strong commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and following all safety protocols.
  • Time Management: Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment to meet production deadlines.
  • Teamwork & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with supervisors and colleagues in other departments.
  • Focus and Concentration: Ability to maintain high levels of concentration while performing repetitive tasks.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational or Technical Certificate in Manufacturing Technology or a related trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Arts
  • Textile Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment.

Preferred: Direct, hands-on experience as a Glove Cutter or Die Cutter in an apparel, footwear, or industrial textile setting. Demonstrated success in working with leather and/or high-performance fabrics is a significant advantage.

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