Cutting Operator Laser & Multi-Ply

Company Overview FPS Apparel is a B2B custom-decorated-apparel manufacturer in Chester, NY serving Fortune 1000 brands. Our in-house production combines dye-sublimation digital printing, vision-registered laser cutting, Gerber multi-ply cutting, and sewing. Job Overview The Cutting Operator owns the cutting room end-to-end: preparing the digital print/cut files that drive our FPS laser cutter and Gerber multi-ply cutting machines, then spreading, cutting, inspecting, and staging fabric for sewing. This is a hybrid hands-on + computer role — roughly half machine operation and fabric handling, half file preparation at a workstation. You work daily with the Digital Print Operator and Production Supervisor to keep printed fabric moving through cut and into sewing on schedule. Responsibilities Print & Cut File Preparation Create, edit, and verify print/cut files for the FPS laser cutter and Gerber multi-ply cutter from approved artwork and pattern files Nest/marker pieces for best material yield; adjust layouts for fabric width, shrinkage, pattern matching, and ply count Confirm cut paths register correctly to printed artwork (registration marks / vision system alignment) before releasing a job to the machine Maintain organized file naming, versioning, and job-folder structure so any operator can locate the correct production-ready file Flag artwork or pattern problems (missing cut lines, scaling, bleed, mirrored pieces) to the Digital Print Operator / Art team before fabric is cut Cutting Operations Spread, inspect, and prepare fabric rolls to be cut on laser or multi-ply cutting machines according to customer specifications Cut fabric per cutting design requirements, adjusting machine parameters (speed, power, blade, vacuum, ply height) as needed Move cut fabric to the appropriate table to be stacked and bundled according to procedure Maintain a steady, consistent, and efficient workflow to meet deadlines Quality, Maintenance & Communication Perform and communicate Quality Control on artwork, registration, and materials; quarantine and report defects before they reach sewing Perform preventive and regular maintenance on cutting heads, lenses, blades, and operating heads; notify supervisor of any concerns Communicate order status and needs-to-complete with the Digital Print Operator and Production Supervisor Keep the cutting area clean, organized, and safe Other related duties may be assigned Qualifications Required High School Diploma or equivalent Computer proficiency with vector/graphics or CAD software — e.g. Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or a cutter CAD suite (Gerber AccuMark/CutWorks, Optitex, or similar) — and confident general file management Experience operating automated cutting equipment (laser, CNC, plotter/cutter, or multi-ply cutter) or demonstrable aptitude and willingness to be trained on our machines Basic math skills for precise measuring (fractions, decimals, unit conversion) Detail-oriented; able to work independently and self-check work Strong focus on safe work practices and adherence to all safety protocols Ability to maintain a clean working environment Able to stand for long periods and lift at least 40 lbs Willing to work overtime when required Preferred Experience cutting textiles specifically (knits, wovens, sublimated fabric) including spreading and ply handling Experience with vision-registered cutting of printed material Nesting/marker-making experience for material yield optimization Background in apparel/sewn products, sign & graphics production, or commercial digital print Physical Requirements & Schedule On-site in Chester, NY; standing, walking, reaching for the majority of shift Lift up to 40 lbs regularly; team-lift heavier rolls Full-time with overtime during peak production periods

Pay:

$18.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person