Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

What the job really is

Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut textiles.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-6062
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Inspect products to ensure that the quality standards and specifications are met.
• Place patterns on top of layers of fabric and cut fabric following patterns, using electric or manual knives, cutters, or computer numerically controlled cutting devices.
• Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.
• Adjust machine controls, such as heating mechanisms, tensions, or speeds, to produce specified products.
• Record information about work completed and machine settings.
• Notify supervisors of mechanical malfunctions.
• Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
• Confer with coworkers to obtain information about orders, processes, or problems.
• Repair or replace worn or defective parts or components, using hand tools.
• Clean, oil, and lubricate machines, using air hoses, cleaning solutions, rags, oilcans, and grease guns.
• Thread yarn, thread, or fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines.
• Operate machines to cut multiple layers of fabric into parts for articles such as canvas goods, house furnishings, garments, hats, or stuffed toys.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Band knife cutting machines, Cloth spreading machines, Die cutting machines, Die cutting presses, Drill presses

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Cutters and Trimmers, Hand
• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.