Industrial Sewing Technician - AbilityOne

Summary The Industrial Sewing Technician is a hands-on, skill-building manufacturing role for people who like working with their hands, learning technical equipment, and being part of something that matters. In this role, you’ll help produce mission-critical apparel, including U.S. military uniforms, while developing transferable skills in industrial sewing, quality, and production.

Technicians are trained across multiple machines and operations, giving you variety, growth, and real career pathways. You’ll work as part of a team that values quality, safety, learning, and continuous improvement—while contributing to a mission that supports national service, workforce development, and community impact.

This position is part of the Ability One Program, which provides employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for the Ability One Program. Ability One is one of the largest sources of employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. Through nonprofit agencies (like ours), the program provides products and services, including janitorial and manufacturing services.

The program also requires that 75% of the services provided be completed by individuals who meet the Ability One requirements (blind or have significant disabilities).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Operate a variety of industrial sewing machines, including single- and double-needle, walking foot, overlock/surging, hemming, union special, bar tacking, and automated sewing equipment.

Accurately align fabric, garments, and components using guides, templates, markings, notches, and machine settings.

Perform basic, medium, and complex sewing operations to join, reinforce, or decorate garments and textile products.

Consistently meet or exceed established productivity, quality (First Time Quality), and attendance standards.

Inspect work-in-process and finished garments to identify defects, inconsistencies, or damage; correct issues as needed.

Thread machines, insert bobbins, change needles, and select appropriate threads, fasteners, and materials for each operation.

Monitor machine performance, identify stitching or mechanical issues, and escalate concerns when advanced maintenance is required.

Perform routine cleaning and basic preventive maintenance on sewing equipment.

Verify correct sequence of operations, material matching (patterns, dye lots), and adherence to work instructions.

Support peer-to-peer training and cross-training of operators as assigned.

Participate in continuous improvement, TPM, 5S, and quality initiatives, including ISO and Quality Management System requirements.

Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment at all times.

Support the organization’s mission, values, and commitment to excellent customer service.

Perform duties as assigned.

Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent is not required; all education levels are accepted.

Minimum 6 months to 1 year of experience operating industrial sewing machines in a manufacturing environment.

Demonstrated ability to sew accurately and efficiently across multiple operations and materials.

Experience with heavy-duty and automated sewing equipment is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of garment construction, fabric types, and sewing techniques.

Ability to read and follow work instructions, samples, and visual aids.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot basic machine issues.

Ability to work effectively in a team-based production environment.

Flexibility to learn new operations and support changing production needs.

Core Competencies Technical

Skills:

Continuously builds sewing and equipment knowledge; shares expertise with others.

Quality Focus:
Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; seeks opportunities to improve quality.

Productivity:
Meets performance standards while maintaining efficiency and consistency.

Teamwork:
Collaborates effectively; gives and receives constructive feedback.

Adaptability:
Responds positively to change, shifting priorities, and new processes.

Dependability:
Maintains…