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