Assembler/Operator I

About Horizons Window Fashions

With roots stretching back to 1891, Horizons has experienced unprecedented growth marketing and producing unique and innovative window fashions not available from any other company. We're proud of our long, rich heritage of creating supreme quality, locally handcrafted products in Waukegan, Illinois.

Shift: 1st Shift: 5:00 am - 1:30 pm (Overtime Mandatory)

Job Offering: Starting pay at $16.07/hour (1st shift), with the potential for skill-based advancement through performance and certification. Advancement and associated pay increases are based on business needs and individual progress, up to $21.32/hour at full skill level.

Weekly Production bonuses: Productivity bonus team effect driven assistance, productivity, eligible after 30 days eligible for production incentives and if company 75 cents per hour if the department, numbers-generate exceed 5% then they qualify for 10% 1:50 an hour, 15% -2:25 hours -every week.

Benefits offered:

• Paid Time Off
• 10 Paid Company Holidays
• 401K & Company Matching
• Quarterly Gainsharing Opportunities
• Career Path Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Product Discounts
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Health & Flexible Spending Accounts

Job Summary

The Assembler / Operator is responsible for the fabrication, assembly, inspection, and packaging of Roman shades in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role involves working with fabric, sewing machines, mechanical components, and automated equipment to produce high-quality window coverings that meet safety, quality, and production standards. Associates must be detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and able to work efficiently both independently and as part of a production team.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Assemble Roman shade components by hand using hand-held tools and equipment.
• Fabricate Roman shades by installing sewn fabric panels, lift mechanisms, headrails, cords, rings, and related hardware
• Operate production equipment such as automatic screwdrivers, riveters, and other assembly machinery
• Read, interpret, and follow work orders, sewing patterns, measurements, and standard operating procedures
• Measure, cut, and verify fabric dimensions using rulers, tape measures, templates, and calipers; willingness to learn measurement tools as required
• Inspect sewn and assembled products to ensure stitch quality, alignment, strength, and overall appearance
• Identify fabric defects, sewing issues, component problems, or quality concerns and report them to the lead or supervisor
• Accurately track and record production counts, scrap, rework, and defects for each assigned job
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation, including sewing equipment, in accordance with 5S and facility standards
• Follow all safety, quality, and production policies and procedures
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and participate in training as required
• Perform other duties as assigned by management based on business needed

Education and Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of manufacturing, sewing, textile, upholstery, or assembly experience preferred
• Experience operating industrial sewing machines in a production environment strongly preferred
• Prior experience with window coverings, Roman shades, soft shades, or drapery fabrication is a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to consistently produce high-quality products
• Self-motivated and dependable, with the ability to meet production goals and quality standards
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team environment
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and craftsmanship
• Effective communication skills and ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and use a calculator
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Willingness to work overtime or extended hours as required

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds frequently
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 8 hours per shift; occasional sitting may be required
• Ability to push, pull, reach, bend, stoop, and perform repetitive motions
• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for sewing and assembly tasks
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with noise, machinery, fabric materials, and varying temperatures
• Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times

Benefits: The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5% company match of eligible contributions, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid sick time at an amount that meets or exceeds all local requirements, paid vacation time (pro-rated for 2025 based on start date), 10 paid holidays per year, and 2 paid floating day off per year.

The company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws.

Qualified applicants and associates with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of this position. Requests for accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and will not impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business.