Machine Operator

Machine Operator

The Machine Operator plays a key role in producing high-quality soft armor materials by operating and monitoring weaving equipment from start to finish. This position focuses on making circuit looms, bombing the yarn, and ensuring the fabric meets strict quality standards. You will work primarily with air jet looms and Rapier looms in a technologically advanced manufacturing environment that supports growth into specialized areas such as the carbon room.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate weaving machines to produce soft armor materials according to specifications.
• Manually thread needles and prepare looms for production runs.
• Make circuit looms and bomb the yarn to support continuous and efficient operation.
• Continuously inspect fabric for correct patterns, pick counts, and overall quality throughout the production process.
• Identify defects or anomalies in the fabric and take immediate action to prevent machine stoppages.
• Flag and collaborate with fixer apprentices when quality issues or machine problems arise.
• Monitor the performance of air jet looms and Rapier looms and make basic adjustments as needed to maintain quality and productivity.
• Ensure the product meets established quality standards from beginning to end of the production run.
• Patrol the production area on foot, staying alert to equipment performance and product consistency.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean and organized work area.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of machine operating experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to set up, operate, and monitor industrial machinery safely and effectively.
• Strong attention to detail to detect pattern issues, defects, and anomalies in fabric.
• Ability to manually thread needles and handle fine, repetitive tasks with accuracy.
• Capability to walk 47 miles per shift and remain on your feet for extended periods.
• Comfort working with weaving equipment such as air jet looms and Rapier looms or similar machinery.
• Commitment to following quality standards and safety procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in textile, weaving, or similar production environments.
• Background in operating specialized machinery such as slitter machines or related production equipment.
• General production experience, including monitoring output and performing basic troubleshooting.
• Willingness to learn and grow into additional roles, including work in specialized areas like the carbon room.
• Ability to work a 12-hour shift schedule (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) on a rotating 2x2x3 pattern.

Why Work Here?

Join an established advanced materials manufacturer with over 60 years of technological innovation in fiber reinforcements and prepregs. You will be part of a company that serves aerospace, defense, energy, industrial, and protective markets and operates across North America and Europe, offering long-term stability and exposure to diverse applications. The organization provides clear opportunities for growth, including additional compensation for working in specialized areas such as the carbon room, and supports skill development in a highly technical production environment.

Work Environment

You will work in a dynamic manufacturing facility focused on producing soft armor materials. The role follows a 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 2x2x3 schedule, with openings on both A shift and B shift, providing a predictable rotating pattern of workdays and days off. Daily work centers on operating air jet looms and Rapier looms, along with related production equipment, in an environment designed for high-quality, continuous production. The position is physically active, requiring you to walk 47 miles per shift and remain on your feet for long periods while patrolling and monitoring machines. The facility emphasizes safety, quality, and efficient workflow, with a structured production floor and clear procedures for machine operation and quality control.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of CHARLOTTE, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in CHARLOTTE,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 2026.