Lead Machine Operator (1st Shift)

Textum; Belmont (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Drug-free workplace

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Textum OPCO, LLC in Belmont, NC, is seeking a Lead Machine Operator (1st Shift) to guide weaving production and ensure quality and on-time output. You will mentor team members, follow safety protocols, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced, manufacturing environment.

Ideal candidates have strong attention to detail, good communication, and the ability to read blueprints or instructions. This full-time role offers career growth and a supportive team in a drug-free, equal opportunity

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent industrial experience.
• Ability to read and interpret basic instructions in English.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Basic math and measurement skills (fractions, decimals).

Responsibilities

• Wear PPE (steel-toe footwear, hearing protection) per policy.
• Operate production equipment safely to meet quality goals.
• Produce assigned products following written, verbal, and diagram-based instructions.
• Set up equipment according to specs and safety guidelines.
• Conduct in-process inspections and document findings.
• Maintain clean, organized, safe work area and return tools.
• Follow safety, quality, and production procedures.
• Report discrepancies, malfunctions, safety concerns, and injuries to management.

Skills

Team leadership

Detail-oriented

Communication

Time management

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Textum OPCO, LLC is hiring a Machine Operator (1st Shift) for its textile manufacturing operation.

Location: Belmont, NC

Schedule:? Full-time – 1st shift available

We are looking for detail-oriented, dependable individuals to join our team as a Lead Machine Operator (1st Shift). This is a hands-on production role where you’ll lead team members to operate weaving machinery and processes, contribute to high-quality products, and work in a supportive, safety-focused environment. This person would be expected to be a motivated self-starter who inspires others to be proactive in improving their work performance by fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Communication and collaboration are also vital assets for this role.

At Textum we thrive on developing innovative fabric and multi-dimensional preform solutions for our customers which help to advance their programs and push their technologies to the next level. We have unique expertise in developing textile solutions for extreme environments that we are leveraging for specialty composite production. The industries that we serve include aerospace, space, defense, energy, and infrastructure. Whether it’s thermal protection systems for space vehicles, preforms for CMC components, or preforms and fabrics for carbon-carbon processing, we have the experience and expertise to help ensure our customer’s success both as a reinforcement provider and through delivery of finished parts.

• Textum OPCO, LLC is a drug-free work environment.
• Textum OPCO, LLC is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or marital status, or based on any individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Details of Responsibilities:

• Wears required personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with company policy, including steel-toe footwear and hearing protection
• Operates production equipment safely and efficiently to meet quality standards and support daily production goals
• Produces assigned products following all written, verbal, and diagram-based instructions
• Performs equipment setups according to machine specifications, product style requirements, and safety guidelines
• Conducts routine in-process inspections and documents findings accurately
• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work area, including returning tools and materials to designated locations
• Follows all established safety, quality, and production policies and procedures
• Immediately reports product discrepancies, equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, and any personal injuries to management

Requirements

Education & Skills:

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent experience in an industrial or mechanical setting?
• Ability to read and interpret basic work instructions, safety notices, equipment labels, and simple correspondence in English?
• Ability to write simple correspondence
• Comfortable communicating one-on-one with team members
• Basic math skills, including working with fractions, decimals, rates, ratios, and percentages
• Ability to accurately read a tape measure, ruler, or other basic measuring tools
• Ability to follow written, verbal, or diagram-based instructions
• Good manual dexterity and physical coordination
• Strong time-management, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively with others in a team environment

Physical Demands:

• Ability to bend, lift, stoop, push, and pull up to 50 lbs regularly
• Ability to sit and stand as needed throughout the shift
• Use of hands for handling materials and performing fine motor tasks
• Ability to talk and hear in a production environment
• Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Must be able to wear required PPE in designated areas
• Must pass a drug screen

Work Environment:

• Elevated and variable noise levels; hearing protection required in all designated high-noise or equipment-operation areas?
• Fast-paced, safety-driven setting where adherence to lockout/tagout, machine-guarding, and PPE protocols is essential?
• Strong emphasis on situational awareness, safe work practices, and consistent quality standards?

Who Thrives in This Role:

• Individuals who enjoy hands-on, craft-based work
• People with strong attention to detail
• Fast learners who follow instructions well
• Reliable team players with good communication skills
• Those who take pride in producing quality work