Machine Operator - Embroidery

Herff-Jones,-LLC; Arcola (IL); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Herff Jones, Cap and Gown team in Arcola, Illinois, seeks a Machine Operator to support our production line. You will learn to operate automated equipment and inspect components to uphold quality standards, with a focus on safety and efficiency during 10+ hour shifts.

Ideal candidates possess a high school diploma or GED, strong communication skills, the ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and willingness to work overtime as needed. This role is on-site in Arcola, IL.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be able to regularly lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long shifts.
• Strong communication and basic math reading/writing skills.
• Overtime may be required.

Responsibilities

• Learn to inspect components to ensure quality.
• Operate automated machinery in the department.
• Familiarize with all product lines and maintain quality standards.
• Clean machines and support other departments as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Self-motivated

Reading/writing/math

Color recognition

Overtime willingness

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Computer usage

Job description

Posted Monday, August 31, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Position Title: MACHINE OPERATOR

Location: ARCOLA, ILLINOIS

Starting Pay for position:18.00

JOIN OUR TEAM!

About Herff Jones:

Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones' products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, diplomas and announcements as well as motivation and recognition programs. Focused on building long-term relationships through a nationwide network of over 1,400 employees and sales partners, the professionals at Herff Jones have been helping elevate the student experience throughout the lifelong journey of education for more than 100 years. For more information about Herff Jones, please visit www.herffjones.com .

The Herff Jones Cap and Gown team, based in Arcola IL, is looking for a Machine Operator to join our team.

• Impact
  • Reporting to the Manufacturing Supervisor, you will be responsible for learning the machines to provide optimal production in the department.
  • At Herff Jones we may have been around for 100 years, but we still have the mentality of a scrappy startup. For you, that means your job may grow and change over time. But don't worry, we would never ask an employee to take on an assignment they didn't already have the right skill sets they needed to succeed. As we see it for right now, however, here are the challenges that we want you to tackle:
• Will learn to inspect all component parts to make certain they meet our quality standards and correspond to the bundling ticket.
• Will learn how to operate the automated machinery in your department.
• Will learn about all product lines.
• Responsible for finished product meeting all quality standards.
• Responsible for cleaning machine, etc. to meet the machine's needs.
• Work in other departments and work areas/machinery as needed.

What You'll Be Doing On A Daily Basis:

• Lifting, carrying, sitting, grasping, reaching, standing, kneeling, walking, bending, twisting.
• Standing on a fatigue mat in a specific area throughout a 10 hour+ shift.
• Be able to regularly lift/move up to 50lbs.
• Standing for 8 hours a day or longer.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to above moderate.
• Ability to work in an environment with repetitive motions of the arms, wrists, and elbows.
• Physical strength and dexterity to perform essential job functions.

What You'll Bring to the Table:

• Must have strong communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated.
• Reading, writing and math skills commensurate with job duties.
• Must be able to recognize colors and different cloth styles.
• Must be able to work all mandatory overtime.

Education / Certifications Required:

• High School Diploma/GED

Physical Requirements:

• Daily activity includes but is not limited to lifting, carrying, sitting, grasping, reaching, standing, kneeling, walking, bending, twisting.
• Reading, communication, math.
• Working at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to regularly lift/move up to 50lbs.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to above

Herff Jones, Inc. and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers and maintain affirmative action plans to recruit, retain, develop, and promote qualified individuals without unlawful consideration of race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Herff Jones strives to maintain a work environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, where associates are treated with respect and dignity.