Manufacturing Technician

Albany International Corp.; Grapevine (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Albany International Corp. in Dallas, TX is seeking a 3D Weaving Loom Operator to setup, operate, and monitor automated 3D weaving looms, producing aerospace-grade composite preforms according to engineering specifications. Training may be required in Rochester, NH.

You will load carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aramid yarns, ensuring proper tension, monitor the weave for defects, perform basic machine setup, and document production logs and shift handovers.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree or certificate preferred.
• 1–3 years’ experience operating CNC machinery, textile looms, or composite equipment.
• Strong manual dexterity and attention to detail with delicate fibers.
• Ability to read basic engineering blueprints and production orders.

Responsibilities

• Operate 3D weaving looms to produce composite preforms per specs.
• Load and thread carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aramid yarns through creels and guides with proper tension.
• Monitor process to detect defects such as broken ends or mispicks.
• Perform basic setup including pattern changes and tooling adjustments.
• Conduct in-process quality inspections using calipers and micrometers.
• Maintain production logs, traceability records, and shift handover reports.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Blueprint reading

Loom operation

Education

High school diploma

Associates degree or cert in manufacturing

Tools

CNC machinery

Textile looms

Composite equipment

Job description

3D Weaving Loom Operator

Job Description

Permanent position will be located in Dallas, TX; training may be required in Rochester, NH.

The Loom Operator is responsible for the setup, operation, and monitoring of industrial 3D weaving machinery. This role ensures that continuous production runs meet strict aerospace and industrial quality standards while minimizing material waste and machine downtime.

Position Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Operate automated and semi-automated 3D weaving looms to produce composite preforms according to engineering specifications.
• Load and thread technical yarns (carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramid) through creels, guides, and jacquard harnesses, ensuring proper tension and alignment.
• Monitor the weaving process continuously to detect and resolve defects such as broken ends, mispicks, or tension inconsistencies.
• Perform basic machine setup, including pattern changes and tooling adjustments.
• Conduct in-process quality inspections using precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers) to verify preform thickness, width, and architecture.
• Maintain accurate production logs, traceability records, and shift handover reports.

Shift

Day

Experience/Education/Skills

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree or certification in manufacturing is a plus.
• 1–3 years of experience operating CNC machinery, textile looms, or composite manufacturing equipment.
• High manual dexterity and strong attention to detail for handling delicate technical fibers.
• Ability to read and interpret basic engineering blueprints and production work orders.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts and stand for extended periods.