Operator I (1st and 2nd Shift)

Textum; Belmont (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Textum is seeking a hands-on Machine Operator to operate and support weaving machinery and processes in a safety‑focused environment. The role emphasizes producing high‑quality fabric and composite preforms for aerospace, energy, and infrastructure applications.

You will follow written and diagram-based instructions, work with teammates, and perform routine inspections while maintaining a clean, safe workspace and adhering to PPE requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent industrial/mechanical experience.
• Ability to read and interpret basic work instructions, safety notices, labels, and simple correspondence in English.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Comfortable communicating one-on-one with team members.
• Basic math including fractions, decimals, rates, ratios, and percentages.
• Ability to 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.

Responsibilities

• Wears required PPE (steel-toe footwear, hearing protection) per policy.
• Operates production equipment safely and efficiently to meet quality standards and production goals.
• Produces assigned products following all written, verbal, and diagram-based instructions.
• Performs equipment setups according to machine specs, product style requirements, and safety guidelines.
• Conducts routine in-process inspections and documents findings accurately.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work area, returning tools and materials to designated locations.
• Follows all safety, quality, and production policies and procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Teamwork

Reading instructions

Basic math

English reading

Tape measure reading

Strong communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

We are seeking a hands‑on Machine Operator who is able to physical labor with wrapping material.

We are looking for detail‑oriented, dependable individuals to join our team as a Machine Operator. This is a hands‑on production role where you’ll operate and/ or support weaving machinery and processes, contribute to high‑quality products, and work in a supportive, safety‑focused environment.

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
  

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:

(Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.)

• 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:

(Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.)

• 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