Operator Technician Level 1

The Industrial Commons; Morganton (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

The Industrial Commons in Morganton, NC is seeking an Operator Technician Level 1 to support yarn production. You will operate and monitor opening room and spinning equipment, prepare materials, and ensure quality and safety throughout the process.

Ideal candidates have 1+ years in manufacturing, familiarity with textile equipment, and strong teamwork abilities. This onsite role offers regular daytime hours and a collaborative production environment.

Qualifications

• One or more years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience operating production machinery and warehouse equipment.
• Knowledge of common fiber types, textile materials, and their impact on equipment performance and product quality preferred.
• Familiarity with textile manufacturing equipment, including opening room, carding, drawing, and spinning machinery, or demonstrated ability to learn and operate specialized equipment.
• Ability to identify equipment issues, perform routine maintenance and cleaning, and communicate technical problems to the team lead or manager.
• Ability to maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas and follow SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Operate, set up, and maintain opening room and spinning equipment to support safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
• Prepare equipment and materials for production runs and perform equipment cleanouts between orders in accordance with established procedures.
• Monitor raw material supplies, track material movement between production areas, and communicate inventory needs or shortages to management.
• Meet established production targets while maintaining product quality and following applicable safety procedures.
• Support opening room, spinning, and warehouse operations based on production demands and operational priorities.
• Produce bales and assist with material handling, shipping, and receiving activities in coordination with warehouse personnel.
• Follow established standard operating procedures and maintain clean, organized, and safe production and warehouse work areas.
• Identify and report equipment issues, material shortages, quality concerns, and other production obstacles to the appropriate team lead or manager.
• Proactively prepare equipment, stage materials, and organize work areas to support efficient production and workflow.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the team lead or manager to support production and warehouse operations.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Production machinery

Inventory tracking

Safety procedures

Team collaboration

Tools

Spreadsheets

Inventory software

Job description

Job Title: Operator Technician Level 1

Reports To: Textile and Technology Lead

Location: Morganton, NC Onsite

Job Type: Full-Time Hourly Non-Exempt, M-F 7am-3pm

About Material Return: Material Return is building a circular textile economy by transforming textile waste into high-quality recycled yarns. Based in Morganton, NC, we are creating innovative manufacturing solutions that reduce waste, strengthen domestic supply chains, and advance sustainable textile production in the United States. Material Return is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Job Overview:

The Operator Technician is responsible for carrying out the preparation of raw fibers and materials for the full cycle of yarn production, while ensuring quality and consistency throughout each stage of the process. This role requires the technician to operate and monitor all machines, ensure that materials are handled properly, and procedures are carried out accurately to achieve precise results. The Operator/Technician will have a strong understanding of fibers and the disciplines surrounding yarn production, which will serve as the foundation for production-based teamwork, ability to collaborate and improve processes, all while maintaining high standards.

Essential Functions

• Operate, set up, and maintain opening room and spinning equipment to support safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
• Prepare equipment and materials for production runs and perform equipment cleanouts between orders in accordance with established procedures.
• Monitor raw material supplies, track material movement between production areas, and communicate inventory needs or shortages to management.
• Meet established production targets while maintaining product quality and following applicable safety procedures.
• Support opening room, spinning, and warehouse operations based on production demands and operational priorities.
• Produce bales and assist with material handling, shipping, and receiving activities in coordination with warehouse personnel.
• Follow established standard operating procedures and maintain clean, organized, and safe production and warehouse work areas.
• Identify and report equipment issues, material shortages, quality concerns, and other production obstacles to the appropriate team lead or manager.
• Proactively prepare equipment, stage materials, and organize work areas to support efficient production and workflow.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the team lead or manager to support production and warehouse operations.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• One (1) or more years of manufacturing experience preferred, including experience in production or warehouse environments.
• Experience operating production machinery and warehouse equipment preferred.
• Knowledge of common fiber types, textile materials, and their impact on equipment performance and product quality preferred.
• Familiarity with textile manufacturing equipment, including opening room, carding, drawing, and spinning machinery, or demonstrated ability to learn and operate specialized equipment.
• Ability to identify equipment issues, perform routine equipment maintenance and cleaning, and communicate technical problems to the appropriate team lead or manager.
• Ability to maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas in accordance with established procedures and applicable workplace safety requirements.
• Ability to accurately maintain production records, track materials, document daily activities, and follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Familiarity with inventory tracking methods, spreadsheets, or inventory management software preferred.
• Ability to identify opportunities to improve workflow, reduce material waste, and increase efficiency while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Demonstrated adaptability, initiative, attention to detail, and willingness to learn new equipment, processes, and production systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively across production and warehouse operations while adapting to changing operational priorities.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods.
• Ability to move throughout the office, meeting, warehouse, and work environments to access equipment, materials, and communicate with others.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally as needed to support business operations.
• Ability to perceive, process, and communicate information presented in written, verbal, and electronic formats in English.Ability to operate or work safely around powered industrial equipment and moving machinery, when required by the position.
• Able to wear a required NIOSH-approved respirator. The selected candidate must complete the employer's required medical clearance process, including pulmonary function testing, before beginning work
• Work is performed in both office and warehouse/manufacturing environments.
• Regular exposure to warehouse conditions, including varying temperatures, elevated noise levels, moving equipment, dust, and airborne cotton fibers.

Pay and Benefits

• Wage: Competitive, with an anticipated hourly range of $18-$22 based on experience.

• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays.