Production Assistant

Grunt Style; Carol Stream (IL); On-site; USD 19,286 - 24,796; Full time

Job summary

Grunt Style is seeking a Production Assistant to support garment decoration operations across Printing, QC, Finishing, and Material Handling. You'll help maintain a steady, high-quality production flow by moving materials, preparing presses, and assisting operators on the floor.

This role requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. You’ll rotate between areas, ensure safety, and help meet daily quotas while upholding Grunt Style standards.

Qualifications

• Standing/walking for long periods and ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Operate around industrial machinery and presses safely.
• Excellent vision with color awareness and detail orientation.
• Strong communication and active listening skills.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts including overtime.
• Desire to produce high-quality garments.

Responsibilities

• Fold, finish, and package printed apparel meeting daily quotas.
• Operate heat presses and ensure proper placement and dwell time.
• Pick and stage blank garments and materials using barcode scanners.
• Replenish ink, pretreatment, and consumables for DTG presses as directed.
• Keep press stations stocked with screens, squeegees, and garments for printing support.
• Track and update job progress using barcode scanners or tablets.
• Help setup and break down press stations and prep tools.
• Sort completed garments and route them to the next department or holding area.
• Remove scrap and manage waste bins per shop protocols.
• Assist with cycle counts and restocking shelves to support inventory.
• Assist with receiving, inspecting, and labeling inbound goods for production.
• Maintain proper storage of transfers, screens, and job-specific accessories.
• Support press operators by catching misprints and swapping supplies on the fly.
• Move completed work to finishing or packing zones using carts and labeling systems.
• Ensure garments meet visual and quality standards before passing to the next stage.
• Prioritize accuracy to avoid workflow delays.

Skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Hand-eye coordination

Physical stamina

Follow instructions

Strong communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

The Production Assistant supports Grunt Style garment decoration operations by blending responsibilities from Printing, Quality Control, Finishing, and Material Handling. This cross-functional role focuses on production tasks, efficient material movement, and supporting press operators and the finishing team to maintain steady, high-quality production flow. This role requires adaptability, strong work ethic, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Fold, finish, and package printed apparel for shipment or inventory, meeting daily production quotas
• Operate heat presses to apply collar/sleeve decorations, ensuring proper placement and dwell time
• Pick and stage blank garments, transfers, and job materials accurately using barcode scanners
• Replenish ink, pretreatment, and consumables for DTG presses as directed by operators
• Keep press stations stocked with screens, squeegees, and garments for screen printing support
• Track and update job progress using barcode scanners or tablets
• Help setup and break down press stations (i.e., cleaning platens, prepping tools)
• Sort completed garments and route them to the next department or holding area
• Remove scrap and manage waste bins following shop protocols
• Assist with cycle counts and restocking shelves to support accurate inventory
• Assist with receiving, inspecting, and labeling inbound goods for production
• Maintain proper storage of transfers, screens, and job-specific accessories
• Support press operators by catching misprints, replacing blanks, or swapping supplies on the fly
• Move completed work to finishing or packing zones using carts and labeling systems
• Ensure garments meet visual and quality standards before being passed to the next stage
• Prioritize accuracy and completeness in material handling to avoid workflow delays
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace, especially around high-heat and heavy equipment
• Report any material shortages, misprints, or equipment malfunctions promptly
• Rotate between areas (material flow, QC, finishing) as needed to support overall production goals
• Be proactive—anticipate what the press operator needs next and prepare accordingly
• Communicate clearly with team members, especially during high-volume production
• Support a culture of quality and consistency by flagging anything that doesn’t look right
• Take ownership of your station—reset, clean, and restock it at the end of each shift
• Stay alert and adaptable to help redirect work during shifting priorities or unexpected issues
• Maintain a positive attitude under pressure and be a supportive presence on the floor

Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time; work in and around a variety of industrial machinery and presses; bend over, squat, or climb.
• Able to frequently move and lift up to 40 lbs when necessary
• Ability to apply common sense and understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
• Good hand eye coordination
• Excellent vision including ability to adjust focus, close vision, distant vision, color awareness, and attention to small details.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to effectively listen and follow instructions.
• Solid problem solving skills
• Able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in common units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Desire to create quality products
• Must comply with any company policy of wearing personal protective equipment such as hearing protection, gloves, safety glasses, etc. where required
• Must be available to work hours and days as needed based on changing schedule demands, including overtime. Schedules and shifts may change throughout the year. Schedule requirements may include working days, afternoons, nights, 1st shift, 2nd shift, or weekends as needed.

Education

• High school diploma or GED (General Education Degree)

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. The employee will be expected to perform other duties as needed.