Production Machine Operator

Lakeshirts, inc.; Detroit Lakes (MN); On-site; USD 23,419 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily pay options

Comprehensive insurance

22 paid days off (first year)

Profit sharing

401(k) plan

Relaxed dress code

Onsite cafeteria

Job summary

Lakeshirts in Detroit Lakes, MN is seeking a Production Machine Operator to join our screenprint or embroidery team and transform customer artwork into finished apparel sold across the country.

This on-site role offers a day shift (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM) starting at $17.00/hour and a night shift (Mon–Thu, 4:00 PM–2:00 AM) starting at $22.00/hour, with growth opportunities to $30+/hour. No prior screenprint/embroidery experience required; dependability and willingness to learn are valued.

Qualifications

• No screenprint or embroidery experience required; willingness to learn.
• Attention to detail and dependable; able to follow instructions.
• High school diploma preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Review orders for garment styles, artwork, colors, quantities and placement details.
• Learn and operate screenprint, embroidery, laser, and other garment decoration equipment.
• Help set up, run, and change over jobs; load and unload garments and change materials as needed.
• Check garment and decoration quality; communicate with inventory/leads to keep workflow moving.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and follow safety practices and OSHA standards.

Skills

Dependable

Detail-oriented

Hands-on

Self-motivated

Team player

Reliable in attendance

Basic tech literacy

Willing to learn

Follow instructions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Screenprint equipment

Embroidery equipment

Laser equipment

Order systems (computers/tablets/spreadsheets)

Job description

BRINGING ART + GARMENTS TO LIFE.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Looking for something different? This could be your fresh start. At Lakeshirts great team members come from all kinds of backgrounds, and we will teach you what you need to know.

As an Production Machine Operator, you will join our screenprint or embroidery team and help transform customer artwork into finished apparel sold across the country. You will operate production equipment, prepare garments, review order details, monitor quality, and keep production moving.

No screenprint or embroidery experience is required. Bring dependability, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. This is active, hands‑on work where the day moves quickly.

PAY + SCHEDULE

Location: Detroit Lakes, MN. This is a full‑time, onsite production role.

Day Shift: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, starting at $17.00 per hour.

Night Shift: Monday‑Thursday, 4:00 PM-2:00 AM, starting at $22.00 per hour.

Growth: We believe in promoting from within and rewarding strong performance. Machine Operators can advance through operator levels as they build skills, improve consistency, and master additional equipment. Day‑shift Machine Operators can grow from $17.00/hour to $25.00+/hour, while Night‑shift Machine Operators can grow from $22.00/hour to $30.00+/hour. Some team members advance in as little as 90 days. Advancement opportunities vary by department.

Watch: Screenprint Operator Day in the Life | About Lakeshirts Embroidery

BENEFITS

Lakeshirts offers a fun, creative, and team‑driven culture where employees are empowered to grow. We provide competitive pay with daily pay options, comprehensive insurance benefits, up to 22 paid days off in the first year, profit sharing, a 401(k) plan, relaxed dress code, onsite cafeteria, and more.

A TYPICAL DAY

• Review production orders for garment styles, artwork, colors, quantities, and placement details.
• Learn and operate screenprint, embroidery, laser, and other garment decoration equipment.
• Help set up, run, and change over jobs.
• Load and unload garments from machines and workstations, changing screens, thread, ink, needles, or other production materials as needed.
• Use computers, tablets, spreadsheets, or order systems to access job specifications.
• Check garment quality, decoration quality, and order counts throughout production.
• Fold, label, box, count, and record finished garments.
• Communicate with inventory, leads, and teammates to keep workflow moving.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area while following safety practices and OSHA standards.
• Support team goals and perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS

• Positive, dependable, and ready to learn.
• Detail-oriented and quality-focused.
• Comfortable with repetitive, hands‑on work, follows processes, instructions, and order specifications.
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently.
• Team‑oriented and willing to jump in where needed.
• Reliable in attendance, communication, and follow‑through.
• Comfortable using basic technology such as computers, tablets, or spreadsheets.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, production, assembly, warehouse, machine operation, screenprint, embroidery, retail, or customer service is helpful but not required.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.

WHY LAKESHIRTS IS THE PLACE YOU WANT TO BE

We are not just a t‑shirt company. We create hats, stickers, socks, and more. What truly sets us apart is our people. At Lakeshirts, you are joining a team that works hard, supports one another, and takes pride in creating great products. This is a fast‑paced place to learn practical skills, build a career, and see the impact of your work every day. Better in a t‑shirt. And work should be too.

COGNITIVE OR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

Employee must be able to read, write, and understand work instructions and order details. This role requires following directions, processes, and safety expectations; making routine decisions; adapting to changing priorities; maintaining attention to detail; communicating clearly; and working independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

CONTINUOUSLY: Stand and walk throughout most of the shift while performing production tasks.

FREQUENTLY: Reach, bend, twist, push, pull, and perform repetitive motions.

OCCASIONALLY: Lift or move materials weighing up to 50 lbs. with assistance or equipment when appropriate.

NEVER: Sit, climb, or crawl.

NOTE / DISCLAIMER

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, skills, effort, or working conditions. Responsibilities may change based on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.