Operator Technician Level 1

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.
• 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.
• Wage: Competitive, with an anticipated hourly range of $18-$22 based on experience.
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays.

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Do you have at least one year of experience working in textile manufacturing or related textile industry?
• Do you have at least one year of hands-on experience operating production machinery in a manufacturing or industrial production environment?
• Do you have experience working with raw materials, monitoring product quality, and meeting production goals?

Work Location: In person