Textile Machine Operator… at Windquest Group · Caledonia

Textile Machine Operator (Manufacturing Associate II)

Job Description

Who We Are:

Marketlab is a market leading healthcare solutions organization specializing in the design, manufacturing, and sourcing of private label products. It’s our mission to provide our healthcare partners with timely solutions with a straightforward approach based on knowing them and their work. Every day we strive to positively impact the lives of the people who in turn impact the health and wellness of our communities.

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Marketlab’s success is built upon a foundation of collaboration, innovation, and the belief that every team member plays a vital role in creating an exceptional customer service experience.

The Opportunity:

The Textile Machine Operator (Manufacturing Associate II) is responsible for operating specialized textile manufacturing equipment, including knitting machines, warpers/creels, beams, and supporting equipment. This role performs machine setup and operation, manages yarn and beam changes, monitors product quality and machine performance, and makes routine adjustments to maintain safe, consistent production.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, has strong mechanical aptitude, and takes pride in learning and operating specialized equipment.

This is a first shift position on a 4x10 schedule, Monday - Thursday 5:30 am - 3:30 pm.

Reporting Structure:

This role reports to the Manufacturing Supervisor.

Competencies:

• Machine Operation – Safely operates textile equipment and follows established setup and operating procedures.
• Mechanical Aptitude & Problem Solving – Performs routine adjustments and recognizes when additional support is needed.
• Quality & Attention to Detail – Monitors equipment and product conditions that can affect quality, scrap, or performance.
• Safety Awareness – Recognizes equipment and material-handling hazards and consistently follows safety requirements.
• Execution & Reliability – Consistently follows standard work and production requirements.
• Teamwork & Adaptability – Works effectively with others and builds proficiency in specialized equipment and processes.

What You’ll Do:

• Operate and set up knitting machines, warpers/creels, and supporting textile equipment according to established work instructions and production requirements.
• Load and change yarn and beams, thread and tie yarn, and perform routine machine setup and changeovers.
• Monitor machine operation, yarn tension, yarn breaks, beam runout, and other process conditions that impact quality and performance.
• Make routine operator adjustments and escalate mechanical, electrical, quality, or recurring process issues as needed.
• Inspect in-process product for defined quality requirements and identify and report nonconforming material.
• Monitor production output, scrap, and material usage and accurately complete required production documentation.
• Perform routine equipment care and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow established safety requirements, including machine guarding, lockout/tagout, and material-handling procedures.
• Work with Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering to support continuous improvement.

What You’ll Need:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical, manufacturing, or textile training preferred.
• Manufacturing or machine-operation experience preferred; textile, knitting, warping, weaving, or similar experience is a plus.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements of the role, including standing for extended periods, repetitive machine setup activities, and lifting up to 50 pounds.Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to learn specialized textile equipment and processes.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow work instructions, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Ability to recognize equipment or process issues and determine when additional support is needed.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a manufacturing environment.

Benefits:

• Paid parental leave
• Scholarship reimbursement
• 401k match
• Benefits effective day one of employment
• Paid short term disability leave
• Generous PTO policy that starts on day one
• Paid holidays
• Health and wellness program
• Employee discount program within our family of companies