Textile Operator I

Date Posted: 2026-01-23
Country: United States of America
Location: US-WA-SPOKANE-11135 ~ 11135 W Westbow Ln ~ WESTBOW
Position Role Type: Onsite

Employment Requirements

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of "U.S. Person" go here: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-C/section-120.62

Security Clearance:

• Type: None/Not Required
• Status: Not Required

About the Role

At Collins Aerospace Carbon Operations in Spokane, WA we specialize in producing carbon brakes for commercial and military aircraft applications, supporting OEM and aftermarket customers around the world. We're currently hiring for a motivated, entry level Textile Operator I.

In this role, you will learn and be responsible for the set-up and operation of large-scale, CNC textile loom equipment used to complete a critical process step in the production of carbon-carbon composite braking material. On the job training is provided as you learn and advance through a well-defined progression roadmap.

The Textile department is responsible for producing carbon "Preforms", which become the foundation from which carbon brakes are manufactured. The Textile Operator runs specialized loom equipment that converts carbon fiber strands into layered boards and uses specialized cutting equipment which cuts the brake preform parts out of the boards.

All the machines have some level of automation; however, repetitive movement of material less than 25 lbs. is required to load/unload machines, conduct visual and mechanical inspections, and weigh and stack material. This department operates in a temperature and humidity-controlled area of the facility.

Work Schedule

Rotating Shift Structure:

• 4-on/4-off rotation equates to 6-months off every year
• Rotating day/night shift every 6 weeks
• 12-hour shifts: 6:00AM - 6:00PM / 6:00PM – 6:00AM

Compensation

• Built-in, guaranteed overtime
• "Free" hours on non-overtime weeks
• Total annual compensation starting at $50,000 per year
• $19/hr starting pay
• $2.25 Shift Differential
• 208 hours of built in Overtime per year
• Clearly defined, skill-based tiered advancement opportunities available

Additional Perks

• Starting at 3-weeks of paid vacation, with an option to purchase more
• Day-1 access to Employee Scholar Program
• 401(k) match program
• On-site fitness equipment
• Access to company-sponsored Commute Smart ride share program
• Auto-eligibility for Spokane County Commute Smart program incentives

What You Will Do

• Be part of a team-oriented atmosphere and interact with other functional groups (e.g., engineering) on technical matters
• Assist with operation of equipment used for product processing
• Perform Equipment Preventative Maintenance
• Assist with data entry requirements and process documentation
• Adhere to all engineering instruction, standard operation procedures, and all departmental procedures
• Meet the target productivity levels established for the department
• Complete tasks as assigned by your management team
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Be able to lift up to 25 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation (anything over 25 lbs. would need to be lift assisted)
• Observe and follow all environmental, health and safety procedures
• Comply with all other company policies and procedures
• Meet the shaving requirements to ensure a proper respirator fit when working in areas where respirators are required
• May be exposed to heights, fumes, confined spaces, airborne particles, noise, high/low temperatures and/or moving equipment (PPE provided in all cases)
• Work 4 days on/4 days off – 12-hour shifts, rotating days to nights every 6 weeks

What You Will Learn

• Gain knowledge of all pertinent customer and company specifications including but not limited to international standards relating to the production of carbon-carbon brake components & company policies
• Learn how to operate support equipment such as: Forklifts, Scissor Lifts, Power Tools, etc.
• Complete a department training program in the time allotted
• Learn how to use textile machines & equipment for this area
• Learn how to use fall protection system for which a robust training program is provided

Qualifications

You Must Have:

• Typically requires a HS Diploma or GED
• Manufacturing or similar industry related experience

We Prefer:

• Experience operating forklift
• Experience operating power tools

Benefits

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• And more!

About Our Team

Our Advanced Structures team leverages advanced materials and additive manufacturing to develop complex interior and exterior solutions. These solutions ensure structural integrity of the aircraft, help aircraft take off and land, stay trim in the air, move forward, carry cargo and conduct rescues. We delight our customers with superior products and best-in-class service. Our global team is committed to continuous improvement – we work hard to make our solutions lighter-weight, stronger and more technically advanced, so that plane travel can be safer, more affordable and more sustainable in the years to come. We are looking for the best and brightest to fly and land with us!

Additional Information

Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again. Apply now and be part of the team that's redefining aerospace, every day!

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.