Embroidery Machine Operator

Job Summary

Anchorfish Printing & Embroidery is looking for an experienced Commercial Embroidery Operator to join our production team in the Evanston/Skokie area.

Our current embroidery operator will be leaving at the end of September, so we are looking for someone who can start in September and work alongside our current operator for hands on training and transition.

Because much of this training will be conducted in Spanish, Spanish-speaking or bilingual English/Spanish candidates are strongly preferred.

The Position

This is more than a basic machine-loading position.

We are looking for someone who can eventually take ownership of day-to-day embroidery production and independently move jobs from setup through completion.

You will receive hands-on training with our current operator before their departure, including our equipment, production methods, job setup, quality standards, and workflow.

Responsibilities

• Operate commercial embroidery machines
• Set up embroidery jobs from work orders and production specifications
• Hoop shirts, jackets, hats, bags, and other products accurately
• Load and position embroidery designs
• Confirm design size, placement, orientation, and thread colors before production
• Select appropriate thread, needles, backing, stabilizers, and hooping methods
• Set up and embroider caps and other more challenging products
• Monitor machines throughout production
• Change thread, needles, and bobbins as necessary
• Adjust thread tension and make basic machine adjustments
• Troubleshoot thread breaks, tension issues, registration problems, bird nesting, and other common embroidery problems
• Catch quality problems before they affect an entire production run
• Perform test sew-outs when needed
• Inspect finished embroidery for quality, placement, and consistency
• Trim and finish completed embroidery
• Count and organize completed orders
• Maintain embroidery machines and perform routine cleaning and preventative maintenance
• Keep thread, backing, bobbins, needles, hoops, and other department supplies organized
• Prioritize embroidery jobs based on production schedules and deadlines
• Communicate potential artwork, garment, or production issues before running an order
• Update job status as production is completed
• Assist other production departments when embroidery workload allows

Experience We're Looking For

Previous commercial embroidery experience is preferred.

Experience with any of the following is especially valuable:

• Barudan embroidery machines
• Commercial single-head or multi-head embroidery equipment
• Hat and cap embroidery
• Puff embroidery
• Difficult or unusual embroidery placements
• Garment hooping
• Backing and stabilizer selection
• Thread tension adjustment
• Needle and bobbin replacement
• Commercial embroidery troubleshooting
• Routine embroidery machine maintenance
• Reading and following production work orders

Experience with embroidery digitizing is helpful but not required.

Language

Because our current operator will be providing hands-on transition training before leaving, the ability to communicate in Spanish is a significant advantage for this position.

Bilingual English/Spanish candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

What We're Looking For

The right person will:

• Take pride in producing clean, consistent embroidery
• Have strong attention to detail
• Be comfortable working independently
• Be mechanically inclined and comfortable troubleshooting equipment
• Understand that commercial embroidery involves much more than simply pressing Start
• Recognize production problems and correct them before they become larger issues
• Stay organized while managing multiple jobs
• Work efficiently without sacrificing quality
• Communicate when there is an issue instead of running a job they know may be incorrect
• Be dependable and consistent
• Be willing to learn Anchorfish's production processes
• Work well with the rest of our production team

Physical Requirements

This is an active production position that includes:

• Standing for extended periods
• Repetitive hand and arm movements
• Bending and reaching around equipment
• Handling stacks of garments
• Moving boxes of apparel and production supplies

About Anchorfish

Anchorfish Printing & Embroidery produces custom apparel and merchandise through screen printing, embroidery, DTF printing, promotional products, signage, online merchandise stores, fulfillment, and live event printing.

We work with schools, businesses, municipalities, organizations, events, and brands throughout the Chicago area and beyond.

We are a growing production shop where quality, efficiency, communication, and meeting customer deadlines matter.

To Apply

Please submit your resume along with a brief description of your commercial embroidery experience.

Please include:

• What brands or types of embroidery machines you have operated
• Whether you have experience with hats or puff embroidery
• Your experience troubleshooting commercial embroidery equipment
• Whether you speak Spanish, English, or both
• Your availability to begin work in September

We are especially interested in candidates who can begin soon enough to train directly with our current embroidery operator before their departure at the end of September.

Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person