Embroidery Machine Operator

Position summary

We are looking for an Embroidery Technician / Digitizer to run our SWF embroidery machines and digitize designs in Wilcom, and to take full ownership of the embroidery area. This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced production shop: you will produce quality work, keep your area clean, stocked and running, and pitch in wherever the shop needs help.

The right person takes pride in their work, manages themselves without being watched, and stays focused on the job for a full shift.

Core duties

Embroidery production (SWF)

• Set up and run SWF single- and multi-head embroidery machines to meet daily production schedules.
• Hoop garments and products correctly using the right hoops, frames, backing and topping for each fabric.
• Thread machines, change colors, load designs and run sew-outs before full production.
• Monitor runs for thread breaks, registration issues, puckering and other defects, and correct them quickly.
• Trim, unhoop, remove backing and finish pieces so they are ready for packing or the next department.
• Track and report completed work, rejects and job status.

Digitizing (Wilcom)

• Digitize logos, text and artwork in Wilcom from customer files, sketches or samples.
• Choose stitch types, density, underlay, pull compensation and sequencing based on fabric and placement.
• Edit and clean up existing designs, and resize designs correctly for different products.
• Run test sew-outs, compare them to the approved art and adjust until they meet our standard.
• Keep design files organized and named so they can be found and reused for reorders.
• Flag artwork that will not stitch well and suggest changes before it reaches production.

Area ownership and shop support

Cleaning and organization

• Keep the embroidery area, machines and workstations clean and organized every shift.
• Clean lint, thread scraps and dust from machines, bobbin cases and hook areas on a regular schedule.
• Help with general shop cleaning and other tasks when embroidery is caught up.

Inventory

• Maintain inventory for the embroidery area, including raw materials (thread, bobbins, backing, topping) and expense items (needles, oil, tools, cleaning supplies).
• Track usage, keep stock rotated and labeled, and report low stock before it runs out.
• Help with physical counts and receiving when needed.

Maintenance

• Perform routine machine maintenance: oiling, needle changes, bobbin tension checks and basic adjustments.
• Troubleshoot common machine problems and assist with larger repairs or service visits.
• Report equipment issues promptly and keep a simple record of maintenance and repairs.
• Assist with maintenance on other shop equipment as needed.

Safety

• Follow all shop safety rules and use required safety equipment, including hearing protection.
• Keep walkways, cords and work surfaces clear, and report hazards right away.
• Lock out or power down machines before cleaning, maintenance or clearing jams.

What we expect from you

• Self-management: Plan your day, prioritize jobs and keep work moving without needing constant direction.
• Quality control: Own the quality of everything that leaves the embroidery area. Inspect your work, catch problems early and do not pass along defects.
• Creativity: Bring good ideas to digitizing, placement and layout, and help customers' designs look their best in thread.
• Pace: Stay productive and organized in a fast-paced shop with changing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Problem solving: Figure out why a design, machine or process is not working and fix it, or bring a clear explanation of the problem to your supervisor.
• Communication: Keep your supervisor and coworkers informed about job status, delays, supply needs and machine issues.
• Continuous improvement: Look for better ways to do things and make recommendations to improve quality, speed, setup or organization.
• Work ethic: Show up on time, ready to work, and take pride in doing the job right.
• Focus on the job: Personal phone use is limited to breaks and lunch. We expect you to stay engaged with your work for the full shift.

Qualifications

Required

• Experience running commercial embroidery machines, preferably SWF.
• Working knowledge of Wilcom digitizing software, or strong experience with a comparable program and willingness to learn Wilcom.
• Understanding of backings, toppings, thread types and how different fabrics affect stitching.
• Strong attention to detail and a good eye for quality.
• Basic computer skills for file management and job tracking.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Preferred

• Experience with machine maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Experience with inventory tracking or ordering supplies.
• Background in other decoration methods (screen printing, heat transfer, DTF).

Work environment and physical requirements

• Work in a production shop around loud, continuously running machinery; hearing protection is provided.
• Stand and walk for most of an 8-hour shift.
• Lift and carry boxes of garments and supplies up to 50 lbs.
• Repetitive hand and arm motion, bending and reaching while hooping and loading machines.
• Close-up visual work, including threading needles and inspecting stitch detail and color.
• Occasional overtime may be needed to meet deadlines.

Pay: $11.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• On-the-job training

Work Location: In person