Embroidery Digitizer
Straight Down is a premier golf and lifestyle apparel brand headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California. We design performance-driven, timeless clothing — and we take the same pride in how we make it. Our in-house embroidery operation is a core part of what sets us apart, and we're looking for a skilled Digitizer to help us keep it running at its best.
About the Role
The Embroidery Digitizer is responsible for converting logos and artwork into production-ready embroidery files that run efficiently, look great, and hold up to our quality standards. You'll work closely with our Embroidery Art & Workflow Manager and Production team, translating design concepts into precise stitch files optimized for our specific machines, fabrics, and garment types.
This is a hands-on, detail-oriented role where accuracy matters every day — and where your craft directly shapes the quality of what our customers wear.
What You'll Do
- Digitize logos and artwork for embroidery production using industry-standard software (Wilcom).
- Optimize stitch files for fabric type, garment construction, and machine performance.
- Create and maintain accurate production specs including thread color callouts, placement guides, and stitch details.
- Produce mockups and pre-production proofs for review and approval.
- Troubleshoot digitizing issues that arise during production and implement timely solutions.
- Maintain organized, version-controlled records of all artwork and stitch files.
- Partner with the Embroidery Art & Workflow Manager and Production Manager to ensure jobs are production-ready before release to the floor.
- Contribute to process improvements that reduce errors, improve run efficiency, and elevate output quality.
- Support training and documentation efforts as the team and business grow.
What We're Looking For
- 2+ years of professional embroidery digitizing experience, ideally in apparel, promotional products, or a high-volume production environment.
- Proficiency in digitizing software such as Wilcom EmbroideryStudio, Pulse, or equivalent.
- Strong understanding of stitch types, underlay techniques, density, pull compensation, and how fabric and thread interact.
- Experience digitizing for a range of materials including performance fabrics, structured hats, soft goods, and knitwear.
- High attention to detail — you catch problems before they reach the floor.
- Ability to work efficiently under deadline pressure while maintaining accuracy.
- Clear communicator who can work closely with production teams and translate feedback into improved files.
- A team-first mindset and willingness to pitch in wherever the work takes you.
Bonus Points
- Experience with multi-head commercial embroidery machines (Tajima, Barudan, or similar).
- Background in apparel or golf/lifestyle brand environments.
- Familiarity with thread color systems (Madeira, Isacord, Robison-Anton).
- Experience with mockup or proofing tools used in client-facing artwork approval.
Who Thrives Here
Straight Down is a collaborative, close-knit team. We value people who take ownership of their work, communicate openly, and look for ways to make processes better. Our company values — adaptability, collaboration, simplicity, customer focus, kindness, and trust — aren't just words on a wall. They shape how we work every day.
If you're someone who takes pride in clean, efficient digitizing work and wants to be part of a team that genuinely cares about quality and each other, we'd love to meet you.
Compensation & Details
- Full-time, on-site position based in San Luis Obispo, CA
- Competitive hourly rate commensurate with experience
- Benefits package available
- Monday–Friday schedule; occasional flexibility during peak production seasons
To Apply · Send your resume and any relevant work samples or stitch file examples to our team. We look forward to seeing your work.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Experience:
- Embroidery Digitizing: 3 years (Required)
- Wilcom: 3 years (Required)
- Adobe Illustrator: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
