Job Summary
The Embroidery Machine Team Lead directs daily operations on the production floor. This hands on role involves operating multi-head machines, training staff, maintaining quality control, and troubleshooting technical issues. They ensure high quality, timely production of custom apparel and logos while managing workflow and mentoring junior operators.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Operations
- Manage daily workflow, prioritize production runs, and assign tasks to machine operators to meet strict deadlines.
- Set up, program, and operate multi-head commercial embroidery machines.
- Ensure correct thread tension, hoop placement, stabilization, and backing for a variety of fabric types.
Quality Control & Troubleshooting
- Conduct rigorous quality checks on finished garments to ensure design specifications and color accuracy are met.
- Troubleshoot mechanical issues, perform preventative maintenance, and minimize machine downtime.
Team Leadership & Training
- Train, onboard, and mentor new and junior machine operators.
- Foster a safe, clean, and collaborative work environment.
- Monitor team performance, provide constructive feedback, and escalate complex personnel issues to the production manager.
Inventory & Administration
- Track and maintain inventory levels for threads, backings, needles, and other consumables.
- Review work orders and production logs to ensure accurate fulfillment.
Qualifications
- Experience: 2–4+ years of hands-on experience with multi-head commercial embroidery machines (e.g., Tajima, Barudan, SWF). Previous leadership or shift-lead experience is strongly preferred.
- Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of hooping techniques, digitizing software, and reading embroidery design files.
- Mechanical Aptitude: Basic ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve machine errors or minor mechanical issues.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift heavy materials (up to 50 lbs), and possess strong color perception.
- Soft Skills: Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects under pressure.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus
Note:Candidates without prior supervisory or team lead experience are still encouraged to apply and may be considered for an Embroidery Machine Operator team member position with a pay range of $18–$21/hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits & Compensation
- Job Type: Full-time, onsite
- Pay: Competitive hourly wage (commensurate with experience)
- Schedule: Monday – Friday 6:00am – 2:30pm w/overtime as needed
- Benefits: Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance + Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Embroidery: 1 year (Required)
- Supervising: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Earth City, MO 63045 (Required)
Work Location: In person
