Embroidery Quality Control Specialist

About the role

The Embroidery Quality Control Specialist reports directly to the Quality Control Manager and oversees embroidery decoration quality at Quince. Key responsibilities include pre-production approval, managing third-party decorator relationships, performing final shipping inspections, tracking quality metrics, conducting daily audits, and supporting order management.

Responsibilities

• Own pre-production approval — review art proofs from 3P decorators and assess sew-out samples against order specifications (placement, sizing, color match, stitch quality, trademark symbols); approve or reject with detailed written notes before production begins.
• Manage third-party decorator relationships — establish quality standards with our 3P decorators, and other partners; conduct inspections during production runs and review finished samples before shipment.
• Perform final shipping inspections — visually and tactilely inspect all decorated items for loose threads, puckering, seam integrity, color accuracy, and placement precision; pull non-conforming work and route to rework or disposal.
• Track and communicate quality metrics — maintain detailed records of all approvals, rejections, and rework; document defect trends by decorator and order type; report monthly on quality performance and escalate issues to Operations Manager.
• Conduct daily quality audits with 3P decorators — review performance data, identify root causes of defects, and collaborate on corrective action plans to drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain complete audit trail — document all quality decisions in Cadence, maintain photographic records of pre-pro approvals, and organize digital quality files for compliance and dispute resolution.
• Support order management — coordinate closely with Order Management Coordinator on rush orders, approval timeline changes, and delivery commitment risks driven by quality issues.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in embroidery production, quality control, or decoration operations with hands-on knowledge of embroidery standards (stitch quality, density, color accuracy, placement)
• Proficiency with embroidery software (Wilcom, Tajima, Hatch, or similar) for file review and digitizing verification.
• Demonstrated ability to set and enforce quality standards; experience managing vendor or decorator relationships a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable drafting detailed approval/rejection notes and briefing management on quality trends.
• Proficient with Cadence, Printavo, Google Sheets, and photography documentation systems.
• Meticulous attention to detail; calm under pressure; solutions-oriented mindset.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and perform detailed visual inspections of garments and decorated products

Preferred

• 5+ years in embroidery/decoration quality or production leadership.
• Experience with heat transfer, sew-on labels, or screen printing as additional decoration types.
• Familiarity with Madera thread colors and color-matching workflows; certification in Quality Assurance.

Physical Requirements

• This is a fully on-site role, present Monday through Friday during shift hours.
• Able to stand and walk the production floor for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Lift up to 40 pounds — moving garment boxes, supplies, and equipment.
• Able to work in a production environment with machinery noise, ink, and chemical exposure (PPE provided).

Pay Range

$23/hr - $25/hr

Benefits

Quince provides a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement savings plan, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Quince offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings plan, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.

Skills

• Technical embroidery knowledge
• Vendor management skills
• Obsession with quality

Benefits

• Company culture focused on customer first, high quality, essential design, always a better deal, social & environmental responsibility
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement within a mission-driven organization
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

Pay

$23/hr - $25/hr

Schedule

Monday through Friday during regular business hours at our facility in Santa Fe Springs, CA.