Machine Operator

About the role

Outdoor Cap and JUNK Brands is a dedicated organization with a passion for all things headwear, committed to creating high-quality products known for careful attention to detail and craftsmanship. As a Grade 2 Machine Operator (Embroidery), you will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and high-quality production of our premium products by operating embroidery machines to decorate various items. This role offers opportunities to increase earning potential by advancing through skill levels from Step 1 to Step 5 and/or progressing to Grade 4 Production Assistant.

Responsibilities

• Able to perform all duties required of Step 1 Production Support.
• Pass a dexterity test and interpret work orders.
• Operate and cross-train on a combination of embroidery equipment, including 8-head, 12-head, 2-head, and single-head machines for repairs and samples.
• Troubleshoot simple machine faults and embroidery defects.
• Demonstrate competencies for various machinery and techniques to progress to the next level.
• Perform regular maintenance and cleaning of machines.
• Work with all hat types: structured, unstructured, knits, buckets, boonies, golf, and straw.
• Handle all embroidery types: flat, 3D, 3D chain stitch, and bean stitch.
• Hoop for front only, front/side, and backs.
• Develop workstation efficiency.
• Use computer skills to adjust inventory, move production through process steps systematically, and request additional material if rework is necessary.
• Assist main line production to meet ship dates.
• Demonstrate competencies for various machinery and techniques at a high level of accuracy.
• Provide regular feedback and effective training to the team for skill development and growth.
• Monitor the flow of production orders and identify potential problems in workflow.
• Coordinate production needs between teams to ensure proper and equitable order flow.
• Assist all areas within scope as needed.

Skills & Competencies

• Uphold company values: act with integrity, work as a team, and treat teammates with respect.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-conscious work area.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and work orders in English.
• Effectively present information in one-on-one situations with co-workers and supervisors.
• Basic math skills: add, subtract, multiply, and divide in units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Apply common sense to carry out simple one- or two-step instructions.
• Learn quickly, adapt to change, work at a fast pace, maintain a positive attitude, and manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Reliable attendance with availability for overtime as needed.
• Basic computer knowledge, including use of in-house programs (e.g., Exenta, Quickturn, NetSuite, Shopify).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree preferred but not mandatory.
• Embroidery, sewing, and/or digitizing experience desired but not mandatory.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, sit, and/or walk for 90% of the day, with occasional reaching, bending, and moving inside the facility.
• Fine motor skills required for using wrists, hands, and fingers.
• Close visual acuity, color vision, and depth perception.
• Able to hear and effectively communicate with peers.
• Ability to lift, move, or pull 10-50 lbs occasionally throughout the day.
• Moderate noise due to sewing machine operation in a warehouse setting.
• Some assignments may be in a building with limited climate control (extreme temperatures).

Embroidery Decorator Proficiency (Step Progression)

• Step 1: Entry Level Embroidery Decorator (8-head & 12-head).
• Step 2: Intermediate Level Embroidery Decorator; cross-train to 2 Patch Maker Operations.
• Step 3: Advanced Level Embroidery Decorator; cross-train to 2 Patch Maker Operations; run 2-head for repairs and single-head for EMB samples.
• Step 4: Advanced proficiency: 8-head Embroidery Machine averages 48 hits (avg 6,800 stitches) in under 90 minutes; 12-head Embroidery Machine averages 48 hits (avg 10,000 stitches) in under 90 minutes. Proficiency at single-head for EMB samples includes using Shopfloor to document samples and move through the sample process.