Embroidery Operator

Under the direction of the Custom Shop Production Floor Supervisor and the Embroidery Leads, the Embroidery Operator position is accountable for applying digitized graphics onto 5.11 Tactical and 3rd party apparel and products. Is responsible for operating multi and single-head embroidery machines, accounting for and staging product, loading the machine with specified graphic, stitching the graphic onto the product, and making quality adjustments as necessary. Must possess a close attention to detail and follows good judgement to exceed our customer’s expectations. Responsible for meeting department and individual goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Must gain knowledge and become proficient in the use of Shopworks. Must follow all department Standard Operating Procedures. Must learn or have existing experience with all Embroidery techniques and application (product placement and hooping, backing and solvy selection, thread weight selection and tension, direct embroidery, 3D foam, applique, patch production, trimming and QC). Must be familiar with all 5.11 products and their construction to better understand embellishment opportunities and limitations. Must learn and understand all FTZ compliance requirements. Must meet and keep up with standard capacity averages based on set production schedules. Follows daily production schedule to ensure customer orders are produced for on-time delivery (by set production date). Follows instructions within the Shopworks workorder and attachments to verify product style, color and sizing; total quantity of product; and verifies correct design, graphic size, thread sequence, thread colors and graphic placement. Responsible for setting up embroidery machine with appropriate graphic, correct thread color sequence and verifies that the correct thread colors are being used. Hoops garments correctly and efficiently. Adjusts machine speed and thread tension. Must sew-out a pre-production strike-off for every graphic placement, to be approved by an Embroidery Lead prior to running production. Watches production closely for quality and corrects issues as necessary. Trims away backing and loose thread. Works ahead by prepping for next order. Notifies Embroidery Lead of product shortages. Informs Embroidery Lead of machine malfunction or needed maintenance. Communicates with teammates when support is needed. Assists in solutions to improve efficiencies and can troubleshoot to resolve issues in a timely manner. Scans orders “Produced” in Shopworks, in real-time of order completion. Maintains and ensures embroidery equipment is clean and in proper operating condition daily. Assists in daily Preventative Maintenance. Assists in training new Embroidery department hires. Maintains organization and cleanliness of work area and equipment. Disposes of used needles in “Sharps” disposal containers. Carefully follows all safety requirements. Performs other duties and tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education and Experience: Previous work experience in a cut and sew, screen print or embroidery company preferred.

Language Skills: Ability to read, write, and comprehend English instructions. Listens and gets clarification. Listens to others without interrupting. 

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers to fill out production records.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written and oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving few concrete variables in standardized situations. Exceptional organizational skills required. Ability to recognize and resolve problems quickly using sound judgment and diplomacy.

Computer Skills: Basic computer / keyboard knowledge is required. Must have or acquire functional knowledge of company ERP (Dynamics AX) and the Custom Shop production management solution Shopworks.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision to discern colors and fine detail.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to noisy.

OUR VALUES:

At 5.11 we embrace a high energy culture built upon our values of Service, Unity, Impact and Tenacity.

Service – At 5.11, we wear our passion for service on our sleeves: it is an honor to serve those who serve and people of all walks of life. With humility and great respect for our consumers and our roots, we take pride in our brand and engage with our communities. By championing the needs of our consumer we fulfill the mission of a lifetime.

Unity – We build together—as one, global 5.11 family. Our individual abilities and diverse perspectives strengthen outcomes. We collaborate, taking a holistic view and listening actively. By communicating with intention, care and clarity, we empower each other to reach new heights.

Impact – We have big ambitions and they start and end with our consumer. With them in mind, we innovate for impact—we think big, think creatively and challenge norms. We foster curiosity and iterate, relentlessly pursuing solutions. For ultimate impact, we drive to disrupt for good.

Tenacity – We are tenacious in our pursuits and accountable to each other. This builds trust and the confidence to rise to any challenge. We have the courage to take risks and, no matter the outcome, we flex and adapt, always having each other’s backs. We persist—determined to Always Be Ready.

PAY RANGE: $16.00 - $19.50 per hour plus bonus

5.11 Tactical offers a best-in-class benefits program including: medical, dental and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including: Hospital Indemnity/Accident insurance; Flexible Spending Account/Health Saving Account; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Time Off/Paid Holidays/Sick Time; Casual Dress Code; and Employee Discounts.

*If you are a regular full-time employee working at least 30 hours per week, you and your eligible dependents may participate in 5.11’s benefits program.*

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