Embroidery Operator

We’re looking for a dependable, hands-on Embroidery Operator to join our local custom apparel shop. This is a role for someone who knows that every stitch counts—and who shows up ready to deliver, day in and day out. We’re looking to add someone who wants to grow with us and be a dependable part of the team—not just fill a seat.

If you enjoy using your creativity, working with your hands, staying busy, and being part of a team that relies on each other to get orders out accurately and on time, you’ll feel right at home here.

What You’ll Be Doing

This role focuses on operating our industrial embroidery machines and keeping production moving smoothly from start to finish. That includes:

• Reading daily work orders and determining the correct files to use
• Pulling, organizing, and double‑checking thread colors and materials
• Loading thread, hooping garments, and running work on the machine
• Monitoring stitch quality and machine performance
• Planning ahead to minimize downtime and keep orders moving
• Performing light machine maintenance, oiling, and frequent cleaning
• Cutting and trimming backing, folding garments, and prepping finished products
• Keeping your work area clean, organized, and ready for the next job

Because our team is small and fast-moving, reliability matters. When you’re scheduled, we’re counting on you to be here, ready to work, and focused—especially during busy or high-volume days. . You won’t just be running a machine; you’ll be personally responsible for the quality of what leaves your station, knowing your stitch is part of what the customer sees and remembers.

What This Role Is Really Like

We want to be upfront about what the day-to-day looks like:

• You’ll be on your feet for most of the day (at least 8 hours)
• This is a highly active role with limited sitting
• You’ll regularly be standing, walking, bending, twisting, and reaching
• You’ll need to lift and move materials and garments (up to 40 lbs as needed)
• Workloads fluctuate seasonally — while we stay busy year‑round, there are periods of very high volume that require extra focus, flexibility, and stamina
• Priorities can shift quickly when rush orders come in
• Mistakes happen occasionally — staying calm, fixing them, and keeping things moving is part of the job
• Customer interaction is limited, but everyone helps out when needed

This role works best for someone who takes pride in being dependable, shows up on time every day, and understands that the team relies on each person doing their part, because when one stitch is off, the whole piece feels it.

What We’re Looking For

We can train the technical skills — but we can’t train reliability, physical readiness, or pride in the work.

You’ll be successful here if you are:

• Consistently reliable and punctual — someone the team can truly count on
• Comfortable with hands‑on, physical work throughout the day
• Creative and take pride in producing clean, high‑quality work customers love
• Detail‑oriented, with an appreciation for how every stitch contributes to the finished product
• Comfortable standing, lifting, moving, and performing repetitive tasks
• Communicative and willing to ask questions when something isn’t clear
• Able to take feedback, learn from it, and keep improving
• Flexible and level‑headed when priorities shift
• A true team player who understands that everyone leaves their stitch on the work, and the best results come when we support each other

This is not a good fit for someone with a “that’s not my job” mindset, inconsistent attendance, or unrealistic expectations about the physical and hands-on nature of the role.

Experience (Nice to Have, Not Required)

• Prior experience running an industrial embroidery machine (Tajima preferred, but not required)
• Familiarity with other embroidery machines (ZSK or similar)
• Digitizing or file prep experience
• Graphic design background
• Experience with Adobe products, Corel, or Canva

If you don’t have this background but are dependable, eager to learn, and take pride in your work—we’re happy to train you.

Who We Are

EmbroidThis is a local, family‑owned shop in Machesney Park, IL specializing in custom apparel and promotional products. We’re a tight‑knit team that works hard, laughs often, and genuinely cares about both the products we make and the people we serve.

High‑volume weeks happen — and when they do, we show up for each other and still hold the line on quality. We believe in doing things the right way, not the easy way. Honesty, loyalty, authenticity, empathy, and curiosity guide how we work, how we treat each other, and how we support our customers.

We’re busy, hands‑on, and quality‑driven — but you won’t be treated like a machine. This is a place where craft and quality are the highest priority and where teamwork isn't just a buzzword, it's a reality. If you like ownership, variety, and being proud of what you send out the door, you’ll feel right at home here.

The Perks

• $15–$19/hour (based on experience)
• 401(k) matching
• 2 weeks of Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays, plus a paid closure between Christmas & New Year’s
• Employee discounts
• Fun Lunch Fridays (paid lunch — team hang included)
• Profit sharing
• Annual reviews with performance and merit discussions
• Holiday retail/clothing allowance
• Costco membership

Ready to Apply?

If you’re someone who enjoys hands‑on work, takes pride in quality, and wants to be part of a team that genuinely relies on each other — we’d love to meet you. Bring your skills, your curiosity, and your work ethic, and let’s see what we can create together.

Apply today and put your stitch on something you’ll be proud of.

All applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the incumbent in this position. Any combination of equivalent education and work experience will be considered.

EmbroidThis LLC, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $15.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Profit sharing

Work Location: In person