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Embroidery Machine Operator Jobs in Tacoma, WA (NOW HIRING)

Experience in programming and operating embroidery machines * Familiarity with human factors principles and ergonomic testing methodologies as applied to wearable product comfort * Demonstrated ...

Softgoods Developer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$144K - $204K/yr

... and operating embroidery machines • Familiarity with human factors principles and ergonomic testing methodologies as applied to wearable product comfort • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill ...

Hydrovac Operator-Kent*

Kent, WA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Driving and operating equipment, including Eductor/Vacuum/Pump trucks, in a safe and efficient ... Maintaining situational awareness around active traffic, heavy machinery, and underground utilities

Hydrovac Operator-Kent

Kent, WA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

As a Hydrovac Operator at Pro-Vac... You will work with the largest Vac-Con fleet in the U.S to ... Maintaining situational awareness around active traffic, heavy machinery, and underground utilities

Hydrovac Operator-Kent

Kent, WA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

As a Hydrovac Operator at Pro-Vac... You will work with the largest Vac-Con fleet in the U.S to ... heavy machinery, and underground utilities • Working in confined spaces per applicable safety ...

Track Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$20.29 - $21.10/hr

As a Track Operator , you will be at the core of the day to day operations, leading and guiding our customers to a fun, safe karting experience. Is this you? Duties and Responsibilities: * Provide ...

Softline Operator I

Auburn, WA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Softline Operator I Location: Auburn, Washington Type: Non-Exempt Work Schedule: Full-Time, Day Shift (6:00 am - 2:30 pm) Compensation: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour Benefits: Tessera is proud to offer a ...

OPERATOR 12-ENTRY- HARBOR ISL LQT

Seattle, WA · On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

May assist in training and providing direction and assistance to other operators at their facility. * Monitors product quality using appropriate equipment. * Accurately types and checks meter tickets ...

OPERATOR 12-ENTRY- HARBOR ISL LQT

Seattle, WA · On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

May assist in training and providing direction and assistance to other operators at their facility. * Monitors product quality using appropriate equipment. * Accurately types and checks meter tickets ...

Embroidery Machine Operator information

See Tacoma, WA salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do embroidery machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for embroidery machine operator in Tacoma, WA is $17.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an embroidery machine operator do?

An Embroidery Machine Operator is responsible for running and maintaining embroidery machines to decorate garments, fabrics, or other materials with specific designs. Their tasks include setting up machines, loading materials, monitoring production for quality, and making adjustments as needed. They may also be responsible for basic machine maintenance and troubleshooting. This role requires attention to detail, a steady hand, and the ability to follow design specifications closely.

What are some common challenges faced by embroidery machine operators and how can they be managed?

Embroidery Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as machine thread breakage, design misalignment, and keeping up with production deadlines. To manage these issues, it's important to regularly maintain and clean the machines, follow precise setup instructions for each job, and communicate closely with team members in design and quality control. Staying organized and attentive to detail helps ensure high-quality results and smooth workflow, making the role both rewarding and dynamic.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embroidery machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embroidery Machine Operator, you need strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and experience with textile or garment production, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial embroidery machines, digitizing software, and basic machine maintenance is typically required. Good communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help operators efficiently handle custom orders and troubleshoot issues. These skills ensure high-quality embroidered products, minimize errors, and maintain smooth production workflows.

What is the difference between Embroidery Machine Operator vs Sewing Machine Operator?

AspectEmbroidery Machine OperatorSewing Machine Operator
CredentialsMay require basic training or certification in embroidery techniquesTypically requires basic sewing skills, sometimes certification in industrial sewing
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or textile companies focusing on decorative stitchingGarment factories, upholstery, or textile production
Industry UsageUsed mainly in apparel, promotional items, and decorative textilesUsed in clothing manufacturing, upholstery, and fabric production
Job FocusDesigning and operating embroidery machines for decorative stitchingOperating sewing machines for assembling fabrics and garments

While both roles involve operating sewing-related machinery, Embroidery Machine Operators focus on decorative stitching and embroidery designs, often requiring specific training. Sewing Machine Operators handle general sewing tasks in manufacturing, with a broader focus on garment assembly. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What job categories do people searching Embroidery Machine Operator jobs in Tacoma, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Embroidery Machine Operator jobs in Tacoma, WA are:

What cities near Tacoma, WA are hiring for Embroidery Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Tacoma, WA with the most Embroidery Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Embroidery Machine Operator job openings in Tacoma, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,778 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

$144K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

Meta is building the next generation of wearable devices and consumer hardware products, and we are looking for a Softgoods Developer to help shape the physical experience of augmented and virtual reality headsets, smart glasses, and related wearable accessories. In this role, you will design, prototype and develop softgoods components and processes — including head straps, facial interfaces, carrying cases, and textile-based wearable elements — that balance comfort, durability, aesthetics, and manufacturability across Meta's hardware product lines.
Softgoods Developer Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with ID generalist/specialist, human factors, and product design engineering teams to integrate softgoods solutions that meet ergonomic, aesthetic, and functional requirements
  • Develop softgoods components and manufacturing processes for wearable devices, including head straps, facial interfaces, cushions, and textile-based accessories from concept through mass production
  • Build mock-ups, prototypes, and sellable products quality samples in our state-of-the-art softgoods lab to communicate design intent, support UX research studies and for leadership reviews
  • Create detailed design/process documentation, including pattern files, tooling, construction specifications, material callouts, and bill of materials for softgoods components
  • Source and evaluate materials, including foams, fabrics, meshes, and hardware trims, in partnership with materials engineers and supply chain teams. Work with contract manufacturers and vendors to develop prototypes, review samples, and resolve construction or quality issues
  • Define and maintain softgoods construction standards, tolerancing guidelines, and quality acceptance criteria
  • Support design for manufacturability reviews, identifying opportunities to optimize patterns, seam construction, and assembly processes for scalable production
  • Prioritize and drive softgoods development workstreams by tracking milestones, managing dependencies, and communicating progress to cross-functional stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience developing softgoods products such as wearables, consumer electronics accessories, sporting goods, or apparel with a focus on technical construction
  • Experience operating softgoods manufacturing equipment, e.g., sewing machines, laser cutters, Zund, heat presses, etc
  • Experience using 3D CAD tools (such as Rhino or SolidWorks) in conjunction with softgoods pattern development to support integrated hardware-softgoods design workflows for tooling design
  • Experience building soft goods prototypes, creating production-ready soft goods documentation including pattern development, construction specifications, and material specifications
  • Experience selecting and evaluating technical materials, including foams, textiles, meshes, and hardware components, for performance and durability requirements

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience applying traditional sewing techniques, pattern making, and operating industrial sewing machines across multiple product types
  • Knowledge of sustainable or recycled material options and experience in applying them within consumer product development constraints
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Experience with CNC/CAM software
  • Experience developing soft goods components for head-worn devices such as VR or AR headsets, helmets, or medical wearables
  • Experience in programming and operating embroidery machines
  • Familiarity with human factors principles and ergonomic testing methodologies as applied to wearable product comfort
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$144,000/year to $204,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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