Head Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PRIMARY PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

The purpose of this position is to set up, operate, and monitor an 8-head Braun embroidery machine to accurately complete direct embroidery orders according to customer specifications, production requirements, and company quality standards.

The Embroidery Machine Operator is responsible for proper machine setup, thread selection, garment placement, design positioning, and monitoring all eight embroidery heads throughout production. The operator must work efficiently and collaboratively with the Direct Embroidery team to maximize productivity while maintaining consistent quality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up and operate an 8-head Braun commercial embroidery machine for daily production.
• Review production orders, purchase orders (P.O.s), artwork, and embroidery instructions before starting each job.
• Load and select the correct embroidery design for each production order.
• Select and load the correct thread colors according to customer and production specifications.
• Thread the embroidery machine and ensure all eight heads are properly set up before beginning production.
• Properly hoop garments using the appropriate hoops, backing, and stabilizers.
• Load and position garments consistently across all eight embroidery heads.
• Verify design placement, orientation, thread colors, and garment positioning before beginning the production run.
• Perform sew-outs or sample runs when required to confirm design quality and placement before running the full order.
• Start, stop, and monitor the embroidery machine throughout the production process.
• Continuously monitor all eight heads to ensure consistent embroidery quality.
• Identify and correct thread breaks, bobbin issues, needle breaks, tension problems, registration issues, and other common embroidery problems.
• Replace needles, bobbins, threads, and other routine machine components as needed.
• Make basic machine adjustments and troubleshoot minor operating issues to minimize downtime.
• Remove and reload garments efficiently to maintain production flow and maximize machine utilization.
• Inspect garments during production for correct design, placement, thread color, stitching, registration, and overall quality.
• Immediately stop production when a machine, garment, or embroidery quality issue is identified that could result in damaged or defective garments.
• Separate and report damaged, defective, or questionable garments according to company procedures.
• Verify completed quantities against the P.O. or production order to ensure accurate counts.
• Minimize garment damage, embroidery errors, thread waste, and machine downtime.
• Coordinate with embroidery finishers to maintain an efficient flow of hooped, completed, and inspected garments.
• Maintain a clean and organized embroidery production area.
• Clean the embroidery machine regularly and perform basic preventative maintenance according to established procedures.
• Properly use, maintain, and safeguard all tools and equipment provided by the company.
• Maintain strong communication with supervisors, finishers, quality control personnel, and other members of the Direct Embroidery team.
• Meet established production goals while maintaining company quality standards.
• Follow all company safety procedures when operating and working around embroidery equipment.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous commercial embroidery machine experience preferred.
• Experience operating multi-head embroidery equipment is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of embroidery threads, needles, bobbins, backing, stabilizers, hoops, and garment materials.
• Ability to properly thread and prepare an 8-head embroidery machine for production.
• Ability to recognize and correct common embroidery problems, including thread breaks, needle breaks, bobbin problems, tension issues, and improper stitching.
• Ability to accurately position and align garments across multiple embroidery heads.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing consistent, high-quality work.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to perform minor troubleshooting and machine adjustments.
• Ability to read and follow production orders, P.O.s, design specifications, and embroidery instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision after proper training.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities while keeping the embroidery machine running efficiently.
• Dependable, organized, and able to work effectively as part of a team.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, twist, push, pull, and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to repeatedly load and unload garments across all eight embroidery heads.
• Ability to use hands and fingers continuously for threading, hooping, changing bobbins, replacing needles, and handling garments.
• Ability to visually inspect detailed embroidery work, including stitching, thread colors, alignment, and design placement.
• Ability to safely work around moving embroidery machinery and equipment.
• Ability to work in an environment that may include noise, dust, lint, fumes, and restricted ventilation.
• May be exposed to varying or extreme temperature conditions.
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet established production deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to work various shifts and/or overtime as required.