What are the responsibilities and job description for the Embroidery Lead Operator position at Mello?
ABOUT US:
Mello is a premium custom merchandise and production company based in Austin, Texas. We work with fast-growing brands in food, beverage, lifestyle, hospitality, and retail to create high-quality, design-forward apparel, headwear, and branded goods that people actually want to wear and keep.
Role Overview:
We’re looking for an Embroidery Lead to own and build our embroidery department from the ground up. This role is a mix of hands-on production leadership. You’ll operate multi-head embroidery machines, ensure top-tier quality, and help develop systems, workflows, and standards as we scale.
If you’ve ever wanted to run your own embroidery department inside a fast-growing brand, this is that opportunity.
Responsibilities:
- Operate and oversee multi-head embroidery machines (Tajima or similar)
- Set up jobs including hooping, digitizing files (or working with digitizers), thread selection, and machine setup
- Ensure high-quality output across all runs (hats, garments, specialty items)
- Troubleshoot machine issues, thread breaks, and design problems
- Manage daily production workflow and prioritize jobs
- Maintain machines and ensure proper upkeep
- Help build and refine embroidery SOPs and processes
- Train and manage additional embroidery team members as we grow
- Collaborate with design and production teams to ensure proper execution
Qualifications:
- 3 years of embroidery experience (multi-head machines preferred)
- Experience with Tajima or similar commercial embroidery machines
- Strong understanding of stitch types, thread tensions, and garment compatibility
- Ability to troubleshoot machines and optimize production efficiency
- Experience working with hats, structured garments, and specialty placements
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Leadership mindset with interest in building and managing a team
Nice to Have:
- Experience with digitizing
- Experience in premium or retail-level apparel production
- Background in building or scaling an embroidery department
- Familiarity with production planning and workflow systems
What We Offer:
- Competitive pay performance bonuses
- Opportunity to grow into Embroidery Manager / Head of Department
- Creative, high-quality projects (not just basic logo stitching)
- Brand new warehouse and production setup
- Direct impact on building a core department within the company
- Tight-knit, ambitious team environment
Why Join Mello:
We’re not trying to be the biggest—we’re building the best premium merch company in the space.
This is a rare opportunity to:
- Own your craft
- Build a department from scratch
- Work on elevated, fashion-forward products
- Grow with a company that’s scaling fast