Embroidery Lead Operator

Mello
Austin, TX

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


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