Seasonal Embroidery Machine Operator in Brooklyn, New York at Uncommon Goods

About Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods partners with independent makers and small businesses to offer a wide and constantly evolving assortment of original, creative products.­

We are built on better business practices and committed to having a positive impact. Learn more here.

The best part of Uncommon Goods is us—our team. We've been around for over 20 years because of all the wonderful people who make UG the one-of-a-kind company it is.

Learn more about our products, B Corp certification, guiding principles, Better to Give program, and team members you might be working with. Listen to the story of Uncommon Goods from our Founder and CEO here and here.

About the role
Love the idea of turning blank products into personalized, one-of-a-kind pieces? This seasonal manufacturing role puts you right at the heart of it. As our Embroidery Operator, you'll bring our in-house customization process to life — running embroidery equipment to stitch each item with care, precision, and an eye for quality that makes every piece something the customer will be proud to own. While embroidery will be your main focus, you'll also pitch in on other production tasks as needed (think quality control or basic assembly), so no two days are exactly the same. If you love hands-on work, take pride in a job done well, and enjoy being part of a fast-moving team, we'd love to have you.

This position reports to the Manufacturing Supervisor. The pay rate is $21/hour. Must be available Monday through Friday, with weekend availability as needed. Expected hours: 32–40 per week.

What you'll do

• Set up, operate, and monitor embroidery machines to produce personalized products that meet quality and brand standards.
• Hoop garments and materials correctly, ensuring proper placement and stability for clean, accurate stitching.
• Load designs, adjust thread tension, and troubleshoot machine issues (thread breaks, misalignment, tension problems) to minimize downtime.
• Inspect finished pieces for stitch quality, alignment, and overall craftsmanship, catching and correcting errors before items move to the next step.
• Change and maintain thread colors, needles, and bobbins as needed throughout the day.
• Keep your workstation and equipment clean, organized, and in good working order, performing basic maintenance as needed.
• Track production progress and communicate any delays, machine issues, or quality concerns to your supervisor promptly.
• Prioritize and switch between multiple orders to keep production moving and deadlines on track.
• Support other production tasks as needed, such as quality control checks and basic assembly, to help the team meet daily goals.
• Collaborate with teammates to maintain a smooth, efficient workflow across the production floor.

Qualifications

• Prior experience with embroidery machines (e.g., Tajima, Barudan, or similar systems) and relevant software is highly preferred.

• Understanding of embroidery techniques, thread tensioning, hooping, and troubleshooting.

• Bonus for proficiency in embroidery digitizing software (e.g., Wilcom, Pulse).

• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with technology and machinery.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Detail-oriented with a sharp eye for stitch quality, alignment, and finishing.

• A team player who is patient, friendly, and communicative.

• Able to prioritize multiple tasks and optimize production workflow.

• Capable of lifting up to 30 lbs. and being on your feet for most of the day.

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Competitive hourly wage $ 21 an hour

• A fun, casual work atmosphere where creativity is celebrated.

• A generous 40% discount on our products — treat yourself!

• Learn more about your FMLA rights here