Rub & Turn Uppers
About The Position
The Rub and Turn Uppers Operator works in the fitting department, turning stitched boot uppers right side out and rubbing down seams to create a smooth, flat, uniform finish for subsequent fitting and lasting operations. The operator handles leather carefully to avoid stretching, scratching, creasing, or damaging decorative stitching, and uses hand tools, rubbing machines, and—when specified—heat, moisture, or adhesive to set seams. The position covers work from receipt of stitched uppers through inspection and transfer of completed uppers to the next operation. The operator verifies work tickets and product details, checks uppers before and after processing, separates or reports defects, tracks production, and meets quality and production targets. The role includes basic equipment care and reporting malfunctions, maintaining an orderly and safe workstation, and coordinating with supervisors, quality control, maintenance, and fitting team members. The operator may be cross-trained to support related fitting operations as production needs require. Changes to specifications, methods, or materials require supervisor approval.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to read and interpret detailed work orders.
- Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
- Strong attention to detail and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to team goals.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven manufacturing environment.
- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to analyze issues and identify root causes.
- Ability to prioritize tasks daily and weekly.
- Machine operation skills.
- Teamwork, workplace safety awareness, professionalism, and organized work practices.
- Ability to share information effectively, listen actively to team concerns, and build trust and credibility.
- Ability to sit continuously for a minimum of eight-hour shifts.
- Frequent repetitive hand and finger movements; frequent use of hands and fingers to handle, grasp, and operate tools, equipment, keyboards, and other production-related devices.
- Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and reach above shoulder level.
- Ability to visually inspect products, equipment, production processes, and workplace conditions at close and distance.
- Ability to hear and respond to verbal instructions, alarms, and other workplace communications.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and move heavier items with or without assistance or mechanical lifting devices.
- Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing environment with machinery, moving equipment, varying temperatures, noise, dust, and other typical conditions while wearing required PPE.
- Ability to maintain regular, reliable attendance and work scheduled hours needed to meet operational requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual Spanish and English.
- Two to three years of experience in a leather goods or boot manufacturing environment.
- 5S Workplace Organization and Visual Management Training.
- Passion and desire for excellence, consistently exceeding quality expectations.
Responsibilities
- Receive stitched uppers and verify them against the work ticket, style, size, and color.
- Inspect uppers before turning for open or broken stitches, puckering, misaligned seams, leather damage, and other defects; report issues to the supervisor.
- Turn uppers right side out without stretching, scratching, creasing, or damaging leather or decorative stitching.
- Rub down and flatten seams with hand tools or rubbing machines to create a smooth, uniform finish.
- Apply heat, moisture, or adhesive to set seams when required by work instructions and product specifications.
- Inspect each upper after turning and rubbing to confirm seams are flat, aligned, and free of wrinkles or defects.
- Set aside defective work for correction or quality-control review.
- Transfer completed, inspected uppers to the next fitting or lasting operation in a timely manner.
- Record production counts and complete work tickets accurately.
- Meet daily production quotas while maintaining quality and craftsmanship standards.
- Operate, clean, and perform basic care of rubbing tools and equipment; report malfunctions to maintenance or the supervisor.
- Wear required personal protective equipment and follow safe practices when using heat, adhesives, or machinery.
- Keep the workstation clean, organized, and hazard-free in accordance with 5S and housekeeping practices.
- Communicate production issues, material shortages, or quality concerns to the supervisor, quality control, and team members.
- Support cross-training and assist with related fitting operations as production needs require.
- Follow company policies, safety rules, safety procedures, and work instructions.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
