Stitch Outsole

Lucchese Bootmaker • El Paso, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Outsole Stitch Operator attaches the outsole to the welt of Goodyear Welt boots using a specialized lockstitch outsole stitching machine. This precision-focused manufacturing role helps ensure each pair meets Lucchese standards for durability, water resistance, and appearance before moving to subsequent finishing operations. The operator reviews production tickets and work orders, operates and maintains the stitching machine, inspects work for defects, meets production targets, and follows quality and safety procedures. The role also includes recording production and defect information, keeping the work area clean and organized, coordinating with upstream and downstream departments, and assisting in other production areas as needed. Major machine repairs are referred to Maintenance.

This is a full-time position in the Goodyear department in El Paso, Texas. The stated average schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with 40–55 hours per week. Overtime and Saturday shifts may be required according to production needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of related experience in boot manufacturing.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow production tickets and work orders accurately.
• Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow work instructions, safety procedures, and established SOPs.
• Reliable, quality-focused, organized, and able to work effectively as part of a production team.
• Ability to meet daily production quotas while maintaining quality standards.
• Willingness to work overtime as production demands require.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods and perform repetitive production work.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds as needed, and to reach, bend, and perform other production tasks.
• Ability to visually inspect products, equipment, processes, and workplace conditions, and to hear and respond to instructions, alarms, and other workplace communications.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance and work scheduled hours required by business operations.
• Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing environment with machinery, moving equipment, varying temperatures, noise, dust, and exposure to chemicals such as paint thinner, paint, and packaging chemicals while wearing required PPE.

Nice To Haves

• Manufacturing or footwear-production experience is preferred.
• 5S Workplace Organization and Visual Management Training.

Responsibilities

• Review and accurately interpret production tickets and work orders, including style, size, thread color, and stitching specifications.
• Operate the outsole stitching machine and guide boots to stitch the outsole evenly and consistently to the welt.
• Maintain specified stitches per inch, thread tension, stitch length, and edge distance, keeping stitching within the sole channel and aligned with the welt edge.
• Inspect completed work for skipped stitches, broken thread, misalignment, leather damage, and other defects; correct issues when possible and report defects.
• Change thread, needles, and awls; make basic machine adjustments; and perform routine cleaning and maintenance.
• Meet daily output targets while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Follow safety procedures, machine-guarding requirements, and PPE requirements; report unsafe conditions and stop or suspend work when an immediate risk is present.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area in accordance with 5S and housekeeping standards.
• Coordinate with upstream and downstream production departments and hand off stitched boots to the next operation.
• Record production and defect information as required.
• Report recurring quality issues and upstream defects to the Lead or Supervisor, and partner with Quality and Manufacturing leadership on root-cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Reinforce SOP adherence, avoid unauthorized process changes, and escalate improvement opportunities through the appropriate approval process.
• Demonstrate flexibility to rotate stations and assist in other production areas as needed.
• Support safety observations, workplace inspections, incident reporting and documentation, safety training, emergency preparedness, and safety drills as described in the posting.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve processes, workflow, and quality.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED