Top Stitch

Lucchese Bootmaker•El Paso, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Top Stitcher sews decorative stitching around the scallop on boot tops (shafts), following the standard design and scaling it to each boot size and the specifications for each order. The role operates single- and multi-needle sewing machines to produce precise, consistent stitch rows, curves, and designs that meet company quality standards for handcrafted boots. The position performs top stitching for assigned boot styles, including standard, custom, and exotic leather orders. The stitcher uses work orders and design references to determine stitch layout, thread color, row count, and needle setup; takes responsibility for inspecting and correcting their own work before it moves to the next operation; and coordinates with cutting and fitting/assembly to communicate material issues, missing components, or design questions. The role is expected to meet daily production targets while following quality and safety standards. This is a full-time position in the Prefit department, reporting to the Manufacturing Supervisor. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; overtime and Saturday shifts may be required based on production needs. The role is based at 40 Walter Jones Blvd., El Paso, Texas.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Ability to read and interpret detailed work orders and follow design specifications.
Ability to operate sewing machines; basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Strong attention to detail, time management, analytical and critical-thinking skills, and the ability to identify root causes of problems.
Ability to work independently while contributing to team goals in a fast-paced, production-driven manufacturing environment.
Ability to prioritize tasks daily and weekly and maintain organized work processes.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to share information effectively, listen actively, and build trust and credibility.
Professionalism, teamwork, workplace safety awareness, and a commitment to quality and excellence.
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance and work scheduled hours needed to meet operational requirements.
Ability to sit continuously for a minimum of eight-hour shifts; the description also notes the ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
Frequent repetitive hand and finger movements and frequent use of hands and fingers to handle, grasp, and operate tools, equipment, keyboards, and production devices.
Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, reach above shoulder level, and lift, carry, push, or pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; heavier items may be moved with assistance or mechanical lifting devices.
Ability to visually inspect products, equipment, processes, and workplace conditions at close and distance, and to hear and respond to verbal instructions, alarms, and other workplace communications.
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 work with exposure to white cement adhesive and acetone.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish and English.
Two to three years of experience in a leather goods or boot manufacturing environment.
Previous industrial sewing experience, preferably in footwear or leather goods.
5S Workplace Organization and Visual Management Training.

Responsibilities

Sew decorative stitching on boot tops around the scallop, scaled to each boot size and following work orders, design references, and thread-color specifications.
Set up and adjust sewing machines, including needles, thread tension, and stitch length, for each style and leather type.
Maintain accurate spacing, alignment, and symmetry between stitch rows and across left and right boot pairs.
Inspect work for skipped stitches, loose threads, misalignment, and other defects, and correct issues before passing work to the next operation.
Handle exotic and premium leather carefully to avoid marks, wrinkles, or damage.
Meet daily production goals while maintaining quality.
Keep the work area clean and organized and perform basic machine maintenance.
Follow company safety procedures, policies, and applicable occupational safety regulations.
Coordinate with upstream cutting and downstream fitting/assembly operations and report material issues, missing components, or design questions.
Escalate machine problems, material shortages, unclear specifications, and improvement opportunities to the supervisor, leader, or appropriate approval process.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor and assist in other areas as directed by management.
Promote safety and hazard awareness; ensure required PPE and safe work practices are followed; conduct safety observations, workplace inspections, and housekeeping activities; and report, investigate, and document incidents and unsafe conditions.
Support safety training, emergency preparedness, evacuation procedures, response protocols, and safety drills.
Stop or suspend work when an unsafe condition presents an immediate risk and promptly notify management.
Ensure products meet company quality standards and customer expectations, reinforce adherence to SOPs, and partner with Quality and Manufacturing leadership on root-cause investigations and corrective actions.
Identify opportunities to improve processes, workflow, and quality.