Embroidery Digitizer

Job Description

Job Title: Embroidery Digitizer

Department: Production / Embellishment

Reports To: Embroidery Art & Workflow Manager – Jorge Garcia

Location: San Luis Obispo, CA (On-site)

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Straight Down

Straight Down is a premium golf and lifestyle apparel brand headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California. Our embroidery team brings logos to life for resorts, country clubs, corporate partners, and major events including the US Open. We are growing our in-house art capabilities and looking for a skilled Embroidery Digitizer to join the team.

Position Summary

The Embroidery Digitizer is responsible for converting client logos and artwork into high-quality, production-ready embroidery files. This role sits at the heart of our pre-production process and directly impacts stitch quality, machine efficiency, and the finished look of every garment that leaves our floor.

Working under the direction of the Embroidery Art & Workflow Manager, this position partners closely with the art team and production leadership to ensure every file is optimized for the fabric, placement, and stitch detail required. The right person takes real pride in clean stitch paths, accurate color sequencing, and logos that look as good on a polo as they do on a cap.

Key Responsibilities

Digitizing & File Preparation

• Digitize logos and artwork into embroidery files (DST and related formats) for apparel and headwear.
• Edit and refine existing files for new placements, sizing adjustments, fabric changes, and repeat orders.
• Translate artwork into clear production specs including thread colors, placement, density, underlay, and stitch direction.
• Review incoming artwork for embroidery suitability and flag issues before they reach the floor.

Production Support & Quality

• Partner with the art team on mockups and the production team on sew-outs and quality checks.
• Troubleshoot stitch issues related to digitizing and recommend file adjustments to improve run quality.
• Validate test runs and pre-production samples for accuracy and brand consistency.
• Identify recurring issues and contribute to process improvements.

File & Asset Management

• Maintain organized, version-controlled libraries of digitized files for repeat use.
• Follow established naming conventions and file organization standards.
• Archive finalized files for future orders and reference.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Help reduce reliance on outsourced digitizing by building strong in-house capability.
• Collaborate with Sales Support, Art, and Production teams to ensure accurate logo setup and customer expectations.
• Contribute to SOPs and continuous improvement around digitizing standards and turnaround.

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years of hands-on embroidery digitizing experience, ideally in a production apparel or decorated apparel environment.
• Strong proficiency in digitizing software such as Wilcom, Pulse, or comparable platforms.
• Solid understanding of stitch types, underlay, push and pull compensation, and how fabric behavior affects stitch quality.
• Experience digitizing for a variety of fabrics including performance polos, cotton, fleece, and structured caps.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for artwork prep.
• Sharp eye for color matching, proportion, and brand consistency.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple jobs against production deadlines.
• Comfortable collaborating with sales support, art, and production teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Bonus: familiarity with DataFrame, NetSuite, or similar production systems.

Working Conditions

• On-site role in San Luis Obispo, CA.
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven with seasonal volume fluctuations.

Additional Notes

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Team members may be asked to support additional projects or responsibilities as business needs evolve.