Footwear Production Associate

Origin is America’s next big brand. We make everything from dirt to shirt in our Maine and North Carolina-based factories. Workwear, Hunt wear, Fight wear, and Life wear are the core of our business.

Origin believes in the American Dream and that it’s still very much alive. We believe in our communities and our local workforce. We believe in the reshoring of our machinery and rebuilding the knowledge and skills of the past to create economic sustainability here at home, for generations to come.

Primary Role:

The Footwear Production Associate is responsible for performing a wide range of tasks related to the manufacturing of Origin® footwear and leather goods. This includes material preparation, stitching, assembly, adhesive application, finishing, and quality control. Associates are expected to be flexible, detail-oriented, and capable of rotating across various workstations as needed to meet production goals and maintain quality standards.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Material Prep & Cutting

Select appropriate materials and cut boot parts to specifications.
Split, skive, emboss, and kit boot components in preparation for production.

Stitching & Assembly

Construct boot uppers using industrial stitching equipment (Stitcher I, II, III).
Stitch midsoles to uppers (Blake Stitch).
Stitch welts and outstitch to completed uppers (GIS, Outstitch).
Perform detailed handwork to prepare boots for midsole application.

Lasting & Adhesive Work

Execute lasting procedures including First Pull and Second Pull steps.
Apply adhesive for midsoles and soles.
Press midsoles and soles onto boots; grind to shape using Silpar and other tools.

Finishing

Sand soles (scouring) to achieve final shape and appearance.
Conduct quality checks, perform minor repairs, and box products for fulfillment.

Accessories & Leather Goods

Construct additional Origin leather products such as belts, wallets, and gear using stitching, cutting, and assembly techniques.

Support Roles

Maintenance Trainee: Assist maintenance staff with routine tasks and develop technical skills related to machinery, safety, and factory infrastructure.
Maintenance (if promoted): Perform equipment repairs, maintain machinery, construct safety guards, troubleshoot mechanical/electrical issues, and contribute to overall plant safety.

Cross-Functional Responsibilities:

Participate in cross-training to support other departments as needed.
Follow daily work assignments provided by the Team Lead.
Communicate effectively with supervisors and peers to ensure smooth workflow.
Maintain clean and safe work areas at all times.

Qualifications and Skills:

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
Cross-Functional Responsibilities:
Participate in cross-training to support other departments as needed.
Follow daily work assignments provided by the Team Lead.
Communicate effectively with supervisors and peers to ensure smooth workflow.
Maintain clean and safe work areas at all times.

Physical Requirements:

This position involves frequent physical activity in a manufacturing environment. Employees are cross-trained and expected to perform a variety of production tasks, which may change based on operational needs. The following physical demands reflect essential functions of the role:

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently
Ability to stand for extended periods, up to 10 hours per shift
Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and overhead/waist-level reaching
Repetitive use of hands, wrists, and fingers for tasks such as sewing, assembly, or material handling
Occasional pushing/pulling of carts or equipment with up to 25 pounds of resistance
Adequate manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate machinery and handle small components
Ability to walk between workstations, production zones, or storage areas
Visual acuity to inspect products for quality and compliance
Hearing ability to respond to instructions and audible safety alerts

These requirements reflect tasks an employee may be asked to perform at any time due to our cross-training model. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

Work Location and Schedule:

· On-Site

· Day shift, 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM

· Monday to Thursday

Benefits

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Vision insurance
Paid time off
Paid Holidays
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Discount

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $17.50 per hour

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Experience:

Manufacturing: 1 year (Preferred)
Assembly: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

Farmington, ME 04938 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Origin USA

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Footwear Production Associate