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.

Work Location and Schedule:

· On-Site

· Day shift, 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM

· Monday to Thursday

- Pay: $17.50/hr.

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

Experience:

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

Ability to Commute:

• Farmington, ME 04938 (Required)

Work Location: In person

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.