Braid Operator

Belden; Leominster (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Belden is seeking a production operator to tend braiding machines in a continuous production operation for wire and cable products. You will follow shop orders and specifications, ensure accurate material setup, and maintain quality by inspecting starts and ongoing braided output.

Qualified candidates have a high school diploma and 1–2 years in manufacturing, with a focus on safety and precise handling of machine changes and materials.

Qualifications

• Reads Shop Order and Manufacturing Specification to determine machine setup and materials.
• Sets up machine as required, including gears, braid point, springs and bobbins.
• Verifies raw materials delivered to specification, especially ends and wire size.
• Adjusts tension on the take-up.
• Inspects start-up sample for conformance and coverage.
• Inspects braided product for continued conformance and defects.
• Trims loose ends after bobbin changes.
• Keeps braider head clean and track plates oiled.
• Attaches production and stop tags to material.
• Records all completed work on tally sheets and daily machine report.
• Performs other responsibilities as assigned.
• Runs multiple machines.

Responsibilities

• Operate braiding machines in a continuous production line.
• Follow production specifications and safety guidelines to meet daily goals.
• Monitor material flow and ensure conformance to quality standards.
• Document production data on relevant reports.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Safety procedures

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

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Propel your career at Belden, where innovation creates possibilities—for our people, our customers, and the communities we serve. We connect people, information, and ideas to solve the world’s most complex connectivity challenges, turning curiosity into meaningful impact. Here, you’ll take on work that challenges you, supports your growth, and empowers you to shape what’s next. You’ll collaborate with global teams, gain diverse perspectives, and contribute to solutions that extend beyond our business—creating value in the world around us.

Together, we are shaping the future of digitization and paving the way for the next generation of innovation.

Position Summary:

Tends braiding machines in a continuous production/processing operation of wire and cable products. Follows production/process specifications as directed and adheres to established procedures and safety guidelines to meet daily goals and objectives.

Essential Functions

• Reads Shop Order and Manufacturing Specification to determine machine set-up, materials required, and quantity to run.
• Sets up machine as required, including installing the correct change and pinion gears, the correct braid point, tension springs and bobbins.
• Verifies raw materials delivered, to the Manufacturing Specification, especially number of ends and wire size.
• Adjusts tension on the take-up.
• Inspects start-up sample for conformance to requirements, especially correct coverage, picks per inch.
• Inspects product being braided periodically for continued conformance to requirements and visual defects.
• Trims all loose ends after bobbin wire breaks or bobbin changes.
• Keeps braider head clean of loose wire.
• Keeps track plates properly oiled.
• Attaches production tag to conforming material.
• Attaches stop tag to non-conforming material.
• Records all completed work on Tally sheets and on Daily Machine Report.
• Performs all other responsibilities as assigned.
• Runs multiple machines.

Qualifications:

Skills:

• Adequate verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic math skills.
• Must be able to operate machinery in compliance with safety standards.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 1-2 years experience in a manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements:

Standing or sitting

Walking

Bend, Kneel, Stoop, Crouch, or Crawl

Talk/ Hear

Taste/ Smell

Carry Weight/ Lift (up to 50 lbs.)

Climb

Use hands/ fingers to handle or feel

Push

/Pull

Rarely

X

Occasionally

X

X

Frequently

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

• The degree of each physical demand is representative of what must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• Required PPE: Gloves, Safety Glasses, and Safety Shoes

Let’s Create Possibilities Together.

Join a global community shaping the future of intelligent connectivity. At Belden, you’ll help push the boundaries of technology and write the next chapter of innovation, creating possibilities for your career, your future, and the world around you.

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work involved for this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this job.