Senior Braiding/ Process Engineer

Smiths Group; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiths Group is looking for a Senior Braiding / Process Engineer based in Springfield, Massachusetts. This role involves developing and optimizing braiding processes for high-performance hose and flexible conduit systems, collaborating with manufacturing teams, and ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.

The ideal candidate possesses at least 5 years of experience in manufacturing and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Strong troubleshooting skills and technical expertise in braiding processes are essential, along with a commitment to quality and performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in hose or flexible conduit manufacturing.
• Experience with bobbin winding and wire twisting processes.
• Proven ability to work in a hands-on, shop-floor environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and optimize braiding and spiral process parameters.
• Provide hands-on technical support to troubleshoot manufacturing lines.
• Lead or support product qualification testing.

Skills

Braiding design principles

Hands-on technical support

Process optimization

Troubleshooting manufacturing lines

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field

Tools

Horizontal braiders

Spiral hose lines

Wire drawing techniques

Job description

Titeflex is a global leader in creating and adapting fluid and gas management products and quality programs, Titeflex expertise can be traced to its aerospace roots at the dawning of the space age. We provided solutions and service for demanding fluid and gas transfer requirements, whether the media be corrosive, caustic or combustible, under extreme pressure, temperature and flexing conditions. Primary markets include aerospace, chemical, petro-chemical, pulp and paper, petroleum equipment, heavy equipment, compressed gas, automotive, refrigeration, transportation, data centers, and dozens of other niche markets. Titeflex’s background and experience in stringent and demanding hose requirements plays into the strengths of our applications engineers. We are able to assimilate some of the most difficult and demanding applications known today into customer satisfaction, borrowing from our experience and core technology. Committed to quality, Titeflex Quality Systems are 3rd party certified and has received numerous other certifications and accreditations.

Position Summary

The Senior Braiding / Process Engineer is a hands‑on technical leader responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting braiding and spiral reinforcement processes for high‑performance hose and flexible conduit systems. This role will work closely with manufacturing, maintenance, and quality teams to improve product performance, ensure process stability, and support qualification efforts for aerospace and industrial applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and optimize braiding and spiral process parameters, including process windows, setup sheets, and standard work instructions
• Provide hands‑on technical support on the production floor to troubleshoot and improve braiding and spiral hose manufacturing lines
• Collaborate with operators and maintenance teams to debug and optimize equipment performance
• Lead or support product qualification testing (e.g., proof, burst, impulse, temperature cycling)
• Analyze and refine braid/spiral design parameters, including angle, coverage, picks per inch, tension, and carrier configurations
• Ensure processes meet performance requirements for pressure, flexibility, and impulse life
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations
• Contribute to testing strategy and validation protocols as needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in hose or flexible conduit manufacturing, preferably in aerospace or high‑spec industrial environments
• Hands‑on experience with horizontal braiders and/or spiral hose lines (OMA or similar OEM equipment)
• Experience with bobbin winding and wire twisting processes
• Strong knowledge of 300 series stainless steel, wire drawing, and work hardening techniques
• Strong understanding of braiding and spiral reinforcement design principles
• Experience developing and standardizing manufacturing processes and documentation
• Proven ability to work in a hands‑on, shop‑floor environment
• Work Authorization: U.S. Persons required due to aerospace/defense (ITAR or similar compliance)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PTFE/fluoropolymer or hydraulic hose manufacturing
• Familiarity with engineered yarns and filaments (e.g., para‑aramid, meta‑aramid)
• Understanding of bobbin head design, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Knowledge of testing standards, protocols, and requirements for aerospace or industrial hose systems
• Experience supporting product qualification and certification efforts

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.