Senior Braiding/ Process Engineer

Smiths Group; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiths Group seeks a Senior Braiding / Process Engineer responsible for optimizing and supporting braiding processes for high-performance hose systems. The role involves hands-on technical leadership and collaboration with manufacturing teams to ensure process stability in aerospace applications.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and extensive experience in flexible conduit manufacturing, particularly within aerospace environments.

Join us in fostering a diverse workplace that values different perspectives.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Strong understanding of braiding and spiral reinforcement design principles.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Braiding process optimization

Technical support

Equipment performance debugging

Manufacturing documentation

Aerospace compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field

Job description

Job Description

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

Qualifications

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

Additional Information

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 believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. We celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.