Braid Operator

FlexTrades is hiring experienced Braid Operators for nationwide project-based manufacturing assignments supporting cable assembly and braided component production.
This role is designed for operators who can independently set up and run horizontal braiding equipment, work with multiple braid materials and maintain strict quality requirements throughout the production process.
Position Overview
The Braid Operator will set up and operate horizontal braiding machines used to apply Nomex, metal and other specified braid materials to cable assemblies.
This position requires hands-on experience with carrier and bobbin loading, machine threading, braid coverage inspection and operator-level troubleshooting while following established work instructions, SOPs and production documentation.
Responsibilities
- Set up and operate horizontal braiding machines
- Review work instructions, SOPs and production paperwork before starting jobs
- Load and unload carriers and bobbins
- Thread braiding machines
- Feed cable assemblies through the braiding process
- Apply Nomex braid materials as required
- Apply metal braid materials as required
- Apply other specified braid materials to cable assemblies
- Verify braid coverage meets production requirements
- Inspect completed work for quality
- Identify setup issues and visual defects
- Correct braid setup and process concerns as needed
- Perform basic operator-level maintenance
- Clean and oil braiding equipment as required
- Train and mentor team members on braiding equipment
- Share braiding best practices with less-experienced operators
- Support production schedules while maintaining quality and safety standards
Qualifications
- Experience operating braid machines in a manufacturing environment
- Experience setting up and running horizontal braiding equipment
- Experience with 16-carrier braiders
- Experience with 32-carrier braiders
- Experience with 36-carrier braiders
- Experience with 48-carrier braiders
- Knowledge of braiding terminology including carriers, bobbins, braid rings, tube guides and core tubes
- Experience braiding to A-A-56959 specifications
- Ability to read and follow work instructions
- Ability to follow SOPs and visual documentation
- Ability to identify and correct braid setup issues
- Ability to identify and correct quality issues
- Strong attention to detail
- Strong quality focus
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Wardwell braiding equipment
- Boeing or BAC project experience
About FlexTrades
FlexTrades is a manufacturing workforce solutions company that deploys skilled tradespeople and technical specialists to worksites across the United States. We help manufacturers maintain production, improve quality and complete critical projects by providing experienced professionals who are ready to contribute on day one.
Apply Today
If you have hands-on braiding experience and are comfortable setting up horizontal braid machines, working with multiple carrier configurations and maintaining strict quality standards, apply today to join FlexTrades as a Braid Operator.