Job Description

Travel Braider Operator / Extruder Operator

FlexTrades is hiring skilled Travel Braider Operators and Extruder Operators for nationwide manufacturing projects.

This is a travel position offering $28/hour, paid housing, and the opportunity to work with industry-leading hydraulic hose manufacturing equipment across the United States.

Compensation & Benefits

• $28/hour
• Paid housing
• Travel opportunities nationwide
• Steady project-based work
• Referral bonus opportunities

Position Overview

As a Travel Braider Operator or Extruder Operator, you will support the production of hydraulic hose products by operating automated manufacturing equipment, performing machine setups and changeovers, conducting quality inspections, and maintaining production standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Braider Operator Responsibilities

• Operate hydraulic hose braiding equipment.
• Load wire bobbins and ensure machines remain supplied with materials.
• Monitor machine performance and production output.
• Complete product changeovers using PLC/HMI controls and manual machine adjustments.
• Change gears and machine components as required.
• String and re-string wire during setups and when wire breaks occur.
• Perform hourly quality inspections and product checks.
• Verify hose diameters, wire placement, and overall product quality.
• Follow process sheets, work instructions, and production specifications.
• Operate one to two machines simultaneously.

Extruder Operator Responsibilities

• Operate rubber extrusion equipment used in hydraulic hose manufacturing.
• Set up and monitor extrusion processes according to specification sheets.
• Verify materials and rubber compounds before production begins.
• Perform quality inspections, including diameter and concentricity checks.
• Monitor laser micrometers and machine controls to ensure products meet specifications.
• Assist with machine setups, adjustments, and changeovers.
• Use hand and pneumatic tools during setup and inspection activities.
• Troubleshoot production issues and make process adjustments as needed.

Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing or machine operation experience required.
• Experience operating braiding, extrusion, hose manufacturing, wire processing, or similar production equipment preferred.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, process sheets, and product specifications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience performing quality inspections and using measuring devices.
• Comfortable working in a production environment and meeting production goals.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, and load wire bobbins, tooling, and machine components.
• Frequent bending, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Comfortable working around industrial manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding setups and changeovers.

Ideal Candidate

• Mechanically inclined
• Detail-oriented
• Safety-focused
• Comfortable with machine setups and changeovers
• Strong troubleshooting skills
• Willing and able to travel nationwide

Interested in learning more? Apply today and ask about current travel assignments, paid housing, and available start dates.