General Production Worker

General Production Worker

Join a full-cycle manufacturing plant that produces PTFE tube and stainless steel braided hose from raw materials for automotive, commercial, and industrial applications. As a General Production Worker, you operate and monitor production equipment across multiple process areas, handle materials, perform measurements and inspections, and help ensure that high-quality hoses and tubes are produced to exact specifications.

Responsibilities

• Operate paste extrusion equipment to form tubing from Teflon powder, including mixing and blending material, adding petroleum lubricant, and creating preform billets.
• Handle drums from cold storage, mix powder and lubricant, return material to drums, and move drums between cold and warm rooms as part of the extrusion process.
• Use two computer monitors to control equipment, enter production data, and create and print labels accurately.
• Work in the billet/preform room with a setup operator to supply material, pour powder into machines, compress it, and create billets for subsequent extrusion steps.
• Load billets onto conveyors that feed extrusion machines, select and change dies based on product line or work order, and convert billets into tubes.
• Lift billets and related materials, with regular handling of items around 10 lbs and the ability to lift up to approximately 30 lbs as needed.
• Monitor tubes as they pass through ovens, cooling stages, and water baths, ensuring proper processing and handling throughout the line.
• Measure tubes for inner diameter, outer diameter, and length using spec sheets to verify that all dies, dimensions, and specifications are accurate.
• Collect tubes after measurement, cut them to size, perform pressure testing in tanks, and complete secondary testing and inspections.
• Conduct dimensional inspections using micrometers and calipers, and perform visual inspections to confirm product quality.
• Perform winding and braiding operations by attaching spools to machines, setting up decks, and running winders according to work orders.
• Follow work orders to determine precise attachment points for winding and braiding and maintain correct setup throughout production.
• Work in a hands-on environment that can be dirty and greasy, maintaining focus on safety and quality while handling wires and tubing.
• Set tension on wire, attach tubing, and operate braiding equipment to create indents on braided hose, performing periodic quality checks.
• Collect braided hose on reels and cut it to size according to work order specifications.
• Process hose by retrieving finished reels from braiding, attaching them to machines, and running them through wash tanks.
• Work in small teams, typically 1–2 people per two machines, to keep hose processing and wash operations running efficiently.
• Perform weekly cleaning of machines and oil filtration systems, following training on cleaning procedures for filtration systems and tanks.
• Store or cut washed hose for bulk orders or send it to the next process step, following production and shipping requirements.
• Operate twister equipment to create large coils or reels for braiding and winding, working on a smaller scale similar to other winding processes.
• Prepare pull kits for jobs, ensuring all fittings and hoses are ready and organized according to work orders.
• Attach fittings and hoses using industrial crimpers and swedgers, changing fixtures and tools as required by each work order.
• Run melt extrusion lines for large hose processing, including braiding hoses, applying silicone jackets, and monitoring line operation.
• Load plastic pellets into hoppers, monitor melting and extrusion, install dies in machines, and guide tubes through to apply jackets over hoses.
• Work in areas that can be hot while maintaining a steady, even-paced workflow, and then cool, inspect, coil, and prepare tubes for shipment.
• Carry out post-sinter processes by recooking tubing to increase strength for specialized applications such as aerospace, and prepare hoses for specific product lines before sending them to hose processing.
• Perform tank operations to pressure test tubes and apply jackets or materials that help them maintain form under high-impact applications.
• Wrap tubing with multiple layers of metal, typically up to 6–7 layers, to strengthen hoses and ensure they hold form through demanding applications.
• Use hand tools, tape measures, and other basic tools throughout production to set up equipment, measure materials, and complete tasks safely.
• Follow all work orders, spec sheets, and quality standards to meet production requirements and maintain consistent product quality.
• Maintain good attendance and reliability, support teammates across different production areas, and be open to cross-training on multiple processes.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of experience in manufacturing, production, machine operation, or a similar industrial environment.
• Mechanical aptitude and an understanding of how machines and mechanical systems work.
• Ability to operate production and machine equipment safely and efficiently in a manufacturing setting.
• Basic math skills, including the ability to measure accurately and interpret numerical specifications.
• Experience using hand tools, tape measures, micrometers, and calipers for measurement and inspection.
• Comfort working with machinery in processes such as extrusion, winding, braiding, hose processing, and pressure testing.
• Ability to lift and handle materials such as billets and hose reels, including items around 10 lbs and up to approximately 30 lbs.
• Consistent and stable work history, with limited job changes in short time frames and a demonstrated commitment to previous roles.
• Ability to follow detailed work orders, spec sheets, and written instructions to meet product requirements.
• Willingness to work in a manufacturing or industrial environment that can be dirty, greasy, or hot, while adhering to safety procedures.
• Reliable attendance and strong desire to work and grow in manufacturing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Mechanical and math aptitude that supports learning new processes and equipment quickly.
• Manufacturing or industrial experience that is transferable across different production areas and machines.
• Openness to entry-level opportunities with a strong desire to build a career in manufacturing.
• Ability to work on different shifts and train on first shift when required based on role and shift assignment.
• Willingness to be cross-trained on multiple production processes, including extrusion, braiding, hose processing, and testing.
• Attention to detail in quality checks, measurements, and documentation to ensure high-quality, precise products.
• Comfort working with computer monitors for equipment control, data entry, and label creation.
• Team-oriented mindset to collaborate with other operators and technicians on shared machines and lines.

Why Work Here?

Work in a stable, growth-oriented manufacturing environment with significant opportunities for advancement and skill development. The organization is an industry leader in braided and non-braided hose production for automotive and industrial markets and is projecting substantial growth, offering strong job security. Employees benefit from a clean, well-organized facility, comprehensive training across multiple production areas, and clear pathways to career progression, as demonstrated by leaders who have advanced from entry-level machine operation into high-level roles.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large production facility with approximately 110 permanent employees working across three shifts. The plant operates a full-cycle manufacturing process, including paste extrusion, billet and tube extrusion, winding and braiding, hose processing, melt extrusion, post-sinter, and pressure testing. You work with industrial machinery, ovens, cooling systems, wash tanks, oil filtration systems, crimpers, swedgers, and various measuring tools. Some areas can be dirty, greasy, or hot, while others offer a more low-key, even-paced environment. Dress code allows jeans and t-shirts, with company uniforms provided upon becoming permanent. The facility runs multiple shifts: Monday–Friday first shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., second shift from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday–Thursday third shift from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Candidates may be required to train on first shift depending on their assigned role and shift.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Suffield, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $23.23/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the