Machine Operator

This role operates a variety of wire braiding and jacketing machines to produce high-quality cable products according to customer specifications. The Machine Operator sets up, runs, and monitors extrusion and wrapping equipment, performs basic adjustments using math skills, and handles rails and spools of wire throughout the production process. The position requires mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a clean and organized manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate wire braiding machines and machines that apply protective jackets to wire according to customer specifications.
• Set up extrusion machines by feeding raw wire through designated paths and connecting it to the appropriate rail or spool.
• Monitor the jacketing process to ensure liquid rubber or plastic is applied correctly and that the wire is cooled and wrapped properly on wooden spools.
• Perform plastic wrapping operations so finished wire remains secure and does not unravel.
• Bundle multiple finished wires by aligning them correctly, feeding them through the proper ports, and ensuring they are combined, wrapped with clear plastic, and wound onto spools.
• Move and position rails of wire to the appropriate machines using proper material handling techniques.
• Use basic math skills to make adjustments to orders, including length, order size, and minor production settings.
• Load raw materials into machines at the start of production runs and unload finished materials at the end of runs.
• Read and follow production instructions and basic blueprints or work orders to meet customer requirements.
• Use hand tools, tape measures, calipers, and other basic measuring devices to verify dimensions and quality.
• Perform basic troubleshooting of machines and processes to resolve simple production issues.
• Support changeovers between different orders or product types, including adjusting machine settings and materials.
• Assist with general production, assembly, packaging, loading, unloading, and feeding machines as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow facility safety and housekeeping standards.
• Work independently as a self-starter, managing tasks in a lean production environment with minimal supervision.

• Proven ability to operate production or manufacturing machinery, preferably wire braiding or extrusion equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with machines, tools, and moving parts.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, to adjust order lengths and sizes.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds to move rails and materials between machines.
• Experience loading raw materials into machines and unloading finished products after production runs.
• Ability to read and use measuring tools such as tape measures and calipers.
• Comfort with general production tasks such as loading, unloading, feeding machines, assembly, and packaging.
• Basic troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve simple mechanical or process issues.
• Ability to work independently as a self-starter in a lean production environment.
• Attention to detail to ensure wires are correctly set up, bundled, wrapped, and jacketed according to specifications.

• Prior cable production or wire manufacturing experience is a strong plus.
• Experience with extrusion machines and extrusion processes.
• Background in machine operation or machine operating in a manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with changeovers between different product runs.
• Ability to interpret simple blueprints or production drawings.
• Experience with braiding equipment or similar machinery.
• General mechanical Background or hands-on technical experience.
• Comfort using common hand tools in a production environment.
• Experience in general labor or general production roles in a factory setting.

You join a stable, close-knit operation where many employees build long-term careers, offering the opportunity to grow with the organization over time. The company provides competitive benefits, including a retirement savings plan and regular yearly evaluations that create clear opportunities for pay increases. You can take on additional responsibilities as you develop, allowing you to expand your skills and advance within a lean, efficient environment. The team values reliability, independence, and craftsmanship, creating a setting where your contributions are visible and appreciated.

Work Environment

The role is based in a small, organized, and clean manufacturing facility with a workforce of roughly 18–25 people, including about 15–20 on the shop floor. The environment is focused and task-driven, with employees generally working independently at their stations rather than in constant group interaction. Work is performed on and around wire braiding, extrusion, and wrapping machines, using hand tools, tape measures, calipers, and other basic production equipment. The position involves standing, moving between machines, and lifting up to 50 pounds to handle rails and spools of wire. The shop operates as a lean facility, so each person manages their responsibilities efficiently and maintains a tidy, safe workspace; standard industrial attire suitable for a production floor is expected.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $30.00/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 benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Bristol,CT.

This position is anticipated to close on May 13, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.