Machine Operator

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Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

The Machine Operator is responsible for operating cutting machines in our shoe manufacturing process, ensuring quality, safety, and productivity while meeting customer demands.

Monday‑Friday 6:30 am – 3:00 pm

$17.50 per hour

• 40% employee discount on New Balance products (in‑store and online)
• Robust benefits tailored to various lifestyles and life stages
• Lifestyle Benefit Program – reimbursement for eligible wellness and lifestyle activities
• Pay‑for‑Performance program and company bonus eligibility
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – 100% match up to 5% of contributions, fully vested
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Discounts on cellular services, travel, entertainment, consumer goods, and more

New Balance’s Cutting positions perform a variety of machine operations in our shoe manufacturing process. Check specifications to ensure that the proper cutting instructions are followed as to size and width. Work is performed in a team environment – focused on safety, quality and productivity standards towards meeting customer demands.

• Performs work according to established procedures and processes – executes tasks to the materials and parts of the shoe utilizing various tools and machinery.
• Cuts all material in a cost‑effective manner ensuring that all cutting of materials follows the accepted guidelines for both leather and synthetic shoe parts.
• Selects correct die to be used from the spec sheet and maintains dies in proper working condition ensuring that tubes and dies are kept clean, sharp and in good repair.
• Supports NB quality expectations/standards and takes ownership for meeting them. Ensures work quality before passing onto customers.
• Follows NB policies and demonstrates responsibility for attendance, safety requirements, PPE and reporting of accidents and near misses.
• Maintains a high level of quality per our internal & external customer requirements.

• Must be a team player with strong work ethic and open to feedback.
• Ability to read, understand and comprehend written or oral instructions and math skills.
• Must know the properties of leather and synthetic materials, and must be able to detect stretch, weight and color variations.
• Ability to work on complex jobs in a fast‑paced, quality focused environment where we build 600 pairs of shoes in an 8‑hour shift.
• Ability to learn and adhere to start‑up and shutdown procedures (TPM) and make simple machine/mechanical adjustments to their workstation.
• Willing to learn new skills, expand job knowledge, and adapt to a changing environment.
• Good manual dexterity skills (eye, hand and feet coordination).
• Must be able to perform repetitive upper‑extremity motions and repetitive forceful grip/pinch requiring both hands, frequent reaching, good range of motion of fingers, hands, wrists and elbows.
• Ability to stand and balance throughout an 8‑hour shift; moving from role to role or sedentary standing.
• Willing to adjust work schedule to meet a reasonable amount of overtime based on business needs.
• Must use personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds of weight.

Central Maine, ME Manufacturing Only. Pay Range: $16.45 – $20.55 – $24.65 hourly (actual base pay varies based on experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more).

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Management and Manufacturing

• Sporting Goods Manufacturing

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates and takes affirmative action to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran.