Production Associate

Job Overview

As a machine operator, you will transform our raw materials into world class footwear with a strong focus on safety and quality. You will perform various machine operations that bring our shoes to life. Work is performed in a team environment – focused on safety, quality and productivity standards toward meeting customer demands.

Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM

• Hourly rate: $17.50 an hour (actual base pay ranging from $16.95 to $25.40 depending on experience, role, internal equity, geographic location, etc.)
• 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.

Skowhegan, ME – Manufacturing Only

• Utilize various tools and machinery to perform work according to established procedures and processes.
• Support a changing environment; be flexible to cross‑train and rotate to various jobs and duties to achieve departmental and business goals. Make suggestions to improve processes and display motivation and initiative to improve skills and job knowledge.
• Support NB quality expectations/standards and take ownership for meeting them. Ensure work quality before passing onto customers.
• Follow NB policies and demonstrate responsibility for attendance, safety requirements, PPE and reporting of accidents and near misses.
• Maintain a high level of quality per internal and external customer requirements.

• 0–2 years of experience.
• Ability to read, understand and comprehend written or oral instructions and communicate effectively with others. Must be a team player.
• Requires hand and eye coordination with depth perception, good peripheral vision; ability to see workstations and perform precision work – clear vision as close as 11 inches for tasks.
• Good manual dexterity skills (eye, hand, foot 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, and use of foot pedals on some machines.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced production line environment (building 600 pairs of shoes in an 8‑hour shift) while completing a variety of processes safely with a sense of urgency and attention to detail.
• Use of personal protective equipment is required.
• Ability to lift light to moderate amounts of weight.

New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401(k). We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage associates to grow personally and professionally. You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave.

Three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

401(k), short‑term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

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.