Curing-Production Operator

Yokohama Tire Corporation; West Point, Northern (MS, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Yokohama Tire Corporation is seeking a Curing Technician for its tire manufacturing plant. The role focuses on loading/unloading tires into curing presses, monitoring equipment, and performing mold changes to produce finished tires that meet quality specifications.

Responsibilities include data entry, troubleshooting, repairs, and ensuring safety and environmental compliance. A strong mechanical aptitude and teamwork are essential in this fast-paced production environment.

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate and troubleshoot machinery.
• Attention to detail and adherence to procedures.
• Strong problem-solving skills for equipment issues.
• Effective communication with supervisors and teammates.
• Safety-first mindset and compliance with policies.
• Teamwork and adaptability in a fast-paced plant.

Responsibilities

• Operate curing presses and related equipment according to procedures.
• Load and unload green tires into curing presses.
• Monitor controls, gauges, and indicators during curing.
• Perform molding and bladder changes as required.
• Maintain data entry and record production details accurately.
• Conduct first tire checks and monitor quality against specifications.
• Identify and report any malfunctions or out-of-spec conditions.
• Assist in maintenance, minor repairs, and changeovers.
• Promote safety and environmental compliance in the curing department.

Skills

Technical aptitude

Attention to Detail

Problem-Solving

Communication

Safety Consciousness

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Two years manufacturing process or related field

Career Readiness Certificate (Silver or above)

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Summary

A Curing Technician in a tire manufacturing plant plays a crucial role in the final stage of tire production: the curing process. This involves transforming a "green" (uncured) tire into a finished product with the desired shape, tread pattern, and material properties.

Responsibilities

• Operating Curing Presses and Equipment:

• Loading and unloading green tires into curing presses.

• Operating and monitoring curing presses, including controls, gauges, and indicators.

• Making minor adjustments and troubleshooting issues with the presses and equipment.

• Performing mold and bladder changes as required.

• Cleaning and drilling venting in molds.

• Building and tearing down bladders.

• Assisting in spraying and loading passenger tire presses (if applicable).

• Maintaining data input and accurately recording time and production details.

• Quality Control and Adherence to Specifications:

• Conducting first tire checks.

• Chasing scrap (identifying and removing defective products).

• Ensuring serial changes in molds are accurate.

• Inspecting products to ensure they meet quality and quantity standards.

• Reporting any malfunctions, out-of-spec conditions, or other extraordinary conditions to supervision.

• Maintenance and Repair:

• Performing minor mechanical adjustments and emergency repairs on presses and equipment.

• Tearing down, cleaning segmented molds, drilling molds, and cleaning molds in the press.

• Creating work orders in SAP for maintenance and communicating with the maintenance department.

• Safety and Environmental Compliance:

• Following all plant policies, environmental policies, and safety policies.

• Ensuring all Environmental, Safety, and Health (ESH) procedures, policies, and legal requirements are implemented and monitored.

• Being certified to operate a forklift through the safety department (as needed).

• Promoting and monitoring safety within the curing department and the plant.

• Communication and Teamwork:

• Effectively communicating with curing supervision, other setup technicians, and curing press operators.

• Mentoring and training team members as necessary.

• Adapting to changes in the work environment, including computer interfaces.

• Workplace Organization and Efficiency:

• Following standard practices to ensure prompt and accurate quality and quantity production.

• Keeping work areas neat, clean, aligned, and orderly.

• Monitoring the operation of the takeaway conveyor for the assigned row.

• Planning work according to tire inventory and schedule needs.

Knowledge and Skills

• Technical Aptitude:Understanding of mechanical processes, ability to operate machinery, troubleshoot issues, and perform basic repairs.

• Attention to Detail:Meticulousness in following procedures, conducting inspections, and ensuring product quality.

• Problem-Solving Skills:Ability to identify and resolve issues with equipment and processes.

• Communication Skills:Effective communication with supervisors, colleagues, and other departments.

• Safety Consciousness:Commitment to following safety procedures and ensuring a safe work environment.

• Teamwork:Ability to collaborate effectively with other team members to achieve common goals.

• Adaptability:Capacity to adjust to changes in the work environment and production requirement.

Education and Experience

• 2 years preferred Manufacturing Process or related field and Career Readiness Certificate (Silver or Above)
• At leastHigh School graduate or GED equivalent

Physical Requirements

Physical Stamina:Ability to lift heavy objects, bend, stoop, push, pull, and stand for extended periods. (Objects may weigh 50lbs or more).