Lead Operator - Millroom (3rd shift Weekends)

R.E. Darling Co., Inc.; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

R.E. Darling Co., Inc. in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Lead Operator to oversee manufacturing operations for rubber mixing, refining, and calendaring. The role requires leadership, safety focus, and strong attention to quality while coordinating with other departments to maintain production schedules.

The Lead will guide a team during 12-hour, 5am-5pm or 6am-6pm shifts on 3rd shift, Friday through Sunday, with on-site work. ITAR/EAR data access compliance is required.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and understand technical drawings and work orders.
• Ability to complete production forms, such as product travelers.
• Ability to inspect produced parts.
• Ability to accurately utilize measuring equipment (calipers, thickness gauges, weigh scales, and tape measures).
• Two years in a leadership position preferred.
• Preferred experience with the manufacture of custom rubber mixing (mixing, calendaring, refining and extruding).

Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide manufacturing department personnel.
• Oversee product quality and flow within a work area.
• Establish and maintain a well-organized work area.
• Monitor and support training of personnel.
• Perform general work of an operator.
• Implement and monitor safe work practices.
• Responsible for quality and workmanship of product.

Skills

Reading drawings

Leadership

Lean daily management

Quality awareness

Safety focus

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Calipers

Thickness gauges

Weigh scales

Tape measures

Job description

Job Category: Manufacturing

Requisition Number: LEADO001498

• Posted : July 28, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Tucson, AZ 85705, USA

Description

This position will require access to ITAR and/or EAR controlled technical data, technology or source code, and requires that all individuals in this role be authorized to access such information

General Description:

The Lead Operator is responsible for leading a group of employees in a wide variety of operations during the manufacture of custom rubber mixing, refining and calendaring of product. In addition, the Lead performs the general work of an operator and is able to demonstrate any of the various tasks the within work area. The position requires a safety and quality conscientious person who is goal orientated with good organizational, supervisory and leadership skills. The Lead will interact with other department personnel to resolve issue that arise with quality of product, department productivity or maintaining the production schedule. The Millroom work environment involves the handling of hazardous chemicals. The ability to use a personal respirator is required. The physical demands of the position may involve standing for extended periods, as well as periodic lifting of items weighing up to 75 lbs.

This classification applied to:

SHIFT:

• 3rd shift
• Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• 12-hour shifts
• 5am-5pm or 6am-6pm

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee and guide manufacturing department personnel
• Oversee product quality and flow within a work area
• Establish and maintain a well-organized work area
• Monitor and support training of personnel
• Perform general work of an operator
• Implement and monitor safe work practices
• Responsible for quality and workmanship of product

Education and Experience Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 2 years manufacturing experience
• Required Skills:
  • Ability to read and understand technical drawings, work orders, and written procedures
  • Ability to complete production forms, such as product travelers
  • Ability to inspect produced parts
  • Ability to accurately utilize measuring equipment such as calipers, thickness gages, weigh scales, and tape measures
  • Proficient in shop math
• Two years in a leadership position preferred
• Preferred experience with the manufacture of custom rubber mixing
  • Mixing, calendaring, refining and extruding of rubber
  • Experience in the operation of Internal Mixers, mills, extruders millroom support equipment and mechanical inspection and test equipment
  • Operation of a forklift
• Basic computer skills preferred

Specific Tasks and Focus Areas:

• Oversee and guide manufacturing department personnel:
  • Lead the shift start-up meeting
  • Execute Lean Daily Management System
  • Make daily work assignments
  • Compete daily production reporting in the manufacturing software system
  • Provide Supervisor with input on personnel performance
  • Review and approve daily labor and attendance reports
  • Review overtime and vacation requests for Supervisor approval
  • Ensure standard operating procedures are followed
• Oversee product quality and flow within a work area:
  • Monitor quality of parts produced
  • Monitor daily production output
  • Resolve issues interfering with quality, productivity or schedule
  • Support production readiness
  • Conduct process audits
• Establish and maintain a well organized work area:
  • Maintain work area for maximum efficiency
  • Utilize 5S techniques to maintain a clean and organized work area
  • Ensure measuring and test equipment is properly calibrated
  • Start-up & shut down equipment at the beginning and end of a shift
  • Generate maintenance requests
  • Generate requisitions for shop aids and when required materials
• Monitor and support training of personnel:
  • Demonstrate the ability to accurately perform manufacturing methods during the training of personnel
  • Provide instruction on the operation of equipment
  • Provide instruction on the completion of work orders.
  • Generate skill versatility sheets
  • Monitor employee skills and make recommendations for training to the Supervisor
• Perform general work of an operator:
  • See job description
• Implement and monitor safe work practices:
  • Monitor work of personnel for safe practices
  • Review applicable MSDS with operators
  • Visually inspect equipment for safe operation
• Responsible for quality and workmanship of product:
  • Ensure materials are readily available
  • Order materials as necessary, coordinate with stores
  • Identify and resolve product problems and issues, work with operators/engineering/quality to resolve
  • Identify and report equipment problems and issues

Perform visual and dimensional checks of product manufactured by operators

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.