Lead Operator - Rubber Millroom (3rd Shift, Fri-Sun)

R.E. Darling Co. Inc.; Tucson, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

R.E. Darling Co. Inc. in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Lead Operator to supervise a team in rubber mixing, refining and calendaring operations. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and meeting production schedules while developing team capabilities.

The ideal candidate will have strong supervisory skills, basic chemistry/process knowledge, and the ability to use measuring tools and reading technical drawings. The position requires on-site work and readiness for 12-hour shifts.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 2 years manufacturing experience
• 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

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
• 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 overtime and vacation requests for Supervisor approval
• Ensure standard operating procedures are followed
• Review and approve daily labor and attendance reports
• Review quality of parts produced
• Monitor daily production output
• Resolve issues interfering with quality, productivity or schedule
• Support production readiness
• Conduct process audits

Skills

Read technical drawings

Measuring equipment use

Shop math

Leadership experience

Forklift operation

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

2 years manufacturing experience

Tools

Internal Mixers

Mills

Extruders

Millroom equipment

Job description

R.E. Darling Co. Inc. in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Lead Operator to supervise a team in rubber mixing, refining and calendaring operations. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and meeting production schedules while developing team capabilities.

The ideal candidate will have strong supervisory skills, basic chemistry/process knowledge, and the ability to use measuring tools and reading technical drawings. The position requires on-site work and readiness for 12-hour shifts.