Production Operator (1st, 2nd and 3rd shift available)

R.E. Darling Co. Inc.; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 19,286 - 27,552; Full time

Job summary

R.E. Darling Co. Inc. in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Production Operator for 1st or 2nd shift to manufacture rubber and composite products on-site. You will work under a supervisor, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency while handling hazardous materials and heavy lifting up to 75 pounds.

Responsibilities include operating equipment, recording data, and assisting with troubleshooting. Must pass respirator requirements and wear protective gear as needed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Six months manufacturing experience.
• Ability to complete production forms, follow work order instructions, and safely operate machines.
• Sufficient visual acuity to inspect products.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings, work orders and written procedures.
• Ability to accurately utilize measuring equipment such as calipers, thickness gauges, weigh scales, and tape measures.
• Proficient in shop math.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Preferred experience with the manufacture of rubber and composite products: compression and transfer molding, hand lay-up, rubber to metal bonding, composite to metal bonding, vacuum bag autoclave curing, pressure boot bonding and testing/inspection of product.

Responsibilities

• Perform specific tasks associated with the manufacture of rubber and composite products.
• Recognize product/process issues and assist with troubleshooting.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Support training of employees.
• Enter job data into software data collection system.
• Perform accurate counts of physical inventory.
• Understand and follow safe work principles.
• Responsible for quality and workmanship of product produced.

Skills

Production forms

Follow work orders

Operate machines

Visual inspection

Read technical drawings

Use measuring equipment

Shop math

Basic computer skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Calipers

Thickness gauges

Weigh scales

Tape measures

Hydraulic presses

Autoclaves

Job description

Production Operator (1st and 2nd shift available)

Job Category: Manufacturing

Requisition Number: PRODU001491

• Posted : July 6, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site
• Rate : $17 USD per hour

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 Production Operator is responsible for producing rubber and composite products in accordance with prescribed procedures and schedules. This position reports to the Department Supervisor. Personal contact with others will typically involve interaction with technical and quality assurance personnel to give information on product related concerns. This position requires a person who is safety conscious, quality conscious and goal oriented. The Special Projects work environment requires the handling of hazardous chemicals, the physical ability to stand for extended periods with frequent stooping and bending and repeatedly lifting items weighing up to 75 pounds. Must be capable of wearing a cartridge loaded half face respirator.

Schedule:

1st shift - 6:00am-3:30pm or 7:00am-4:30pm

2nd shift - 4:00pm-1:30am

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform specific tasks associated with the manufacture of rubber and composite products
• Recognize product/process issues and assist with troubleshooting
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Support training of employees
• Enter job data into software data collection system
• Perform accurate counts of physical inventory
• Understand and follow safe work principles
• Responsible for quality and workmanship of product produce

Education and Experience Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Six months manufacturing experience
• Required Skills
  • Ability to complete production forms, such as product travelers
  • Ability to follow work order instructions
  • Ability to safely operate machines in area of assignment
  • Sufficient visual acuity to inspect products produced
  • Ability to read and understand technical drawings, work orders and written procedures
  • Ability to accurately utilize measuring equipment such as calipers, thickness gages, weigh scales, and tape measures
  • Proficient in shop math
• Basic computer skills required
• Preferred experience with the manufacture of rubber and composite products:
  • Compression and transfer molding, hand lay-up, rubber to metal bonding, composite to metal bonding, vacuum bag autoclave curing, pressure boot bonding and testing/inspection of product
  • The operation of hydraulic presses, steam and nitrogen autoclaves, degreasing equipment, oven, mechanical inspection equipment and mechanical hand tools.

Respirator Use Requirement
Certain areas within the department may require the use of a respirator due to operational or environmental conditions. In accordance with safety regulations and proper respirator fit standards, employees assigned to these areas must be clean-shaven where the respirator seals to the face. This requirement ensures the effectiveness of the equipment and the safety of the operator.

Specific Tasks and Focus Areas:

• Perform specific tasks associated with the manufacture of rubber products
  • Assigned by the Supervisor or Lead Person
  • Execute manufacturing processes in accordance with work orders, procedures and schedules to achieve daily goals
  • Operate processing equipment such as Autoclaves, die presses, rubber presses, lathes and & mechanical hand tools
  • Utilize measuring equipment such as calipers, thickness gages, weigh scales, and tape measures
  • Accurately complete process control paperwork (raw material tracking on work orders)
• Recognize product/process issues and assist with troubleshooting
  • Know when to stop processing
  • Notify supervisor/lead person
  • Assist with the problem-solving process to resolve the issue
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
  • Utilize 6S techniques (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain, Safety)
  • Participate in the daily workgroup start up meeting
  • Responsible for maintaining a clean work area
  • Capable of generating skill versatility sheets for products
  • Cleanliness of work area/cell at all times
• Support the training of other employees
  • As directed by the Supervisor and under close supervision & review of the Lead Person or Supervisor
  • Provide training and familiarization on the work processes and the operation of equipment
  • Completion of product training log sheets for employees being trained
• Enter job data into software data collection system
  • Report material usage and labor when required
  • Input data using a computer on a daily basis when required
• Perform accurate counts of physical inventory
  • Identify low inventory levels of direct materials
  • Identify low inventory levels of shop aids
  • Notify lead/supervisor of needed direct and indirect materials
• Understand and follow safe work principles
  • Practice safe work methods
  • Wear personal protective equipment when required
  • Support Supervisor/Lead Person in maintaining a safe work environment
  • Capable of identifying safety issues with production equipment
• Responsible for quality and workmanship of product
  • Perform visual/dimensional checks to ensure product quality and workmanship
  • Identify and report product problems and issues
  • Identify and report equipment problems and issues

AA/EOE/W/M/Vet/Disable

R.E. Darling Co., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as protected veteran, among other things, or status as qualified individual with disability.

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.