Sidewall Extruder Operator

Continental; Michigan; On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Immediate Benefits

Paid Time Off

Tuition Assistance

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Continental is seeking a Sidewall Operator to lead a 2–5 person crew in tire component production. You will operate extrusion/calendaring equipment, ensure safety and quality, and coordinate with supervision on downtime and efficiency.

You will read MSS and production requirements, document activities, and adhere to SOPs and CBS practices while maintaining a clean, safe work area during rotating shifts. This role emphasizes teamwork and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required
• Able to lead a 2–5 person crew
• Manufacturing environment experience preferred
• Able to read and interpret MSS and specifications
• Willing to work 12-hour rotating shifts

Responsibilities

• Operate extrusion/calendaring equipment to meet production and quality requirements
• Lead a crew of 2–5 processing team members
• Read, interpret, and react to MSS and production requirements
• Plan activities to maximize equipment utilization and meet schedules
• Document production activities and monitor quality against specs

Skills

Team leadership

Reading MSS

Production planning

Quality systems

SOP compliance

Safety compliance

Communication

Problem solving

5S

CBS/TPM knowledge

Education

HS diploma/GED

Job description

Job Description

The Sidewall Operator is responsible for operating extrusion and calendaring equipment that produces tire components including sidewalls, treads, shoulder pads, sheet gum, belt edge, innerliner, and squeegee materials for commercial tire manufacturing. This role leads a team of two to five processing team members and ensures all components are produced safely, efficiently, and according to quality specifications.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Operate and oversee assigned extrusion/calendaring equipment to meet production, quality, and customer requirements.
• Lead and direct a crew of 2 to 5 processing team members during daily operations.
• Read, interpret, and react to Machine Set-Up Specifications (MSS) and production requirements.
• Plan work activities to maximize equipment utilization while meeting production schedules.
• Monitor and respond quickly to equipment downtime, process upsets, and other abnormal conditions, notifying supervision as needed.
• Verify the availability of materials, supplies, and utilities required for production.
• Accurately document production activities through timekeeping and electronic production systems.
• Utilize online and offline quality systems to ensure products meet specifications and tolerance requirements.
• Read and interpret product specifications, procedures, and quality standards.
• Use hand tools, gauges, and measurement devices to monitor product quality.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs) to ensure consistent production and quality performance.
• Follow all company, plant, environmental, and safety policies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment through 5S principles.
• Safely operate Powered Industrial Vehicles (PIV), including forklifts, when certified and authorized.
• Ensure proper care and safe operation of material handling equipment.
• Apply problem-solving skills to address equipment and process issues.
• Participate in business team meetings focused on safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance.
• Support improvements in OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and TEEP (Total Effective Equipment Performance).
• Assist in developing, updating, and implementing standard operating procedures.
• Participate in shop-floor improvement workshops and continuous improvement initiatives using Continental Business System (CBS) methodologies.
• Ensure standards and CBS tools are consistently applied within the area of responsibility.
• Serve as a champion for site-wide initiatives such as 5S, TPM, and other continuous improvement programs.
• Support CBT coaching reviews and assist Level 1 teams in achieving performance targets and implementing employee-driven improvements.
• Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, support personnel, internal customers, and suppliers.
• Read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions related to safety, quality, process specifications, and production requirements.

Additional Information

THE PERKS

• Immediate Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Volunteer Time Of
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Discounts, including tire discounts
• Competitive Bonus Programs
• Employees 401k Match
• Diverse & Inclusive Work Environment
• Employee Resource Groups
• Employee Assistance Program
• Future Growth Opportunities, including personal and professional
• And many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

THE ENVIRONMENT

• Safety is our highest priority and safety procedures/ guidelines must be always adhered to. This includes safety wear such as hearing protection and steel toe shoes.
• The job is within a non-climate controlled environment where you will be exposed to temperature swings (hot/cold), forklift and pedestrian traffic, and noise.
• The role involves various physical tasks, including lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and operating tugger, with comprehensive training provided.

EEO-Statement:

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [e-mail] or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

Qualifications

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE

• HS diploma /GED
• If internal, qualified in your current position
• Able to lead and foster teamwork
• Able to read and understand specifications
• Able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Able to work with limited supervision
• Knowledge of Computers
• Willing to work 12 hour rotating shifts – days, nights, and weekends.

Company Description

THE COMPANY

Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and currently employs around 78,000 people in 54 countries and markets.

Tire solutions from theTires group sectormake mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2025, the Tires group sector generated sales of 13.8 billion euros. Continental's tire division employs more than 56,000 people worldwide and has 19 production and 16 development sites.

Are you ready to shape the future with us?