Special Projects Operator - 1st shift

R.E. Darling Co., Inc.; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

R.E. Darling Co., Inc. is seeking a Special Projects Operator to help produce specialized rubber and composite products. The role suits candidates with hands-on manufacturing experience who can work with production, technical, and quality teams to ensure accurate processing.

This active, physical position involves standing, lifting up to 75 pounds, and using protective equipment while following safety procedures and 6S/continuous-improvement practices to maintain productive workflow.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to follow written instructions, technical drawings, and work orders.
• Ability to safely operate production machinery.
• Proficiency with measurement tools and shop math.

Responsibilities

• Carry out production tasks according to work orders, procedures, and daily schedules.
• Operate manufacturing equipment such as hydraulic presses, autoclaves, ovens, degreasing equipment, lathes, and hand tools.
• Use measurement tools including calipers, thickness gauges, scales, and tape measures.
• Complete process documentation, including material tracking and production records.
• Identify potential product or process issues and communicate promptly with supervisors.
• Assist in troubleshooting and problem‑solving to maintain production flow.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation and participate in 6S/continuous‑improvement activities.
• Support the training of team members by sharing equipment and process knowledge.
• Enter production data into software systems.
• Monitor inventory levels and report material needs.
• Follow established safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.
• Inspect products to verify dimensional accuracy and workmanship.

Skills

Following instructions

Data entry

Measurement accuracy

Operation safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Calipers

Thickness gauges

Scales

Tape measures

Lathes

Hand tools

Job 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

The Special Projects Operator plays a key role in producing specialized rubber and composite products used in a variety of applications. This role is a great fit for candidates with manufacturing experience or for those who have developed strong hands on, equipment operation, or process driven skills in similar environments. Operators work closely with production, technical, and quality teams to ensure materials are processed accurately and efficiently.

This is an active, physical role that involves handling materials, standing for extended periods, bending, and lifting up to 75 pounds. Some areas may require the use of a respirator.

What You’ll Do

• Carry out production tasks according to work orders, procedures, and daily schedules
• Operate manufacturing equipment such as hydraulic presses, steam and nitrogen autoclaves, ovens, degreasing equipment, lathes, and hand tools
• Use measurement tools including calipers, thickness gauges, scales, and tape measures
• Complete process documentation, including material tracking and production records
• Identify potential product or process issues and communicate promptly with supervisors
• Assist in troubleshooting and problem‑solving to maintain production flow
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation and participate in 6S/continuous‑improvement activities
• Support the training of team members by sharing equipment and process knowledge
• Enter production data into software systems
• Monitor inventory levels and report material needs
• Follow established safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment
• Inspect products to verify dimensional accuracy and workmanship

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to follow written instructions, technical drawings, and work orders
• Ability to safely operate production machinery
• Proficiency with measurement tools and shop mathVisual ability to inspect products for quality
• Basic computer skills for data entry

Preferred

• Experience with rubber or composite manufacturing processes such as compression molding, transfer molding, hand lay‑up, rubber‑to‑metal or composite‑to‑metal bonding, vacuum‑bag autoclave curing, or pressure boot bonding
• Six months of manufacturing or industrial experience
• Experience operating production equipment including hydraulic presses, autoclaves, inspection equipment, and related tools

Respirator Use

Some work areas require respirator use to meet safety standards. Employees assigned to these areas must maintain the appropriate facial seal necessary for proper respirator function.

Shift

1st shift

• Monday-Thursday 7:00pm-4:30am
• Working Fridays 7:00am-3:30pm
• Off every other Friday and Weekends

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.