Rubber Mixing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Manufacturing Supervisor reports to the Production Manager.  The Supervisor is responsible for the daily activities required to meet safety, quality, delivery, and budgetary goals.  The Supervisor will lead, motivate, and direct others towards those goals.  The position requires a person who is quality orientated with strong organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.  The Supervisor interacts with customers, suppliers, and all levels of the organization.

Primary Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of a manufacturing department
• Oversee the operation of the manufacturing department
• Maintain ERP system
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing methods to manage department
• Ensure a safe work environment
• Support company objectives, interact professionally with other departments, suppliers, and customers to resolve problems and ensure a timely flow of information

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Associates degree in a technical field preferred
• Minimum five years of experience in rubber and/or composites manufacturing preferred
  • 2 years supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
  • 2 years of experience in a military subcontracting environment preferred
• Lean Manufacturing experience preferred
• Preferred experience as follows by department:
  • Hose Department
    • Life Support Hose and Equipment
      • Building, molding, swaging, soldering, inspection/test processes, and packaging/shipping procedures
      • The operation of ovens, steam autoclaves, swage and knitting machines, hydraulic compression molding presses, and mechanical inspection and test equipment
  • Special Projects
    • Rubber and Composite Products
      • Compression and transfer molding, hand lay-up, rubber-to-metal bonding, composite-to-metal bonding, vacuum bag autoclave curing, pressure bag bonding, testing/inspection of compound and finished parts
      • The operation of hydraulic presses, steam and nitrogen autoclaves, degreasing equipment, ovens, mechanical inspection equipment, and support equipment
  • Millroom
    • Custom Mixed Rubber
      • Mixing, extruding, calendaring, refining, and inspection/testing of rubber
      • The operation mills, internal mixers, extruders, Mill Room support equipment, and mechanical inspection and test equipment
      • The operation of ovens, steam autoclaves, molding in hydraulic compression molding presses
• Proficient computer skills
  • Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook) experience preferred
  • ERP/MRP System experience preferred
  • IQMS Experience preferred
• Proficient basic math skills required
• Blue print reading and mechanical inspection gauge usage skills preferred

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:

• Direct supervision of a manufacturing department
  • Manage direct reports
    • Manage department personnel to ensure the duties outlined in their job descriptions are being performed
    • Manage department personnel to ensure work is being performed in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. If procedures are incorrect, ensure document change requests are generated.  Examples include:
      • Ensure Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) are generated when corrections are needed to Engineering documents
      • Ensure requests are given to IT when Software Reference Guide (SRG) corrections are needed
    • Review employee performance and provide feedback
    • Oversee employee activity reporting; labor, attendance, vacation, etc
    • Ensure all employees understand department goals, objectives, and daily priorities
    • Primary interface with Human Resources on employee issues
  • Operate department efficiently
    • Oversee shift start-up meetings and workgroup performance
    • Provide input on work area and equipment set-up
    • Ensure proper inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods and shop supplies are maintained
    • Ensure materials, tools, and equipment are available for all jobs. Ensure tools and equipment are in good working order.
    • Improve job efficiencies and eliminate scrap
  • Maintain skilled staff levels
    • Make recommendations to the Production Manager on staff level requirements
    • Execute employee growth and training plans
    • Interview applicants and make hiring recommendations to Production Manager
  • Oversee the operation of the manufacturing department
    • Oversee the performance of customer orders
      • Meet goals for customer orders:                        
        • Ensure products and services are delivered on time. Issue Late Order Notices (LONs) when on-time delivery is in jeopardy.
        • Meet applicable budgets
        • Assign overtime when required to meet schedules
        • Ensure shipments are properly packaged for safe transit
        • Strive to meet goal of zero customer returns or complaints
      • Perform Job Readiness, Job Execution, and Job Close-out tasks
        • Job Readiness -- Create a job package and perform readiness tasks including a production schedule, a work area plan, and a job budget sheet. Have trained operators available.
        • Job Execution -- Oversee production and shipment of product. Meet Customer quality requirements and REDAR workmanship standards on all products.  Follow-up with Purchasing and Sales (for CFM) to ensure raw materials and shop supplies are available when needed.
        • Job Close-out -- Review performance of the job and perform job close-out tasks
      • Nonconforming product
        • Manage NCRs in accordance applicable policies and procedures
        • Manage unsellable product tables
        • Cause and Corrective Action (CCA)
          • Participate in root cause analysis
          • Support timely close-out of CCA requests
        • Maintain accurate inventories
          • Maintain accurate perpetual inventories
          • Ensure month-end inventories are performed accurately
          • Provide re-count information in a timely manner
        • Ensure the Department/Building is secure/locked at end of each workday
      • Maintain ERP system in accordance with applicable work instructions
        • Ensure schedules are current and accurate
        • Ensure Production reporting is performed daily
        • Ensure inventory verification is completed daily
      • Utilize Lean Manufacturing methods to manage department
        • Execute the lean daily management system
        • Utilize 5S, Visual Workplace and Point-of Use Storage methods to maintain a clean and well-organized department
      • Ensure a safe work environment
        • Strive to meet safety goal of zero lost time injuries
        • Assist Chief Facilities Engineer with risk management activities
        • Perform safety inspections of area and equipment
        • Resolve identified safety issues
      • Support company objectives, interact professionally with other departments, vendors and customers to resolve problems and ensure a timely flow of information.
        • Lead by example
        • As required, work with suppliers and customers on schedule, material, process and product issues
        • Assist the Quality Assurance Department with execution of quality planning.
        • Assist the Engineering Department with establishing and maintaining manufacturing procedures
        • Support Product Managers on development jobs with manpower and expertise

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.