Curing-Production Operator

Summary

A Curing Technician in a tire manufacturing plant plays a crucial role in the final stage of tire production: the curing process. This involves transforming a "green" (uncured) tire into a finished product with the desired shape, tread pattern, and material properties.

Responsibilities

• Operating Curing Presses and Equipment:

• Loading and unloading green tires into curing presses.

• Operating and monitoring curing presses, including controls, gauges, and indicators.

• Making minor adjustments and troubleshooting issues with the presses and equipment.

• Performing mold and bladder changes as required.

• Cleaning and drilling venting in molds.

• Building and tearing down bladders.

• Assisting in spraying and loading passenger tire presses (if applicable).

• Maintaining data input and accurately recording time and production details.

• Quality Control and Adherence to Specifications:

• Conducting first tire checks.

• Chasing scrap (identifying and removing defective products).

• Ensuring serial changes in molds are accurate.

• Inspecting products to ensure they meet quality and quantity standards.

• Reporting any malfunctions, out-of-spec conditions, or other extraordinary conditions to supervision.

• Maintenance and Repair:

• Performing minor mechanical adjustments and emergency repairs on presses and equipment.

• Tearing down, cleaning segmented molds, drilling molds, and cleaning molds in the press.

• Creating work orders in SAP for maintenance and communicating with the maintenance department.

• Safety and Environmental Compliance:

• Following all plant policies, environmental policies, and safety policies.

• Ensuring all Environmental, Safety, and Health (ESH) procedures, policies, and legal requirements are implemented and monitored.

• Being certified to operate a forklift through the safety department (as needed).

• Promoting and monitoring safety within the curing department and the plant.

• Communication and Teamwork:

• Effectively communicating with curing supervision, other setup technicians, and curing press operators.

• Mentoring and training team members as necessary.

• Adapting to changes in the work environment, including computer interfaces.

• Workplace Organization and Efficiency:

• Following standard practices to ensure prompt and accurate quality and quantity production.

• Keeping work areas neat, clean, aligned, and orderly.

• Monitoring the operation of the takeaway conveyor for the assigned row.

• Planning work according to tire inventory and schedule needs.

Knowledge and Skills

• Technical Aptitude: Understanding of mechanical processes, ability to operate machinery, troubleshoot issues, and perform basic repairs.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in following procedures, conducting inspections, and ensuring product quality.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify and resolve issues with equipment and processes.

• Communication Skills: Effective communication with supervisors, colleagues, and other departments.

• Safety Consciousness: Commitment to following safety procedures and ensuring a safe work environment.

• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with other team members to achieve common goals.

• Adaptability: Capacity to adjust to changes in the work environment and production requirement.

Education and Experience

• 2 years preferred Manufacturing Process or related field and Career Readiness Certificate (Silver or Above)
• At least High School graduate or GED equivalent

Physical Requirements

Physical Stamina: Ability to lift heavy objects, bend, stoop, push, pull, and stand for extended periods. (Objects may weigh 50lbs or more).