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 Special Projects Operator – Lead is an hourly, non-exempt, mid-level position reporting to the Department Supervisor. The Lead is responsible for leading a group of employees in a wide variety of operations during the manufacture of rubber and composite products. In addition, the Lead performs the general work of an operator and is able to demonstrate any of the various tasks the within work area. The position requires a safety and quality conscientious person who is goal orientated with good organizational, supervisory and leadership skills. The Lead will interact with other department personnel to resolve issues that arise with quality of product, department productivity or maintaining the production schedule. 

The Special Projects work environment involves the handling of hazardous chemicals. The ability to use a personal respirator is required. The physical demands of the position may involve standing for extended periods, as well as periodic lifting of items weighing up to 75 lbs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee and guide manufacturing department personnel
• Oversee product quality and flow within a work area
• Establish and maintain a well organized work area
• Monitor and support training of personnel
• Perform general work of an operator
• Implement and monitor safe work practices
• Responsible for quality and workmanship of product

Education and Experience Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Two years manufacturing
• Required Skills:
  • Ability to read and understand technical drawings, work orders and written procedures
  • Ability to complete production forms, such as product travelers
  • Ability to inspect produced parts
  • Ability to accurately utilize measuring equipment such as calipers, thickness gages, weigh scales, and tape measures
  • Proficient in shop math
• Preferred experience with the manufacture of rubber or 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 product
  • The operation of hydraulic presses, steam and nitrogen autoclaves, degreasing equipment, ovens, mechanical inspection equipment, and mechanical hand tools
  • Operation of a forklift
• Two years supervisory experience preferred
• Basic computer skills preferred

Specific Tasks and Focus Areas:

• Oversee and guide manufacturing department personnel
  • Lead the shift start-up meeting
  • Execute Lean Daily Management System
  • Make daily work assignments
  • Complete daily production reporting in the manufacturing software system
  • Provide Supervisor with input on personnel performance
  • Review and approve daily labor and attendance reports
  • Review overtime and vacation requests for Supervisor approval
  • Ensure standard operating procedures are followed
• Oversee product quality and flow within a work area
  • Monitor quality of parts produced
  • Monitor daily production output
  • Resolve issues interfering with quality, productivity or schedule
  • Support production readiness
  • Conduct process audits
• Establish and maintain a well organized work area
  • Maintain work area for maximum efficiency
  • Utilize 5S techniques to maintain a clean and organized work area
  • Ensure measuring and test equipment is properly calibrated
  • Start-up & shut down equipment at the beginning and end of a shift
  • Generate maintenance requests
  • Generate requisitions for shop aids
• Monitor and support training of personnel
  • Demonstrate the ability to accurately perform manufacturing methods during the training of personnel
  • Provide instruction on the operation of tooling and equipment
  • Provide instruction on the completion of work orders and/or travelers
  • Generate skill versatility sheets
  • Monitor employee skills and make recommendations for training to the Supervisor
• Perform general work of an operator
  • See job description
• Implement and monitor safe work practices
  • Monitor work of personnel for safe practices
  • Review applicable MSDS with operators
  • Visually inspect equipment for safe operation
• Responsible for quality and workmanship of product
  • Ensure materials are readily available
  • Order materials as necessary, coordinate with stores
  • Identify product problems and issues, work with operators/engineering/quality to resolve
  • Identify and report equipment problems and issues
  • Perform visual and dimensional checks of product manufactured by operators