Tire Operator | Manufacturing Production Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

As a Tire Operator, you will be a vital member of our production team, responsible for the hands-on creation of our high-quality tire products. This role requires a meticulous and safety-conscious individual who can operate specialized machinery, perform detailed quality checks, and work effectively within a team to meet production goals. You are the frontline of our manufacturing excellence, ensuring that every tire produced meets our stringent standards for safety, performance, and durability. This position offers the opportunity to develop valuable technical skills in a supportive, growth-oriented environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Production Helper
Warehouse Associate
Entry-Level (no prior manufacturing experience required)

Advancement To:

Lead Tire Operator / Team Lead
Production Supervisor
Quality Assurance (QA) Inspector
Maintenance Technician

Lateral Moves:

Machine Operator (in a different department)
Materials Handler / Forklift Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Skillfully operate and monitor advanced tire-building and curing machinery to assemble green tires according to detailed technical specifications.
Perform meticulous visual and manual inspections of raw materials, components, and finished tires to identify defects, blemishes, or deviations from quality standards.
Set up and adjust machine parameters, including speed, temperature, and pressure, to ensure optimal production output and product quality.
Accurately read and interpret production orders, work instructions, and engineering blueprints to guide the manufacturing process for various tire sizes and types.
Load and unload raw materials like rubber compounds, steel belts, and fabric plies into production machinery, and move finished products to the next stage of the process.
Conduct routine quality assurance checks using gauges, calipers, and other measurement tools to verify that tire dimensions and weight meet strict company and industry standards.
Maintain precise and detailed production records, logging output, downtime, scrap rates, and quality control data for reporting and process improvement purposes.
Proactively troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions and process issues, making necessary adjustments or escalating complex problems to the maintenance team to minimize downtime.
Adhere rigorously to all company safety protocols and procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and safe material handling practices.
Operate curing presses, managing cycle times and monitoring the vulcanization process to ensure tires are properly formed and durable.
Handle and transport heavy materials and finished tires using manual lifting techniques or material handling equipment.
Ensure proper application of tire components, including beads, plies, belts, and treads, ensuring correct alignment and adhesion.
Verify that all materials used in the production process match the specifications listed on the work order to prevent errors.
Conduct first-piece inspections at the start of a new production run to confirm machine setup and product quality before commencing full-scale operation.

Secondary Functions

Perform regular cleaning and basic preventative maintenance on machinery and equipment to maintain operational efficiency and a safe working environment.
Work collaboratively with team members, supervisors, and quality control personnel to achieve daily production targets and maintain a smooth workflow.
Identify opportunities for process improvement and participate in continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Kaizen, 5S) to enhance productivity, quality, and safety.
Rotate through various workstations and equipment as required by production schedules, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to learn multiple aspects of the manufacturing process.
Keep the immediate work area clean, organized, and free of hazards in accordance with 5S principles to promote safety and efficiency.
Assist in the training and mentoring of new Tire Operators, sharing knowledge of machine operation, safety procedures, and quality standards.
Manage and document scrap material, ensuring it is properly segregated and recorded to support inventory accuracy and waste reduction efforts.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Machine Operation: Proven ability to operate and monitor industrial machinery, preferably in a manufacturing setting.
Quality Control: Experience with visual inspection and using measurement tools (e.g., calipers, gauges) to ensure product specifications are met.
Mechanical Aptitude: Basic understanding of machine functions and ability to perform minor troubleshooting and adjustments.
Reading Schematics: Ability to read and interpret work orders, technical drawings, and production blueprints.
Safety Procedures: Knowledge of industrial safety standards, including LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) and proper use of PPE.
Material Handling: Competence in safely lifting and moving heavy objects; forklift or pallet jack experience is a plus.
Basic Computer Skills: Ability to enter production data into a computer system or database.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough when performing tasks to ensure the highest quality and safety standards.
Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and motivated to meet and exceed production goals.
Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods, lift heavy objects, and perform repetitive tasks in an industrial environment.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and supervisors.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to adjust to changing priorities and production demands in a fast-paced setting.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying issues and contributing to effective solutions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational or technical certification in Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Manufacturing Technology
Industrial Production

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or industrial environment. Entry-level candidates with a strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Preferred: 1+ years of experience as a Machine Operator, especially within the tire or rubber manufacturing industry, is highly desirable.