Bead-Production Operator
About The Position
The Bead-Production Operator works in a tire manufacturing team and operates and maintains equipment across the Bead Department’s three areas: Bead Forming, Bead Covering, and Bead Filler. The role requires learning and working across all three areas in a fast-paced production environment, with flexibility, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safety and quality. The operator produces steel wire hoops, wraps and bonds fabric or rubber onto formed beads, and feeds and attaches bead filler strips. The role also includes machine setup and adjustments, production and quality checks, routine maintenance, safety checks, downtime response, documentation, and participation in continuous improvement and safety programs. Work must comply with safety standards, standard operating procedures, quality control plans, company policies, and environmental management practices.
Requirements
- At least a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
- Working knowledge of high-speed equipment.
- Minor troubleshooting ability.
- Ability to evaluate and complete quality checks and document results using a database collection system.
- Ability to make product changeovers on various pieces of equipment.
- Ability to make accurate measurements for effective production of raw materials.
- Ability to successfully operate an overhead hoist lift.
- Effective communication skills and teamwork.
- Ability to stand for long periods and lift, push, and/or pull heavy objects weighing 50 pounds or more.
- Willingness and ability to learn and work across Bead Forming, Bead Covering, and Bead Filler.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience in tire manufacturing or a related field.
Responsibilities
- Operate bead forming machines to produce steel wire hoops used in tire construction.
- Load and thread steel wire onto forming equipment.
- Monitor machine settings for wire tension, diameter, and overlap alignment.
- Inspect formed beads for shape consistency and wire splices (BIC and weight).
- Perform minor adjustments and routine maintenance to prevent defects or downtime.
- Weld wires together and operate overhead cranes.
- Record production data and report abnormalities to maintenance or supervision.
- Operate machines that wrap and bond fabric or rubber onto formed steel beads.
- Align covering materials to ensure uniform wrapping and coverage.
- Monitor temperature and pressure to ensure proper bonding.
- Trim excess material and inspect for cosmetic or structural defects.
- Maintain proper material storage and labeling to prevent cross-contamination.
- Keep machines and work areas clean and organized.
- Feed bead filler strips into extruders for tire building.
- Hand-stitch filler material to covered beads, ensuring correct placement and bonding.
- Set machine parameters based on bead size and specifications.
- Visually inspect finished products for defects or air pockets.
- Execute production plans to optimize manpower and machine productivity while minimizing scrap and foreign material.
- Monitor and confirm the condition of safety devices using routine safety checks.
- Respond to downtime events by initiating countermeasures and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and safety programs.
- Complete shift reports, ensure proper turnover, and maintain traceability documentation.
- Operate machines in compliance with safety standards, SOPs, and quality control plans.
- Report unsafe conditions, defective work causes, and machine abnormalities promptly.
- Maintain strong working relationships and handle equipment properly.
- Adhere to company policies, including 5S and the Environmental Management System (EMS).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
