Production Associate - Level 1

Steele Rubber Products • Denver, NC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Production Associate - Level 1 supports safe, consistent output of molded rubber parts and helps keep customer orders moving accurately. This role is essential to steady press operation, documented quality results, and reliable production reporting. The associate will begin the shift by reviewing the current job packet, confirming the part drawing/spec sheet is attached, and ensuring their station is set up with the right tooling, materials, and PPE. As the morning progresses, they will pace their work across multiple presses, staying attentive to cycle timing while keeping their scans and counts current in the system. Throughout the day, they will document scheduled quality checks, communicate any concerns promptly, and adjust priorities as production needs shift—sometimes supporting offline taping, die-cut/molded work, or helping shipping by pulling parts for orders. They will close out by returning unused rubber to storage when applicable, organizing the area, and leaving the station clean and ready for the next run.

Requirements

• High school diploma/GED
• 1–3 months related experience/training or equivalent
• Read safety rules/procedures
• Complete routine forms
• Basic math and measurement (fractions/decimals/percentages)
• Use simple tools
• Lift 50 lbs frequently (up to 100 lbs occasionally)

Responsibilities

• Staging correct molds and raw materials using job sheets
• Reprinting and attaching part drawings/specs
• Wearing required PPE
• Scanning in/out and recording time, good parts, and scrap in the Shop Floor Data System
• Loading rubber into hot mold cavities
• Swapping molds in presses and applying pressure with an electric hydraulic pump
• Removing cured parts and remaining shreds using basic hand tools
• Completing required QC checks and paperwork
• Maintaining an orderly work area
• Reporting material/process/equipment issues
• Assisting with trials, cross-training, and end-of-shift cleanup
• Documenting scheduled quality checks
• Communicating any concerns promptly
• Adjusting priorities as production needs shift
• Supporting offline taping, die-cut/molded work, or helping shipping by pulling parts for orders
• Returning unused rubber to storage when applicable
• Organizing the area
• Leaving the station clean and ready for the next run

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• 401(k)
• Life insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED