Production Lead (Mixing)

Sanders Industries Holdings•Long Beach, CA

2d•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Rubbercraft is seeking a Production Lead – Rubber Mixing to oversee daily rubber mixing operations within our production environment. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for driving production efficiency, ensuring product quality, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and leading a team within the mixing department. The ideal candidate has strong technical expertise in rubber compounding and mixing processes, experience leading manufacturing teams, and the ability to troubleshoot production and process-related issues in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
Minimum 5+ years of experience in rubber manufacturing and mixing operations required
Strong understanding of rubber compounding, elastomer materials, and mixing processes
Experience working with internal mixers, open mills, and rubber processing equipment
Ability to read and follow batch instructions, routers, SOPs, and quality documentation
Strong leadership, communication, troubleshooting, and organizational skills
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety
Ability to lift up to 75 lbs.
Ability to stand for extended periods in a manufacturing environment
Ability to work in hot industrial conditions
Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a “U.S. person” as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as required by U.S. export control laws.

Nice To Haves

Previous lead, supervisory, or team leadership experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, or Six Sigma methodologies preferred
Experience with EPDM, NBR, SBR, Neoprene, NR, FKM, silicone, or related rubber compounds preferred
Forklift certification and ERP/MRP system experience preferred

Responsibilities

Lead daily rubber mixing operations to meet production schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements
Coordinate workflow and assign tasks to mixing operators and technicians
Ensure all compound formulations are mixed according to written instructions and established procedures
Monitor production output, machine utilization, and labor efficiency
Ensure proper FIFO (First In, First Out) material handling and batch release procedures are followed
Communicate production priorities, issues, and status updates across shifts and departments
Serve as the department subject matter expert for rubber compounding and mixing operations
Troubleshoot process deviations, equipment issues, and compound inconsistencies
Optimize machine settings and processing parameters to improve throughput, consistency, and scrap reduction
Lead continuous improvement, Kaizen, and process optimization initiatives
Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Laboratory teams on new product introductions and process validations
Verify ingredient weights, batch accuracy, and traceability documentation
Ensure routers, batch records, and production documentation are accurately completed
Perform in-process inspections to verify product consistency and quality standards
Support corrective actions, audits, and compliance with ISO, ASTM, customer, and internal quality requirements
Assist with material disposition and scrap procedures as needed
Promote and enforce all safety procedures, PPE requirements, chemical handling protocols, and 5S standards
Conduct routine safety inspections and maintain a clean, organized production environment
Train, mentor, and support the development of mixing operators and technicians
Provide coaching, technical guidance, and day-to-day leadership to the team
Support scheduling, staffing, and overall department operations
Monitor raw material inventory levels and coordinate replenishment needs
Support physical inventory activities
Assist with cross-functional production support as needed
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned