Special Projects Operator - 1st shift

R.E. Darling Company Inc.•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

The Special Projects Operator produces specialized rubber and composite products for a variety of applications. Operators work with production, technical, and quality teams to process materials accurately and efficiently. The role suits candidates with manufacturing experience or hands-on, equipment-operation, or process-driven skills gained in similar environments. This is an active, physical manufacturing role involving material handling, extended periods of standing, bending, and lifting up to 75 pounds. Some work areas require respirator use; employees assigned to those areas must maintain the facial seal required for proper respirator function. Access to ITAR and/or EAR controlled technical data, technology, or source code is required, and individuals in the role must be authorized to access that information. The listed schedule is Monday–Thursday, 7:00 p.m.–4:30 a.m., and working Fridays, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Employees are off every other Friday and weekends. Overtime is available.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to follow written instructions, technical drawings, and work orders.
Ability to safely operate production machinery.
Proficiency with measurement tools and shop math.
Visual ability to inspect products for quality.
Basic computer skills for data entry.
Authorization to access ITAR and/or EAR controlled technical data, technology, or source code.
Employees assigned to areas requiring respirator use must maintain the appropriate facial seal for proper respirator function.

Nice To Haves

Experience with rubber or composite manufacturing processes such as compression molding, transfer molding, hand lay-up, rubber-to-metal or composite-to-metal bonding, vacuum-bag autoclave curing, or pressure boot bonding.
Six months of manufacturing or industrial experience.
Experience operating production equipment, including hydraulic presses, autoclaves, inspection equipment, and related tools.

Responsibilities

Carry out production tasks according to work orders, procedures, and daily schedules.
Operate manufacturing equipment, including hydraulic presses, steam and nitrogen autoclaves, ovens, degreasing equipment, lathes, and hand tools.
Use measurement tools, including calipers, thickness gauges, scales, and tape measures.
Complete process documentation, including material tracking and production records.
Identify potential product or process issues and promptly communicate them to supervisors.
Assist with troubleshooting and problem-solving to maintain production flow.
Maintain a clean and organized workstation and participate in 6S and continuous-improvement activities.
Support team-member training by sharing equipment and process knowledge.
Enter production data into software systems.
Monitor inventory levels and report material needs.
Follow established safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.
Inspect products to verify dimensional accuracy and workmanship.