Curing-Production Operator

Summary

A Curing Technician in a tire manufacturing plant plays a crucial role in the final stage of tire production: the curing process. This involves transforming a "green" (uncured) tire into a finished product with the desired shape, tread pattern, and material properties.  

Responsibilities

• Operating Curing Presses and Equipment: 

• Loading and unloading green tires into curing presses. 

• Operating and monitoring curing presses, including controls, gauges, and indicators. 

• Making minor adjustments and troubleshooting issues with the presses and equipment. 

• Performing mold and bladder changes as required. 

• Cleaning and drilling venting in molds. 

• Building and tearing down bladders. 

• Assisting in spraying and loading passenger tire presses (if applicable). 

• Maintaining data input and accurately recording time and production details. 

• Quality Control and Adherence to Specifications: 

• Conducting first tire checks. 

• Chasing scrap (identifying and removing defective products). 

• Ensuring serial changes in molds are accurate. 

• Inspecting products to ensure they meet quality and quantity standards. 

• Reporting any malfunctions, out-of-spec conditions, or other extraordinary conditions to supervision. 

• Maintenance and Repair: 

• Performing minor mechanical adjustments and emergency repairs on presses and equipment. 

• Tearing down, cleaning segmented molds, drilling molds, and cleaning molds in the press. 

• Creating work orders in SAP for maintenance and communicating with the maintenance department. 

• Safety and Environmental Compliance: 

• Following all plant policies, environmental policies, and safety policies. 

• Ensuring all Environmental, Safety, and Health (ESH) procedures, policies, and legal requirements are implemented and monitored. 

• Being certified to operate a forklift through the safety department (as needed). 

• Promoting and monitoring safety within the curing department and the plant. 

• Communication and Teamwork: 

• Effectively communicating with curing supervision, other setup technicians, and curing press operators. 

• Mentoring and training team members as necessary. 

• Adapting to changes in the work environment, including computer interfaces. 

• Workplace Organization and Efficiency: 

• Following standard practices to ensure prompt and accurate quality and quantity production. 

• Keeping work areas neat, clean, aligned, and orderly. 

• Monitoring the operation of the takeaway conveyor for the assigned row. 

• Planning work according to tire inventory and schedule needs.  

Knowledge and Skills

• Technical Aptitude: Understanding of mechanical processes, ability to operate machinery, troubleshoot issues, and perform basic repairs. 

• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in following procedures, conducting inspections, and ensuring product quality. 

• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify and resolve issues with equipment and processes. 

• Communication Skills: Effective communication with supervisors, colleagues, and other departments. 

• Safety Consciousness: Commitment to following safety procedures and ensuring a safe work environment. 

• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with other team members to achieve common goals. 

• Adaptability: Capacity to adjust to changes in the work environment and production requirement. 

Education and Experience

• 2 years preferred Manufacturing Process or related field and Career Readiness Certificate (Silver or Above)
• At least High School graduate or GED equivalent 

Physical Requirements

Physical Stamina: Ability to lift heavy objects, bend, stoop, push, pull, and stand for extended periods. (Objects may weigh 50lbs or more).