Production Lead (Mixing)

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Full Time Rubbercraft, Long Beach, CA, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1794

Salary Range: $25.00 To $30.25 Hourly

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.

Production Leadership & Operations

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

Technical Expertise & Continuous Improvement

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

Quality & Compliance

Verify ingredient weights, batch accuracy, and traceability documentation

Ensure routers, batch records, and production documentation are completed accurately

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

Safety & Team Leadership

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

Additional Responsibilities

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

Qualifications
Education

High School Diploma or GED required

Experience

Minimum 5+ years of experience in rubber manufacturing and mixing operations required

Previous lead, supervisory, or team leadership experience in a manufacturing environment preferred

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

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

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety

Physical Requirements

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

At Rubbercraft, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

RCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact Human Resources.

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). 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.

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