Production Lead (1st Shift)

Role details

Rubbercraft is seeking a Production Lead – Extrusion to oversee daily production activities within the assigned department or value stream. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for coordinating production schedules, supporting employees, and ensuring operational goals are achieved in the areas of safety, quality, productivity, on-time delivery, and cost efficiency. The Production Lead will work closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Planning to support production requirements, resolve manufacturing challenges, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

This position operates in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and requires strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills, along with a working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles. About Rubbercraft: Rubbercraft is a trusted leader in engineered elastomer solutions serving the aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. We design and manufacture precision-molded seals, gaskets, and custom rubber components that perform in the world's most demanding environments.

Our culture is built on innovation, collaboration, quality, and customer commitment Key Responsibilities Promote Rubbercraft's mission, vision, and values while fostering a positive, safe, and productive work environment. Lead and coordinate daily production activities within the assigned department to meet safety, quality, productivity, and delivery objectives. Provide hands-on guidance, direction, and support to production employees to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to established procedures. Monitor daily production schedules, staffing requirements, and equipment capacity to ensure customer orders are completed on time.

Partner with Planning and Operations to prioritize production orders, address scheduling challenges, and support customer delivery commitments. Monitor department performance and identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, efficiency, and cost. Apply lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce waste. Ensure employees follow established work instructions, manufacturing procedures, and quality standards. Coordinate with Engineering when manufacturing routers, processes, or work instructions require updates or clarification.

Support employee training, cross-training, and development to maintain operational flexibility and adequate department coverage. Ensure production equipment is properly maintained, operated safely, and reported for repair when necessary. Promote workplace safety through adherence to OSHA requirements, environmental health and safety procedures, and 6S practices. Support production and inventory control activities to ensure efficient material utilization and workflow. Collaborate with Quality and Engineering to identify and resolve production issues, nonconformances, and process inefficiencies.

Maintain accurate production records and communicate operational updates, challenges, and priorities to management. Perform other duties as assigned. Education and Experience High school diploma or GED required; associate's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment. Experience in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment preferred. Minimum of 3 years of experience in elastomeric extrusion manufacturing preferred. Previous experience in a production lead, team lead, or similar manufacturing leadership role preferred.

Experience working with production scheduling, inventory control, and manufacturing processes. Required Skills and Qualifications Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to coordinate daily production activities and effectively prioritize competing demands. Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices. Understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and production workflows. Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems and production reporting. Knowledge of workplace safety requirements, including OSHA and EHS procedures. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and address production challenges.

Ability to collaborate effectively with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Planning teams. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification. Experience in elastomeric extrusion processes and related manufacturing equipment. Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment. Training Requirements On-the-job training on applicable procedures, work instructions, and department-specific processes. Annual refresher training on Foreign Object Debris (FOD), calibration, document control, and workplace safety requirements. Additional training as required to support operational and quality standards.

Physical Requirements Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday. Ability to work in a manufacturing environment and safely operate or work near production equipment. Ability to perform physical tasks associated with production activities, as required. Must be able to follow all applicable safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

BENEFITS

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. 1st Shift: M-F (5 AM - 1:30 PM) (OT as needed)