Machine Operator/Mill Operator (Entry Level)
Compensation: | $29.07/hr Base | $29.82/hr on 3rd Shift (includes +$0.75/hr differential) Primary Schedule: | 3rd Shift / Graveyard (11:00 PM – 7:30 AM) - Long-Term Assignment Paid Training: | 2–3 Months on 1st Shift (7:00 AM – 3:30 PM) or 2nd Shift (3:00 PM – 11:30 PM) Location: San Jose, Ca
We are seeking dependable, safety-minded individuals to join a heavy industrial rubber compounding and calendering operation in San Jose, CA. No prior machine or mill operating experience is required - we provide comprehensive, hands-on 1-on-1 training alongside experienced operators. This is an excellent opportunity for hardworking individuals from construction, landscaping, warehouse, retail, or general labor backgrounds looking to build a long-term career with competitive starting pay, guaranteed annual raises, and full union benefits.
Key Responsibilities
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Mill & Calender Operation: Manually load raw rubber stock (30–75 lbs) onto high-torque rollers, mills, and calender lines to extract moisture, compound, and shape materials.
• Cutting & Rolling: Use handheld knives to cut moving hot rubber from rollers, rolling materials into tight cylindrical bundles or slicing strips and slabs to specification.
• Equipment Monitoring & Adjustment: Monitor machine gauges, speeds, temperatures (ranging from 180°F up to 275°F), pressures, and material flow to maintain optimal batch consistency.
• Quality Control: Inspect the color, temperature, and surface texture of every batch, pull quality samples, and promptly alert supervisors to off-spec product or equipment issues.
• Batch Pacing & Housekeeping: Work in active 25–30 minute production cycles followed by 15–20 minute intervals to scrape residual rubber from rollers for re-milling, sweep mill pans, clean carbon black dust, and prep raw compounds.
• Line Changeovers & Reprocessing: Assist with thorough machine washdowns during color/chemical changeovers and operate grinding/reprocessing equipment for off-spec rubber.
• Production Tracking: Accurately log batch quantities, material types, dimensions, and quality check metrics.
Qualifications & Requirements
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Experience & Background: No prior mill or machine operating experience required - full training is provided. Experience in physical labor, construction, landscaping, warehouse, or manufacturing is a plus, and motivated entry-level applicants with strong stamina are encouraged to apply.
• Schedule Commitment: Must be available to train on 1st or 2nd shift for 2–3 months and commit long-term to 3rd Shift (11:00 PM – 7:30 AM). Due to union seniority rules, daytime shifts will not be available after training.
• Communication & Shop Math: Ability to speak, read, and understand either English or Spanish independently (without translation apps) to follow safety instructions, read production sheets, and perform basic math.
• Dependability: Strong attendance record, punctuality, and willingness to work overtime when scheduled.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Must pass a standard background check and drug screen (THC/marijuana is permitted in accordance with California law).
Physical Demands, Safety & Work Environment
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Heavy Lifting & Stamina: Ability to stand for full 8-hour shifts, walk safely around heavy machinery, and repetitively lift, pull, and roll 30 to 75 lbs with strong grip and wrist endurance.
• Sensory & Visual Acuity: Full color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, focus adjustment, and the ability to react quickly to visual and auditory machine signals.
• Heat & Industrial Environment: Regular exposure to high ambient heat, hot machinery (180°F–275°F), loud noise, moving mechanical parts, fumes, and fine carbon black dust (which stains clothing and skin; on-site locker rooms and showers are provided, and work shoes must remain on-site).
• Mandatory PPE & Grooming Standards: Must wear required PPE, including steel-toe shoes, safety glasses, heavy thermal gloves/arm sleeves, and a 3M half-face respirator. Facial hair must be clean-shaven or trimmed closely enough to pass mandatory OSHA respirator seal-fit testing. Loose clothing, hoodie drawstrings, and jewelry are strictly prohibited.
Compensation & Union Benefits
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Guaranteed Wage Progression: Automatic +$1.00/hour raise every year under the union collective bargaining agreement (senior operators earn upwards of $49/hr).
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage upon completion of the 90-day probationary period.
• Retirement & Pension: 401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 3% and 50% on the next 2%, plus an additional 4% company-paid pension contribution.
• Paid Time Off: 40 hours of paid vacation, 40 hours of paid sick leave, and paid company holidays.