Rubber Technologist

Role & responsibilities

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the Rubber Laboratory and Rubber Mill & Mixing operations by ensuring the development and testing of rubber compounds, compliance with ASTM standards, effective mixing operations, customer requirements, ISO, safety regulations, and continual improvement to achieve Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Productivity objectives.

Test Equipment Handling

• Ensure all laboratory testing equipment is calibrated, validated, and maintained as per the calibration schedule.
• Approve equipment suitability before use for production approval and development activities.
• Monitor equipment performance and ensure preventive maintenance is completed.
• Laise with Supplier to get quote, place the order and get the equipment calibrated as per schedule.

Testing Workflow & Activities

• Plan, monitor, and control daily laboratory testing activities based on production and development priorities.
• Ensure testing activities are completed within the required turnaround time.
• Allocate manpower and laboratory resources efficiently.

ASTM Standards

• Ensure all laboratory testing complies with applicable ASTM standards and customer specifications.
• Review revisions to ASTM standards and implement necessary changes.
• Train laboratory personnel on updated testing methods

Lab Mixing Mill Operation

• Ensure laboratory mixing operations are carried out according to approved formulations and process parameters.
• Monitor mixing quality and batch consistency for development and validation.
• Optimize mixing parameters to improve compound performance.

Lab Molding Operation

• Ensure laboratory molding is performed according to approved curing parameters.
• Verify molded test specimens meet testing requirements.
• Review molding process capability and quality performance

Test Sample Preparation

• Ensure laboratory samples are prepared according to ASTM and customer requirements.
• Verify sample traceability before testing.
• Monitor sample preparation practices to eliminate contamination.

Lab Documentation

• Ensure all laboratory records are completed accurately and maintained according to document control procedures.
• Review and Approve laboratory reports before release.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of laboratory data.

Chemical Testing & Titration

• Supervise chemical testing and titration activities as per approved methods.
• Ensure chemicals and reagents are properly stored, identified, and within validity.
• Review chemical test results and approve reports.
• Laise with Supplier to get quote and place the order of lab chemicals

Rubber Properties & Defects

• Analyze rubber compound properties and evaluate test results.
• Identify rubber defects and recommend corrective actions.
• Support new product development through compound evaluation

Problem Solving

• Lead root cause analysis for laboratory and rubber mixing-related issues using A3, 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, or similar tools.
• Coordinate cross-functional corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive continual improvement initiatives in laboratory and mixing processes.

Rubber Mill & Mixing

• Plan, monitor and execute daily Rubber Mill, Mixing and Preformer material production as per production schedules.
• Ensure rubber compounds are prepared according to approved formulations and process parameters.
• Coordinate with Production, Quality, Production, MED, Planning and Control (PPC), Warehouse to meet production schedules.
• Ensure raw material availability and proper storage practices.
• Monitor mixing efficiency, batch traceability, productivity, and OEE.
• Ensure implementation of 5S, Safety and Lean Manufacturing practices.
• Develop technical competency of laboratory and mixing personnel through training and OJT

Manpower Planning & Control

• Plan and allocate manpower effectively for Rubber Laboratory and Rubber Mill & Mixing operations to achieve daily production and testing targets.
• Monitor employee attendance, shift deployment, skill matrix, competency levels, and training requirements to ensure optimum manpower utilization.
• Review manpower productivity, identify resource gaps, and coordinate recruitment, cross-training, overtime, and succession planning with HR.