Technical Manufacturing Associate – Entry Level

Start a career in precision manufacturing with Stockwell Elastomerics! The Technical Manufacturing Associate is an entry-level position where you will receive hands-on training to operate equipment, fabricate and inspect components, and support the production of custom silicone gaskets and other elastomer products.

No previous manufacturing experience is required. Placement and responsibilities may vary based on department needs, individual skills, demonstrated abilities, and interests.

 

What does a Technical Manufacturing Associate do?

The Technical Manufacturing Associate is an entry-level member of Stockwell Elastomerics’ production team. Associates perform a variety of hands-on manufacturing activities used to produce precision gaskets, pads, and elastomer components for demanding applications.

Depending on your skills, interests, training, and production needs, you may work as a machine or press operator, trimmer, inspector, material handler, or production associate within one of our manufacturing departments.

Stockwell provides on-the-job training in equipment operation, materials, quality requirements, safety procedures, and manufacturing processes. This position is a good opportunity for someone who enjoys working with their hands, learning technical skills, and seeing the products they manufacture every day.

 

What types of manufacturing work could you perform?

Responsibilities will vary by department and may include:

Machine & Press Operation

• Learn to set up, operate, and monitor manufacturing equipment
• Load and unload materials, tooling, and finished components
• Follow established machine settings, work instructions, and production procedures
• Monitor equipment and parts during production to identify potential problems

Trimming & Finishing

• Trim, deflash, separate, or finish molded and fabricated elastomer components
• Use hand tools, fixtures, and other production equipment safely and accurately
• Remove excess material while protecting critical part features
• Prepare finished components for inspection, packaging, or additional manufacturing operations

Inspection & Quality

• Visually inspect components for workmanship and defects
• Learn to use basic measuring equipment, gauges, and inspection templates
• Compare finished parts to drawings, samples, specifications, and work instructions
• Separate acceptable components from nonconforming material
• Maintain accurate production and quality documentation

Material & Production Support

• Stage and prepare silicone, rubber, foam, adhesives, and other production materials
• Keep materials properly identified, organized, and protected from contamination or damage
• Count, package, label, and move completed parts as required
• Maintain an organized production area in accordance with 5S practices

 

How will you learn Stockwell’s manufacturing processes?

You do not need to arrive knowing how to manufacture silicone gaskets. We will train you.

Training may include:

• Safe equipment and machine operation
• Reading job travelers and work instructions
• Basic interpretation of engineering drawings
• Identification and handling of elastomer materials
• Inspection methods and measuring tools
• Quality procedures and documentation
• Production tracking and reporting
• 5S and workplace organization
• Department-specific manufacturing processes

As your skills develop, you may have opportunities to learn additional equipment and processes and take on more technically advanced responsibilities.

 

What qualifications are required?

Education

• High school diploma, GED, or technical certification required
• Additional vocational or technical training is beneficial but not required

Experience

• Previous manufacturing experience is not required
• Experience with hand tools, machinery, mechanical work, inspection, assembly, or similar hands-on activities is helpful
• Willingness and ability to learn new manufacturing processes is essential

Basic Skills

Candidates should have:

• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals
• Good hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately
• Basic mechanical aptitude
• Attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers

 

What personal qualities define success in this role?

Successful Manufacturing Associates are dependable, curious, and willing to learn. They take ownership of their work and understand that quality, safety, and on-time delivery depend on everyone following the correct process.

We look for people who:

• Take pride in producing quality work
• Arrive ready to work and honor commitments
• Ask questions when something is unclear
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Stay organized and maintain a clean work area
• Respond positively to training and feedback
• Have a sense of urgency while maintaining quality
• Look for opportunities to improve how work is performed

 

What safety and working conditions should you expect?

This is a hands-on manufacturing position. Working conditions will vary depending on department and assignment.

Associates may be required to:

• Stand or sit for extended periods
• Perform repetitive hand and arm movements
• Bend, reach, stoop, or move around manufacturing equipment
• Lift and move materials or components with appropriate assistance when required
• Work around production machinery and equipment
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Follow all machine guarding, material handling, and plant safety procedures

Safety training will be provided for the equipment and processes associated with your assigned department.

 

Why start a manufacturing career at Stockwell Elastomerics?

Stockwell Elastomerics manufactures custom silicone gaskets, pads, and precision elastomer components in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our products support OEM customers with demanding technical applications where material performance, dimensional accuracy, quality, and responsiveness matter.

An entry-level Manufacturing Associate can gain practical experience with precision manufacturing, elastomer materials, inspection methods, technical drawings, production equipment, and quality-controlled processes.

Because assignments vary by department, this position also provides an opportunity to discover where your skills and interests fit best and to develop additional manufacturing capabilities over time.