Quick Answer

Yes, Goodyear Tire does hire people with felonies in 2025. As one of the world's largest tire manufacturers with both production facilities and retail locations, Goodyear evaluates candidates individually based on conviction type, time passed, and job requirements. Manufacturing plant positions pay $17-$26 per hour, while retail tire technicians earn $15-$22 per hour. Production workers and entry-level technician roles are most accessible.

Goodyear values skilled workers and reliability, often looking past criminal backgrounds for candidates who demonstrate strong work ethic, mechanical aptitude, and willingness to learn technical skills in manufacturing or automotive service environments.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Goodyear Tire

3. Does Goodyear Tire Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Goodyear Tire

5. Best entry point

6. Background Check Process

7. Application Tips

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

10. Final Thoughts

About Goodyear Tire

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire manufacturers, operating production plants, distribution centers, and over 2,500 retail locations in the United States. They manufacture tires for cars, trucks, aircraft, and heavy equipment. The company employs tens of thousands of workers in manufacturing, retail automotive service, distribution, and corporate roles.

For people with felonies, Goodyear presents excellent opportunities in two distinct areas. Manufacturing plants offer industrial production jobs with union representation at many facilities, providing good wages and benefits. Retail tire shops need technicians willing to learn automotive work, providing career paths even without previous experience.

The tire industry faces ongoing labor shortages in both manufacturing and automotive service sectors. This works in your favor—companies become more flexible about criminal backgrounds when they need workers. Goodyear understands that good workers come from diverse backgrounds and past mistakes don't define future potential.

Goodyear has made commitments to workforce diversity and fair chance hiring. Many facilities partner with local workforce development programs that specifically help people with criminal backgrounds find employment. The company's combination of manufacturing and retail operations provides multiple pathways into stable employment.

Does Goodyear Tire Hire People with Felonies?

Goodyear does not have a blanket policy against hiring people with felony convictions. They evaluate each applicant individually based on the nature of the offense, time since conviction, the position applied for, and overall qualifications. This case-by-case approach gives you real opportunities.

In practice, Goodyear regularly hires people with various types of criminal backgrounds, especially for production plants and entry-level retail technician positions. The company follows EEOC guidelines and ban-the-box principles, meaning they can't automatically reject you based on old convictions that don't relate to job duties.

The type of conviction affects chances. Drug convictions are common among Goodyear employees and rarely prevent hiring, especially if you can pass drug tests now. Many people in recovery have found stable employment at Goodyear facilities. The company understands substance abuse issues and focuses on current reliability.

Violent felonies are evaluated case-by-case but don't automatically disqualify you. Manufacturing floor positions and warehouse roles remain realistic options even with violent convictions if sufficient time has passed (typically 5+ years) and you can demonstrate positive change. Retail positions involving customer interaction may face slightly more scrutiny but aren't impossible.

Theft convictions are less problematic at Goodyear manufacturing plants than in retail environments. You're working with raw materials and production equipment rather than finished products or money. Retail tire shop positions face more consideration for theft convictions but aren't automatically disqualifying, especially for technician roles focused on mechanical work rather than cash handling.

Sexual offenses are evaluated carefully. Manufacturing environments are different from customer-facing retail. However, retail positions involving customer interaction and homes (for mobile tire services) face stricter scrutiny.

Time since conviction matters significantly. Convictions older than 7 years often don't appear on standard background checks in many states. Even if they appear, old convictions carry much less weight. Clean records for 3-5 years since your last conviction demonstrate positive change and significantly improve chances.

The position you apply for is important. Production workers, material handlers, and warehouse positions have the most flexible hiring standards. Entry-level tire technician positions at retail shops are also quite accessible. Maintenance technician positions value trade skills over criminal history. Sales and management roles may face stricter scrutiny but are possible once you're established employees.

Location matters. Goodyear plants in states with ban-the-box laws or those participating in federal second-chance hiring initiatives tend to be more experienced with hiring people with records. Manufacturing facilities in areas with labor shortages are particularly open to qualified candidates regardless of background. Retail shops in some areas may have different practices than others.

Available Jobs at Goodyear Tire

Goodyear offers numerous positions suitable for people with felony convictions:

Production Worker/Operator (Manufacturing)

($17-$24/hour)

You'll work on tire manufacturing lines, operate machinery, monitor quality, and maintain equipment. Requires ability to work rotating shifts and follow safety protocols. This is the most accessible position for people with records. Manufacturing facilities need reliable workers and prioritize attendance and safety over background. Many plants are union shops with excellent benefits.

Material Handler (Manufacturing)

($16-$22/hour)

You'll move raw materials, operate forklifts, load machines, and maintain supply flow. Physical work requiring forklift certification (often provided during training). These positions are highly accessible for people with records—straightforward work where reliability matters most.

Entry-Level Tire Technician (Retail)

($15-$19/hour)

You'll mount and balance tires, perform basic maintenance, and assist experienced technicians. No previous experience required—they train you. Physical work requiring lifting and working with tools. This is an excellent entry point into automotive work even with felonies. Once you learn the trade, opportunities expand significantly.

Tire Installer/Automotive Technician (Retail)

($16-$22/hour starting)

You'll install tires, perform oil changes, brakes, and other automotive services at retail shops. Requires willingness to learn mechanical work. As you gain certifications and experience, pay increases significantly. Many people with felonies have built good careers starting in these roles.

Warehouse Worker (Distribution Centers)

($16-$21/hour)

You'll receive shipments, organize inventory, load trucks, and operate equipment. Physical work with forklift operation. These positions are very open to people with felonies because work is straightforward and reliability matters most.

Maintenance Technician (Manufacturing)

($22-$32/hour)

You'll repair production equipment, perform preventive maintenance, and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues. Requires technical training or experience in industrial maintenance. If you have these skills, criminal backgrounds rarely matter—skilled trades workers are in high demand.

Sanitation Worker (Manufacturing)

($17-$23/hour)

You'll clean production equipment, maintain facility hygiene, and ensure safety standards. Physical work often on night shifts. These positions have particularly high acceptance rates for people with felonies because they're essential but hard to fill.

Quality Control Inspector (Manufacturing)

($18-$25/hour)

You'll inspect tires for defects, measure specifications, conduct tests, and document results. Requires attention to detail. Good option for people who prefer less physical work but still want manufacturing pay and don't mind that their backgrounds might be viewed more flexibly in industrial settings.

Best entry point

Production Worker at a manufacturing plant offers the strongest combination of good pay, benefits, and acceptance of people with criminal backgrounds. If you prefer working with your hands in retail automotive environments, Entry-Level Tire Technician provides excellent training and career growth potential.

Background Check Process

Understanding Goodyear's background check process helps you prepare appropriately and avoid surprises.

Goodyear conducts background checks after making conditional job offers. This means they interview you, decide they want to hire you, and then check backgrounds. This approach gives you opportunity to make positive impressions before criminal records are reviewed.

The typical background check covers seven years of criminal history for most positions. This is standard for manufacturing and retail roles. Some positions, particularly those requiring security clearances or working with sensitive equipment, may look back further. The recruiter will explain specific requirements for your position.

The process usually takes 3-7 business days to complete. During this time, you may also be required to complete drug screens. Nearly all Goodyear positions require pre-employment drug testing, and many locations conduct random testing after hire. The company prioritizes safety in both manufacturing and automotive service environments.

If something appears on background checks that concerns Goodyear, they must provide pre-adverse action notices before making final decisions. This gives you 5-10 days to review reports and dispute errors. Take this opportunity seriously. If information is incorrect, immediately gather documentation and contact both Goodyear HR and background check companies to file disputes.

Geographic differences matter at Goodyear. In ban-the-box states, they cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. They can only inquire after determining you're qualified for positions. This works in your favor by letting skills and work ethic speak first.

The type of facility affects processes somewhat. Manufacturing plants may have more standardized processes governed by union contracts. Retail tire shops may have slightly more flexible approaches depending on locations and store managers. However, all Goodyear facilities follow corporate guidelines ensuring fair evaluation of candidates with criminal backgrounds.

Retail positions may also verify driving records if you'll be driving company vehicles or moving customer cars. Manufacturing positions focus more on criminal backgrounds and employment history verification.

Application Tips

1. Apply directly on Goodyear's career website at goodyear.com/careers or corporate.goodyear.com/careers for retail tire shop positions. Create complete profiles and apply to multiple positions to increase chances.

   
   

2. Target manufacturing plant positions first if you want best pay and benefits. These facilities actively hire and often work with local workforce development programs helping people with criminal backgrounds.

   
   

3. For retail tire shops, visit locations in person after applying online. Introduce yourself to managers and express strong interest. Retail automotive shops value people who show initiative and willingness to learn.

   
   

4. Don't mention your felony on initial applications if you're in ban-the-box states. Answer honestly if asked, but don't volunteer unnecessary information upfront.

   
   

5. Emphasize any mechanical, manufacturing, or physical labor experience. Even if informal—like fixing your own car or helping with construction—it shows relevant aptitude.

   
   

6. Be completely honest about convictions when questions come up. Prepare brief explanations that take responsibility, explain lessons learned, and focus on moving forward. Practice until natural.

   
   

7. Highlight your reliability and safety consciousness. Goodyear prioritizes attendance and safety. Give specific examples of dependability from any context—previous jobs, volunteer work, or other commitments.

   
   

8. Be flexible with shift work for manufacturing positions. Plants often run 24/7 with rotating shifts. Willingness to work nights, weekends, or rotating schedules makes you much more attractive.

   
   

9. Get forklift certification before applying if possible. This inexpensive certification (often available through workforce development programs) immediately makes you more valuable for warehouse and material handling positions.

   
   

10. Check if your local American Job Center or workforce development program has relationships with Goodyear. Some facilities actively recruit through these programs and may have dedicated pathways for people with criminal backgrounds.

    
    

11. Dress appropriately for interviews. For manufacturing positions, clean professional casual is fine. For retail tire shops, showing up neat and clean demonstrates you understand professional standards in customer-facing environments.

    
    

12. Bring references who can speak to your work ethic and reliability. Former employers, volunteer coordinators, instructors from any training programs, or even probation officers provide valuable character references.

    
    

13. Research Goodyear's products and values before interviews. Showing genuine interest in the company and understanding what they do demonstrates you're serious about opportunities.

    
    

14. Be ready to start within a week or two. Many positions need workers quickly. Having flexibility with start dates makes you more attractive, especially if other candidates have longer notice periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my drug conviction prevent me from working at Goodyear?

Drug convictions, even felonies, are common among Goodyear employees and rarely prevent hiring. However, you must be able to pass drug tests now and stay clean while employed. Goodyear tests pre-employment for all positions and conducts random testing, especially in manufacturing plants where safety is critical. If your conviction was for distribution rather than possession, be prepared to explain honestly. Time since conviction helps—if you've been clean for 2+ years, most hiring managers view that very positively. Focus on current sobriety and commitment to staying clean. Manufacturing positions are particularly accessible even with drug felony histories.

Does Goodyear do drug testing?

Yes, Goodyear requires pre-employment drug testing for virtually all positions. Manufacturing plants, retail tire shops, and distribution centers all test because work involves heavy machinery and vehicle safety. Testing typically screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Some locations in states where marijuana is legal may have different policies, but don't count on it. Manufacturing facilities also conduct random drug testing of employees. If you're in recovery and on prescribed medications that might appear on tests, disclose this to testing facilities ahead of time with proper documentation.

How long should I wait after my conviction before applying to Goodyear?

You can apply to Goodyear immediately after conviction. However, chances improve with time. If conviction is less than a year old, you'll face more scrutiny but can still potentially get hired, especially for manufacturing positions in areas with labor shortages. After 3 years of clean records, options expand significantly. After 7 years, many convictions won't appear on standard background checks in most states. The important thing is demonstrating you've stayed out of trouble since conviction. Don't wait if you need work now—apply and see what happens.

Can I work at Goodyear while on probation or parole?

Yes, absolutely. Many Goodyear employees work while on probation or parole. Having steady employment often satisfies supervision requirements and looks good to probation officers. Be upfront with hiring managers about restrictions you have, such as travel limits, curfews, or required check-ins. Manufacturing shift work usually accommodates these requirements easily. Retail shops can typically work around check-in schedules. Some hiring managers even coordinate with probation officers to confirm employment. Being honest about situations is always better than hiding them.

Will violent felonies disqualify me from Goodyear?

Violent felonies don't automatically disqualify you, but they do create more challenges. Goodyear evaluates specific circumstances—what happened, how long ago, and records since then. Manufacturing positions where you're working on equipment rather than directly with public remain quite accessible, especially if 5+ years have passed. Retail tire shop positions involving customer interaction face more scrutiny, but back-shop technician roles are still possible. Time matters enormously—10-year-old assault convictions carry much less weight than ones from 18 months ago. Be prepared to discuss what happened honestly and show evidence of positive change.

What if I have theft or fraud convictions?

Theft and fraud convictions create challenges at Goodyear retail locations where you might access customer vehicles, tools, or money. However, manufacturing plant positions are much less affected because you're working with raw materials and production equipment. Be completely honest about convictions and emphasize if they were one-time mistakes made years ago. If you've had stable employment since without issues, highlight this. Manufacturing facilities in particular look more at recent work history and reliability than old theft convictions. Some managers will give chances if you're honest and they need reliable workers.

Can I work in tire manufacturing with a felony?

Yes, many people with felonies work in Goodyear manufacturing plants. These facilities need reliable workers constantly and evaluate candidates individually. The physical nature of manufacturing work and industrial environments mean criminal backgrounds are less barriers than in other industries. Be prepared for physically demanding work in varying conditions—plants can be hot, loud, and require constant safety attention. Violent convictions are evaluated but don't automatically disqualify you. Theft, drug, and other felonies are commonly represented among manufacturing workers. If you can handle physical demands and show up reliably, you have strong chances.

Can I advance to better positions despite my felony?

Absolutely. Once hired and establishing yourself as reliable workers, felonies become much less relevant. Goodyear promotes from within regularly. Production workers move up to machine operators, lead positions, and eventually supervisory roles based on performance. Tire technicians can become master technicians, shop foremen, and store managers. Your work records with Goodyear matter more than criminal histories for internal advancement. Many people with felonies have built solid careers at Goodyear by starting in entry-level positions and proving themselves over time.

What should I do if my background check contains errors?

Act immediately if background checks show incorrect information. Federal law requires Goodyear to send pre-adverse action notices before making final decisions based on background check results. You typically have 5-10 business days to dispute errors. Contact both Goodyear's HR department (contact info will be in notices) and background screening companies to file formal disputes. Gather documentation proving errors—court records, certificates of disposition, or documents showing dismissed or expunged charges. Follow up every 2-3 days to ensure dispute processing. Don't let deadlines pass.

Are Goodyear manufacturing plants or retail shops better for people with felonies?

Manufacturing plants generally offer better opportunities for people with felonies. They pay more ($17-$26/hour vs. $15-$22/hour starting), offer better benefits, and are often less concerned about criminal backgrounds because work is industrial rather than customer-facing. Plants also have more structured hiring processes and may work with workforce development programs. However, retail tire shops are excellent if you want to learn trades—automotive technicians with experience and certifications can earn $25-$35/hour or more. If manufacturing plants are available in your area, start there. If not, retail tire technicians offer good career paths too.

Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

If Goodyear doesn't work out or you want to explore similar opportunities in manufacturing and automotive sectors, consider these companies:

Bridgestone Tire: Direct competitor with similar manufacturing plants and retail shops. They have comparable policies toward hiring people with criminal backgrounds.

Michelin: Another major tire manufacturer with plants throughout the U.S. Known for good manufacturing jobs and reasonable hiring practices for people with felonies.

Cooper Tire: Tire manufacturer with production facilities that hire people with criminal backgrounds regularly for manufacturing positions.

Discount Tire/America's Tire: Large tire retail chain focused on tire sales and installation. They hire entry-level technicians and often give second chances to people with records.

Firestone Complete Auto Care: Automotive service chain offering tire and mechanical services. They regularly hire people with various felony convictions for technician and shop positions.

Final Thoughts

Goodyear offers solid opportunities for people with felony convictions, particularly in their manufacturing plants and entry-level technician positions. The company needs reliable workers and values technical skills and work ethic over perfect backgrounds. Your best strategy is being honest about your past while demonstrating your commitment to showing up and working hard.

Start today by applying at goodyear.com/careers for manufacturing positions or corporate.goodyear.com/careers for retail tire shop roles. Apply to every relevant opening within reasonable distance.

If there's a manufacturing plant nearby, make that your priority—these jobs offer the best combination of pay, benefits, and acceptance of people with criminal records. With persistence and the right approach, you can build a genuine career at Goodyear.