Manufacturing Technician

Manufacturing Technician

The Manufacturing Technician supports all aspects of the thin film manufacturing process, including coating, metrology, fabrication, parts cleaning and assembly, as well as incoming and final inspection. This role requires careful data interpretation and data entry, and a strong commitment to safety, quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement. The technician works collaboratively across multiple operations and manufacturing departments, handles fragile products of varying sizes and weights, and follows detailed procedures while actively contributing suggestions for process enhancement.

Responsibilities

• Support all aspects of the thin film manufacturing process, including coating, metrology, fabrication, parts cleaning and assembly.
• Perform incoming, in-process, and final inspection of products to ensure they meet quality standards.
• Handle fragile products and parts ranging in size from approximately 1 millimeter to 450 millimeters and weighing from less than 1 gram up to 25 kilograms, using appropriate care and handling techniques.
• Follow written instructions, standard operating procedures, and work instructions precisely while identifying and suggesting opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Maintain housekeeping, sanitation, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements in all assigned work areas.
• Perform product and machine inspections and document findings accurately.
• Analyze production and process data, interpret results, and report abnormalities or issues to the appropriate person or department in a timely manner.
• Assemble fixtures, parts, and tooling, and calibrate tools and machines according to specifications.
• Clean products, parts, tooling, machines, and work areas using approved solvents and cleaning agents while following safety and contamination control protocols.
• Adhere to company quality, environmental, sustainability, and safety policies and programs at all times.
• Use Microsoft Office and related tools, including Excel, Outlook, Teams, and other manufacturing software programs, to record data, communicate, and manage tasks.
• Operate independently on day-to-day activities after training, including prioritizing tasks and managing workflow without constant supervision.
• Perform data analysis using Excel, including basic mathematical and statistical functions such as minimum, maximum, and average, to determine acceptable areas on wafers and other components.
• Operate multiple spectrophotometers and other measurement tools simultaneously, ensuring accurate and repeatable results.
• Verify that prior process steps are completed correctly before moving parts to the next operation, preventing errors from progressing through the workflow.
• Identify when colleagues may be making mistakes and step in to correct issues in a supportive and teachable manner.
• Serve as a trainer for lab technicians, providing clear technical explanations and guidance in a training environment.
• Communicate proactively via Teams and email, responding promptly to questions and escalations from process teams regarding scans, priorities, and high-urgency items.
• Work as a team player, supporting all shift activities and collaborating with colleagues across all operations and manufacturing departments.
• Maintain satisfactory attendance and timeliness in accordance with company expectations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervision or management.

Essential Skills

• Experience in thin film manufacturing or a manufacturing environment; exposure to optical coating, metrology, disposition, cleaning, parts assembly, and fabrication is highly beneficial.
• Mechanical or scientific aptitude with a strong interest in technical processes and equipment.
• Proficiency with material management systems, databases, and Microsoft tools including Excel, Word, Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and file directory structures.
• Ability to understand and use Excel functions such as minimum, maximum, and average for data analysis.
• Basic computer skills and comfort working with machinery and production equipment.
• Strong basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, decimals, and an understanding of geometric concepts such as angles and shapes.
• Ability to read, comprehend, interpret, and execute detailed instructions and short correspondence such as emails, texts, and instant messages.
• Ability to write simple informational and technical correspondence clearly and accurately.
• Self-starter who works well independently with limited supervision and can prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and quality, with a focus on verifying prior process steps before moving parts forward.
• Ability to multitask and operate multiple spectrophotometers and other lab equipment simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to interact through Teams and email and to respond promptly to questions and escalations.
• Capability to recognize process errors and correct them in a constructive, teachable manner.
• Team-oriented mindset with a drive to meet goals and improve processes.
• Comfort working with solvents, cleaning agents, lasers, sharp instruments, and high-temperature equipment while following all safety protocols.
• Familiarity with quality, environmental, and safety programs, standards, and regulations such as ISO 9001, CAL OSHA, and cleanroom requirements.
• Ability to maintain high accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced production environment.
• High level of reliability in attendance and punctuality.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Some college coursework in a STEM discipline is preferred; mechanical, industrial, or electrical engineering, or physics is particularly desirable.
• Experience in optical manufacturing, medical device manufacturing, cleanroom environments, or thin film coating is a plus.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing methods and tools such as 5S, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement cycles.
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor lab technicians or peers in a technical environment.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Comfort working in a structured environment with defined policies for quality, environmental stewardship, sustainability, and safety.
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours or overtime when required by production demands.

Why Work Here?

You join a company that values safety, quality, and continuous improvement while recognizing the unique education, and experience each person brings. Compensation considers multiple factors, including skills, training, and local market conditions, and may include eligibility for bonuses or incentives. You benefit from a comprehensive package of medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) matching, and additional supplemental insurance options. The organization promotes a collaborative culture where independent problem-solving, professional growth, and process improvement are encouraged and recognized.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing environment with generally moderate temperature and noise levels, which may occasionally be elevated. You may be required to remain seated or standing for the duration of the scheduled shift, depending on job tasks. The position involves handling delicate optical components and precision tools with fine manual control, while adhering to contamination control and handling protocols. You will perform overhead and elevated tasks, including work on ladders, requiring stability, reach, and control in alignment with safety standards. The job requires working in various physical positions such as reaching, stooping, standing, bending, sitting, kneeling, and squatting for extended periods, and performing highly repetitive hand tasks while standing or sitting for up to 10 hours. You will work with solvents, cleaning agents, lasers, sharp instruments, and high-temperature equipment, following all safety and part-handling procedures. Visual acuity is necessary for close and mid-range tasks, including viewing small components and using microscopes. When required, you will wear a respirator, hairnet, face mask, gloves, and a cleanroom suit in controlled areas. The standard shift is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with the possibility of extended hours or overtime based on operational needs. You must be able to lift, pull, and push materials and equipment as needed and occasionally lift or move up to 35 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Rosa, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & ADD