Printer Technician

Thick Film Printer Technician Level 2 Full Time + Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with Company Match, PTO) Job Type: Onsite Hourly Range: $22.00 - $28.00, DOE Shift: 2nd Location: Poway, CA Fralock is an engineered solutions provider of specialty components and subassemblies using advanced materials for high reliability, severe environment, and technically challenging applications. We develop and manufacture custom integrated solutions. Established in 1967, we are a critical solutions provider to Fortune 500 corporations, government, and targeted OEMs in a variety of industries including Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturing, Medical and Life Science, Aerospace and Defense, Industrial, Electronics, and Energy. Fralock is headquartered in Valencia, CA with manufacturing locations located throughout Northern and Southern California. Vision To be recognized by our customers as a leading solutions provider of proprietary engineered advanced materials for high reliability, severe environment, and technically challenging applications. Mission To create value, profitably grow, and share our success with all stakeholders. Culture Respect We treat others the way they want to be treated. Integrity We practice a high standard of ethics in our business dealings with customers, suppliers, and employees. Responsiveness We have a sense of urgency in responding to internal and external requests and work proactively to solve problems. Excellence/Competence We empower our people to continuously improve and execute high quality work. Teamwork We work together to achieve Fralock business objectives by communicating at a high level, by listening and having clarity in our expectations of one another. Individual Accountability and Personal Responsibility We do what we have committed to do when we committed to doing it. Continuous Improvement across all segments of the company This position requires access to information controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the successful candidate must be a "U.S. person" as defined in the ITAR and EAR (which generally means (i) be a citizen or national of the United States; or (ii) be a lawful permanent resident of the United States; or (iii) have been admitted to the United States as a refugee, or have been granted asylum, as specified under applicable law. Main Functions We are seeking a skilled and proactive Thick Film Printer Technician - Level 2 to join our technical manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for setting up, adjusting, operating, and maintaining thick film screen printers, as well as monitoring drying and firing processes. Working under moderate supervision, you will play a key role in minimizing print defects, executing routine maintenance, and supporting continuous improvement and yield-enhancement initiatives on the production floor. Key Responsibilities Setup & Operation: Perform routine machine setups, screen alignment, and program selections on automated and semi-automated thick film screen printers. Process Monitoring & Quality Control: Inspect printed substrates for common defects (e.g., smearing, bridging, thickness variations, misregistration) using optical microscopes and measurement tools; make intermediate adjustments to squeegee pressure, snap-off, and print speed as needed. Inks & Material Handling: Handle, mix, and maintain conductive/resistive Inks according to procedure, monitoring viscosity, shelf-life, and proper screen cleaning/storage. Preventative Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform scheduled preventative maintenance routines, optical checks, and intermediate mechanical/pneumatic troubleshooting on printer platforms and auxiliary dryers. Documentation & Yield Tracking: Accurately record production output, lot tracking data, scrap logs, and traveler sign-offs in the manufacturing execution system (MES) or ERP platform. Continuous Improvement & 5S: Support 5S and Lean manufacturing initiatives by maintaining a clean, orderly, and ESD-safe printing workstation. Safety & Compliance: Strictly follow all plant safety guidelines, chemical handling procedures, cleanroom protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Required Skills Technical Expertise: Intermediate proficiency in thick film screen printing operations, screen handling, and mesh/emulsion inspection. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, process travelers, and equipment operating manuals. Competency in using optical inspection equipment, micrometers, calipers, and basic shop tools. Solid understanding of paste characteristics, substrate preparation, and basic drying profiles. Core Competencies: Solid problem-solving skills and attention to detail when identifying and resolving print defects. Good communication and teamwork skills to coordinate effectively with production operators, quality control, and engineering staff. Strong commitment to quality control, ESD compliance, and workplace safety standards Education Requirements High School Diploma or GED required. Technical trade school certification or coursework in a related technical discipline is a plus. Experience Requirements Minimum of 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience operating and maintaining thick film screen printers or precision microelectronic assembly equipment. Solid foundation in screen printer setup (vision alignment, squeegee mechanics, snap-off adjustment). Familiarity with firing furnaces, belt dryers, and paste rheology. Proficiency using precision measurement and inspection tools. Basic proficiency with manufacturing execution software (MES/ERP) and Microsoft Office Suite. Physical Requirements Ability to stand for long periods, perform repetitive fine-motor tasks, use precision microscopes, and lift up to 30 lbs. regularly. Flexibility to work assigned shifts and occasional overtime as required. Required to wear mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and cleanroom garments at all times (smocks, hairnets, gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toe footwear where designated). Strict adherence to chemical safety, ESD protocols, and SOPs is required. Work is performed in a cleanroom and manufacturing floor environment, which includes adherence to strict contamination controls, handling chemical pastes, and exposure to varying temperature conditions near thermal equipment. May require working specific assigned shifts (day, swing, or graveyard), occasional weekend support, and overtime to accommodate production demands and scheduled maintenance windows. All offers of employment at Fralock are contingent upon clear results of a background check. Background checks may include some or all the following depending on job title and responsibilities: Social Security Verification Prior Employment Verification Criminal History Personal and Professional References Motor Vehicle Records (only if applicable for the position) Credit History (only if applicable for the position) Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a position. Fralock provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.