Material Production Operator

Job Title

Perform material production tasks without any close supervision, using complex equipment and tools, preparing and testing of production/research samples for routine analysis. These activities primarily include the manufacturing of extruded ingot materials and secondarily including various sub steps in a supporting role for additional ingot manufacturing processes. Employee will follow written procedures and established instructions.

Shift and Schedule Requirements

This position is for Second Shift, with a regular schedule of 2:00PM 10:30PM, Saturday Wednesday, with days off on Thursday and Friday. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must be available to work First Shift, Monday Friday, for the first four (4) weeks to complete required training. Upon successful completion of training, the role will transition to the regular Second Shift schedule.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Preparation and Production of Extruded Ingot Materials

• Ingots are manufactured and delivered on time to internal and external customers by set-up and operation of ingot production steps
• Loading and unloading of ingots from furnaces for alloying and quenching of compounded raw materials in sealed containers.
• Heat Treatment Furnace operation for sintering and post extrusion process steps, with material prepared and heat treated with correct processing programs called out from various equipment controllers by logging in and recalling the correct program
• Operation of Sand Blasting Cabinet to remove surface layer of material, including changing of abrasive media at regular intervals.
• Equipment preparation including the cleaning of growth chambers and extrusion dies, with the use of power tools required.
• Extrusion equipment operation including chamber to ram alignment and use of human machine interface controller.
• Use of sliding table wet cutoff saw for sectioning extruded materials for post extrusion processing.
• Consumables and supplies used in relevant ingot manufacturing steps are continuously monitored and supervisor informed for lack of such supplies to maintain sufficient levels
• Clean up and storage of set ups to be done in a timely fashion upon completion of kits
• Ensure tools used in processes are calibrated and sent to repair/calibration on time

Removing, Cutting, Testing and Grading of Ingot Materials

• Prepare ingots and ingot samples for testing of ingot properties and performance evaluation.
• Removal of ingots/billets from tubes and cut to correct lengths.
• Correctly mark and label ingots per established specifications and documentations.
• Measurement of ingot resistance properties and grade against the established specification.
• Prepare TE material samples through FE element processing steps to plate, dice, dismount to get them ready for thermoelectric property measurement using established procedures and grade against documented specification.

Produce and Support of Other Ingot Production

• Cross train for preparation of Bridgman ingot compounds as required by the schedule and delivery to alloying process
• Cross train and support sealing of quartz using HydrogenOxygen torch, heat treatment and profiling aspect of Bridgman ingots when needed
• Ingot test samples are prepared and analysis completed for material performance and evaluation
• Prepare ingots and pack for external and internal customer shipment per established procedure

Support of the Product Realization Processes

• Help R&D perform new ingot product development projects by performing some of the tasks related to the required processes
• Train other production personnel for his/her own primary responsibilities as well as be willing to train for other processes in the area as back up personnel to run production in case of urgent needs
• Coordinate with Maintenance group to perform accurate periodic profile verification of the ovens and document the results in formats set up by the Process Engineer
• Provide help to ingot production supervisory to perform accurate monthly material count and inventory for reporting to production control
• Help to stock raw material supplies from the warehouse as coordinated by the line supervisor
• Package and prepare materials to move to warehouse with correct labeling requirements for external customer shipment.
• Perform simple equipment maintenance and housekeeping tasks proactively

Documentation and Business

• Accurate data entry on travelers and into process programs and into Kronos time keeping for hours charges
• Accurate and timely completion of all documentation according to the process
• Review/audit department processes for continuous improvement, cycle time and cost reduction opportunities
• Work as a part of a team or independently to perform functional testing of ingots and materials.
• Work with department personnel to meet department and company objectives
• Develop business and personal goals
• Special assignments are handled promptly and professionally
• Department processes are ISO9001 and ITAR compliant

Other

• Additional production support activities include vacuum sealing of tubes using welding torch, preparing ingot for profiling, breaking of glass tubes and removal of ingots.
• Simple machining operations such as cutting, grinding and abrading processes, as well as testing and characterization of ingot electrical properties as in process qualify check for final release
• Ultimately grade and release material to production based on documented specifications, helping prepare documentation for ingot shipment to internal and external customer with proper identification of lot numbers.
• Individual may also support other production activities and special projects as assigned by the line supervisor, when trained by others

Education & Experience

• Minimum high school degree and industrial experience dealing with metal forming methods.
• 2-3; years' experience with operation of complex machinery and processes to product parts with minimal supervision.
• 2-3; years' applicable experience in manufacturing setting in relation to metal forming and testing of materials.

Skills & Other Requirements

• Ability to handle welding flame torch and loading/unloading hot tubes using PPE
• Ability to use crushers, grinders to make TE powders as well as operating complex hot forming and casting machinery
• Understanding of technical drawing and basic engineering principals
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a timely manner.
• Hands on and very direct approach to problems and needs of production demand.
• Ability to anticipate and handle multiple priorities involving external and internal priorities under time constraints.
• Ability to pay attention to details of processes and tools used in processes.
• Ability to excel in a cross-organizational, cross-cultural, global team environment.
• Proven ability to work with people as well as training of operators.
• Excellent interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills, experience with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Email, internet access.

Working Conditions

Good working conditions. Some exposure to noise, dust, heat, etc. Some element present which makes conditions less desirable than usually found in an office.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift 10kg of metal in sealed containers

Must be able to wear proper PPE for the area (safety glasses, finger cots, gloves)

Must be able to remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with others to exchange information

Position requires repeating motions that may include the wrist, hands and/or fingers

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent EHS standards.

Appropriate PPE must be worn in the area.

Quality & Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Employees are required to maintain a quality work environment that is safe, clean, organized and environmentally compliant

Responsible for maintaining Quality Work Environment housekeeping standards for