Production Operator (Etch)

Production Operator (Etch)

Vancouver, WA

12-hour compressed Day Shift training (6am-6pm)

10-hour Swing Shift after training, Thursday-Sunday

Job Description

The Production Operator (Etch) operates multiple pieces of manual and automated equipment to perform chemical etching processes for silicon wafer manufacturing. Working in a semi-cleanroom, shop-like environment, this role follows complex, detailed procedures to ensure all products meet strict quality and safety standards. The operator documents each process step, monitors equipment performance, and supports continuous improvement while rotating across multiple process areas within the department.

Responsibilities

• Operate multiple pieces of manual and automated manufacturing equipment to perform chemical etching processes on silicon wafers.
• Follow complex, detailed work instructions and documented procedures to complete all production steps accurately and on time.
• Review work orders, load materials onto the appropriate machinery, and select or input the correct process recipes according to customer specifications.
• Use computer keyboards and manual controls to operate equipment, input data, track process steps, and confirm completion of each operation.
• Complete computerized forms and labels and create concise, detailed reports on shift activities, tool performance, and any production events.
• Continuously monitor, analyze, and verify process data to ensure all parameters and outputs meet quality specifications before moving material to the next step.
• Exercise judgment and critical thinking to approve or reject ingots and materials that do not meet specifications, and escalate issues as needed.
• Operate robotic equipment to lift, unload, raise, lower, and transport materials, products, and other equipment safely and efficiently.
• Use carts on wheels to move materials and equipment weighing from approximately 50 pounds up to about 500 pounds by pushing or pulling.
• Lift up to 50 pounds multiple times throughout the shift and perform tasks that require standing and sitting for long periods within a 12-hour shift.
• Work safely around hazardous and volatile chemicals by following all safety procedures and using required personal protective equipment.
• Perform cleaning tasks on equipment and in the work area to maintain cleanroom and 5S standards.
• Follow all documented training, processes, and quality procedures to meet cleanroom and product quality standards.
• Report and take immediate action to prevent or stop variations, errors, or lapses in quality, ensuring that issues are corrected and not repeated.
• Identify and communicate suggestions for process, safety, or quality improvements to supervisors or appropriate leaders.
• Develop and apply mechanical aptitude to perform minor machine maintenance, upkeep, and basic troubleshooting as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with team members, communicate clearly with management and co-workers, and support a team-oriented production environment.
• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize workload, and use strong time management skills to meet daily production targets.
• Participate in cross-training to become certified in multiple process areas and rotate among different operations within the department.

Essential Skills

• Prior production or manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude, with the ability to learn and support minor machine maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Ability to work safely around hazardous and volatile chemicals while following all safety procedures.
• Strong multitasking and time management skills to handle multiple tasks within a shift and meet production targets.
• High attention to detail and a strong focus on quality to identify defects and ensure processes meet specifications.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly and to push or pull carts carrying materials up to approximately 500 pounds.
• Capability to stand and sit for long periods during 12-hour shifts.
• Proficiency using a computer, keyboard, and monitor to operate equipment and enter data accurately.
• Ability to operate basic office and shop tools such as calculators and telephones.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to interact with management and co-workers.
• Organized, willing to learn, and able to follow detailed procedures and training materials.
• Ability to work well as part of a team while also being self-motivated and able to work independently when required.
• Comfort working in a noisy, semi-cleanroom, shop-type environment while wearing required PPE.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with production, manufacturing, or warehouse environments.
• Experience operating machinery or production equipment in an industrial setting.
• Familiarity with semiconductor processing or similar high-precision manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Outlook email, or similar software applications.
• Experience with quality assurance, including monitoring processes and documenting results.
• Strong organizational skills and a detail-oriented, team-oriented mindset.
• Experience working under safety and quality standards such as 5S or cleanroom protocols.
• Willingness and flexibility to work various shifts, including 12-hour day or night shifts and swing shifts as needed.
• Ability to develop and apply strong mechanical aptitude to support equipment operation and basic maintenance.

Work Environment

The role is based in a semi-cleanroom environment that can be dirty at times and resembles a traditional shop setting with noisy machinery. Operators work 12-hour shifts, either 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for day shift or 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for night shift, on a compressed schedule alternating 3 days on/4 days off and 4 days on/3 days off, which includes working every other weekend and occasional overtime as needed. The position initially follows a 12-hour day shift rotation, with plans to transition to a 10-hour swing shift, Thursday through Sunday, so flexibility to work any shift is important. The environment requires consistent use of personal protective equipment, including hairnets, safety glasses or goggles, latex or nitrile and nylon gloves, safety shoes, chemical-resistant safety shoes, and company-provided uniforms; ear plugs may be used as needed. Operators work around hazardous and volatile chemicals and use a variety of manual and automated equipment, robotic systems, carts, and computer-based controls. The setting emphasizes adherence to cleanroom and 5S standards, with regular cleaning and housekeeping tasks to maintain a safe, organized, and efficient workplace.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vancouver, WA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/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 & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Vancouver,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.