Cleanroom Operator

Cleanroom Production Operator (CIP)
Vancouver, WA
12-hour Compressed Shifts
Day Shift 6am-6pm
Night Shift 6pm-6am
Job Description
This role operates in a fast-paced, high-precision production environment, performing final inspection and quality control for silicon wafer manufacturing in a cleanroom setting. You follow detailed procedures, operate automated and robotic equipment, and complete accurate documentation to ensure wafers meet strict customer and quality specifications. You work 12-hour shifts on a compressed schedule, rotating between multiple process areas as you become certified, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and attention to detail.
Responsibilities

• Perform final inspection and quality control activities for silicon wafers in a cleanroom manufacturing environment.
• Follow complex, detailed procedures and work instructions to process polished wafers according to specific customer requirements outlined in computerized and paper work orders.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and on time, ensuring each process step is recorded and traceable.
• Operate robotic and automated equipment to load and unload wafers, tools, and other equipment, ensuring proper handling and placement at each station.
• Monitor multiple process tools simultaneously, performing daily monitors for each tool and verifying that all monitor data meets process specifications before releasing tools to production.
• Continuously monitor, analyze, and verify process data to ensure all processes meet quality specifications before moving material to the next process step.
• Cross-train and become certified to rotate among multiple process areas, including Automated Cleanlines, LPD, Visual Inspection, Lot Compiling, Packaging, and Box Wash.
• Move boxes of wafers between inventory locations, transport carts, and automated process equipment by bending, stooping, squatting, lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and guiding carts through doorways and hallways.
• Push carts weighing approximately 20 lbs on average and occasionally up to approximately 400 lbs, exerting up to 50 lbs of force occasionally and 10-20 lbs frequently while walking, standing, and performing tasks.
• Stand for long periods within a 12-hour shift while performing repetitive tasks such as opening and closing wafer cassettes, placing them on carts, and sealing finished products.
• Use fine motor skills to handle cassettes and wafers carefully, ensuring wafers do not contact cleanroom garments, gloves, or mechanical equipment.
• Work safely around hazardous and volatile chemicals, following all safety procedures and using required personal protective equipment.
• Perform tasks to clean equipment and work areas to meet cleanliness standards for each manufacturing process.
• Respond to and troubleshoot tool alarms, escalating issues as needed to maintain production flow and quality.
• Use basic math skills to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and compute percentages and decimals using a calculator, Excel, or other tools.
• Visually inspect finished boxes to ensure there are no pen marks, particles, scratches, or smudges, and verify that date and time stamps are valid.
• Verify wafer alignment and ensure wafers are not cross-indexed by visually inspecting through opaque or clear lids and sealed plastic bags.
• Count wafers in each box at load and unload points to confirm quantities match work orders and box labels.
• Visually confirm that cassettes are correctly placed on tools, on the designated station, and in the designated position before processing.
• Verify packaging specifications by reviewing computerized work orders and visual guides to ensure correct label placement and packaging configuration.
• Follow all documented training, procedures, and processes to meet quality standards and prevent variations, errors, or lapses in quality.
• Report quality issues promptly, take action to correct them, and help ensure they are not repeated.
• Identify and communicate suggestions for process or quality improvements to supervisors or appropriate leaders.
• Complete all tasks using safe behaviors, consistently placing safety ahead of deadlines or other goals.
• Act as a safety role model by maintaining high safety awareness, especially when working near moving mechanical parts and hazardous chemicals.
• Use a computer to input data into Excel, track and confirm each process step, and complete electronic forms accurately.
• Utilize software such as Microsoft Excel and Outlook or similar applications to support production and documentation activities.
• Operate basic office and communication equipment, including calculators, copiers, telephones, and cell phones.
• Communicate effectively in English with management and coworkers, both verbally and in writing, to clarify instructions and share information.
• Read, comprehend, and explain instructions, procedures, technical manuals, informational materials, reports, and correspondence written in English.
• Adhere to attendance, advance notice, and call-in policies, recognizing their critical importance in this manufacturing environment.
• Work all required hours, shifts, weekends, and overtime as requested to support production needs on a compressed workweek schedule.

Essential Skills

• Ability to work 12-hour shifts (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 3-on/4-off and 4-on/3-off schedule, including every other weekend and additional overtime as needed.
• Capability to bend, stoop, squat, lift, reach, push, pull, and guide transport carts in a cleanroom production environment.
• Ability to exert up to 50 lbs of force occasionally and 10-20 lbs of force frequently while moving objects and operating equipment.
• Comfort standing for long periods during a 12-hour shift while performing repetitive tasks.
• Ability to work safely around hazardous and volatile chemicals while following strict safety procedures.
• Fine motor skills and steady hand-eye coordination for precise wafer and cassette handling.
• Ability to work in close proximity to other team members or independently in designated areas as required.
• Strong multitasking skills to monitor wafer movement and multiple tool sets simultaneously.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in inspection, documentation, and process verification.
• Basic technical aptitude and comfort using computers, reading computer screens, and entering data.
• Proficiency using a computer keyboard and monitor to input data into Excel, track processes, and complete electronic forms.
• Ability to use basic software applications such as Microsoft Excel and Outlook or similar tools.
• Ability to operate calculators and basic office equipment such as copiers and telephones.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and calculating percentages and decimals.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English with management and coworkers.
• Ability to read and write in English, including creating, reading, comprehending, and explaining instructions, procedures, manuals, reports, and correspondence.
• Capacity to work in varied lighting conditions required by inspection tools and visual inspection tasks.
• Commitment to follow all documented training, procedures, and processes to meet quality and safety standards.
• Reliability in meeting attendance expectations and complying with advance notice and call-in policies.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior production or manufacturing experience, especially in a cleanroom or semiconductor environment, is a plus but not required.
• Experience in quality assurance, inspection, or final inspection roles is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively in a fast-paced production setting.
• Strong organizational skills to handle multiple lots, tools, and documentation simultaneously.
• Proven teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate closely with other operators and support staff.
• Experience working with robotic or automated equipment is advantageous.
• Comfort working in a structured environment with detailed procedures and strict process controls.
• Willingness to cross-train and become certified in multiple process areas such as Automated Cleanlines, LPD, Visual Inspection, Lot Compiling, Packaging, and Box Wash.
• High level of safety awareness and a track record of safe work practices.
• Interest in semiconductor manufacturing and cleanroom operations.

Work Environment
This position is based in an indoor, ventilated, and climate-controlled cleanroom dedicated to semiconductor wafer manufacturing. You work 12-hour shifts on a compressed schedule, either days (6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) or nights (6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.), with night shifts receiving an additional shift differential and every other weekend included in the rotation. The cleanroom is air conditioned and well ventilated, but due to the required personal protective equipment, you may become warm during the day. You wear a full cleanroom PPE ensemble, including a hooded full-body cleanroom gown (bunny suit), hairnet and/or beard net, safety glasses, mouth and nose cover, nylon or nitrile gloves, and a chemical apron. You work around hazardous and volatile chemicals and in close proximity to moving mechanical parts, following strict safety procedures at all times. The role involves prolonged standing, repetitive hand and wrist movements, pushing and pulling carts, and handling wafer cassettes at waist level. You use computers, Excel, email, calculators, and basic office equipment regularly, and you perform visual inspections under varied lighting conditions dictated by inspection tools. The environment is structured, process-driven, and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, safety, precision, and adherence to documented procedures.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vancouver, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $23.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Vancouver,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 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.