Cleanroom Production Operator (CIP)

Cleanroom Production Operator (CIP)

This Cleanroom Production Operator role takes place in a fast-paced silicon wafer manufacturing environment, focusing on final inspection and quality control. You will work in a climate-controlled cleanroom, follow detailed procedures, operate automated equipment, and ensure wafers meet strict customer and quality specifications. The position involves 12-hour shifts on a compressed workweek schedule and requires strong attention to detail, multitasking, and adherence to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform final inspection and quality control of silicon wafers in a fast-paced production environment.
• Follow complex, detailed procedures and complete documentation accurately and on time to meet daily production targets without defects.
• Ensure polished wafers are processed according to specific customer requirements contained in computerized and paper work orders.
• Operate robotic and automated equipment to load and unload wafers, tools, and related equipment.
• Perform daily monitors for each process tool and verify all monitor data meets process specifications before releasing tools to production.
• Continuously monitor, analyze, and verify that all data and processes meet quality specifications before moving material to the next process step.
• Respond to and troubleshoot tool alarms, escalating issues as needed to maintain production flow.
• Perform cleaning tasks on equipment and work areas to meet standards for each manufacturing process.
• Multi-task by monitoring the movement of wafers on multiple tool sets at the same time.
• Use a computer to input data into Excel, track and confirm each process step, and complete computerized forms accurately.
• Cross-train and become certified to rotate among multiple process areas, including Automated Cleanlines, LPD, Visual Inspection, Lot Compiling, Packaging, and Box Wash.
• Verify packaging specifications using computerized work orders and visual guides, including proper label placement and packaging configuration.
• Visually inspect finished boxes to ensure there are no pen marks, particles, scratches, smudges, or expired date/time stamps, and that wafers are aligned and not cross-indexed.
• Count wafers in each box to ensure quantities match the work order and box label at load and unload points of each operation.
• Verify precise alignment of wafers by visually inspecting through opaque or clear lids and sealed plastic bags.
• Visually confirm that cassettes are properly placed on tools and on the designated station and position.
• Follow all documented training, procedures, and processes to meet quality standards consistently.
• Report and take action to prevent variations, errors, or lapses in quality, and ensure quality issues are corrected and not repeated.
• Identify and communicate suggestions for process improvement to appropriate leadership.
• Complete all tasks using safe work practices and prioritize safety over deadlines or other goals.
• Act as a safety role model with co-workers and maintain high safety awareness when working near moving mechanical parts and hazardous chemicals.
• Bend, stoop, squat, lift, and reach to move boxes of wafers from inventory locations to transport carts and from carts to automated process equipment.
• Push, pull, and guide transport carts through doorways and hallways, including carts weighing up to approximately 400 pounds.
• Stand for long periods during 12-hour shifts while walking, moving, and handling wafers and equipment.
• Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 1020 pounds of force frequently to move objects and perform tasks.
• Perform repetitive opening and closing of wafer cassettes at waist level and repetitive hand and wrist movements during packaging and sealing of finished products.
• Use fine motor skills to handle cassettes and wafers carefully so they do not contact cleanroom uniforms, gloves, or mechanical equipment.
• Work in close proximity with other team members in shared areas and independently in designated workspaces as needed.
• Maintain reliable attendance and comply with advance notice and call-in policies for absences in this manufacturing environment.
• Use basic math skills to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and compute percentages and decimals using a calculator, Excel, or other methods.
• Communicate effectively in English with management and co-workers, and read, write, and comprehend instructions, procedures, manuals, reports, and correspondence.
• Operate standard office and communication equipment such as calculators, copiers, telephones, and mobile phones.
• Adhere to all cleanroom protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and contamination-control practices.

Essential Skills

• Ability to work 12-hour shifts (6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) on a compressed workweek schedule, including alternating 3-on/4-off and 4-on/3-off weeks and every other weekend.
• Willingness and availability to work all hours, all shifts, and overtime as required or requested.
• Capability to bend, stoop, squat, lift, reach, push, pull, and guide transport carts, including carts weighing up to approximately 400 pounds.
• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 1020 pounds of force frequently while moving objects.
• Comfort standing for long periods during a 12-hour shift and working while walking, standing, and in motion.
• Ability to work around hazardous and volatile chemicals while following safety procedures.
• Fine motor skills for careful handling of wafers and cassettes to avoid contamination or damage.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and wrist movements for packaging and sealing finished products.
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy in inspection, documentation, and data entry.
• Ability to perform basic math, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and computation of percentages and decimals.
• Proficiency using a computer, keyboard, and monitor for data entry, tracking processes, and completing computerized forms.
• Comfort using software such as Microsoft Excel and Outlook or similar applications.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English, including understanding and explaining instructions, procedures, and technical information.
• Strong multitasking ability to monitor multiple tools and wafer movements simultaneously.
• High level of organization and time management skills to meet daily production and quality targets.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and ability to follow safety procedures in a manufacturing environment.
• Capability to work effectively both in close proximity to team members and independently.
• Reliability and adherence to attendance, advance notice, and call-in policies.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior production or manufacturing experience is a plus but not required.
• Experience in a semiconductor, cleanroom, or similar high-tech manufacturing environment is beneficial.
• Previous exposure to quality assurance, inspection, or final inspection roles is advantageous.
• Experience working with automated or robotic equipment is helpful.
• Familiarity with cleanroom protocols and PPE use is preferred.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to collaborate in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, organization, and processing accuracy.
• Comfort reading computer screens, entering data, and following computerized work orders.
• Ability to visually inspect products under varied lighting conditions and identify defects such as particles, scratches, smudges, or misalignment.
• Willingness to cross-train in multiple process areas and continuously improve skills.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, long-term opportunity with a track record of consistent work and no layoffs due to lack of demand. The organization operates as an essential business and remained fully operational during challenging economic conditions, providing strong job security. Once converted to a direct role, you can access exceptional benefits, including very low-cost insurance plans. During the contract period, you are eligible for paid time off and holiday pay, with 3 days of PTO at 6 months, 2 additional days at 1 year, and an additional 5 days granted every January 1st after completing a full year. You can also receive an annual floating day off. A retention bonus of $500 is available if you remain on contract and are not yet hired directly by approximately 18 months, subject to total hours worked. A generous referral program rewards you with up to $1,000 for successful referrals who remain on assignment for at least 6 months. You also have free access to an on-site gym, supporting your health and well-being while working