Flat Glass Lamination Line Operator

Lee & Cates Glass; Edgewood (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly wage 18 USD

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) matching

PTO and holiday pay

Career advancement

Job summary

Lee & Cates Glass is seeking a Lamination Line Operator to set up, operate, and maintain the glass laminating line in our cleanroom and production floor. You’ll manage washers, pre-heat ovens, nip rollers, and interlayer placement to ensure high-quality laminated glass.

Responsibilities include calibrating equipment, inspecting surfaces for defects, and adhering to ASTM/ANSI standards while following strict safety and cleanroom protocols.

Qualifications

• Experience operating automated flat glass processing machinery.
• Proficiency using overhead cranes, vacuum lifters, and glass handling equipment.
• Ability to read production drawings, micrometers, tape measures, and digital control panels (PLCs).
• Understanding of contamination control and cleanroom procedures.

Responsibilities

• Set up and calibrate the lamination line, including washers, conveyors, pre-heat ovens, and nip rollers.
• Inspect glass types, thicknesses, and dimensions; check for defects in cleanroom-ready surfaces.
• Program and operate interlayer cutting/positioning systems and align PVB/SGP interlayers.
• Monitor de-airing and pre-pressing parameters to ensure proper edge sealing.
• Assist autoclave loading and monitor curing cycles for final bonding.
• Perform regular quality inspections to ensure compliance with ASTM/ANSI standards.

Skills

Machinery Operation

Material Handling

Technical Accuracy

Cleanroom Discipline

Tools

HMI

Job description

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance

Department:

Manufacturing / Production

Reports To:

Flat Glass Laminating Line Supervisor

Shift:

Day shift

Location:

Cleanroom & Production Floor

Position Summary

The Lamination Line Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining specialized equipment used to manufacture high-quality laminated glass. This role alternates between cleanroom operations—where glass plies and interlayer materials (PVB/SGP) are assembled—and the mechanical operations of washing, pre-pressing, and autoclave processing. The operator ensures strict adherence to quality specifications, safety protocols, and industry compliance standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Equipment Setup & Calibration: Prepare and configure the glass laminating line, including glass washers, cleanroom assembly conveyors, infrared pre-heat ovens, and nip rollers according to job specifications.
• Material Preparation & Inspection: Verify glass types, thicknesses, and dimensions. Check glass surface for defects using tin-side detectors and ensure cleanroom-level cleanliness before lamination.
• Interlayer Assembly (Cleanroom): Program and operate interlayer cutting and positioning systems. Accurately align PVB, or SentryGlas interlayers between glass plies within the controlled cleanroom environment to prevent dust, lint, or moisture contamination.
• De-airing & Pre-pressing: Monitor and adjust parameters (speed, temperature, and pressure) of the nip roller or vacuum bag systems to ensure proper edge sealing and initial de-airing of the sandwich assembly.
• Autoclave Operations: Load pre-pressed glass onto racks and assist in managing the autoclave curing cycle (monitoring pressure and temperature curves) to achieve final clarity and bonding.
• Quality Control & Compliance: Perform regular visual and dimensional inspections to catch defects such as bubbles, delamination, or debris. Ensure all outputs meet standard industry benchmarks (e.g., ASTM C1172 or ANSI Z97.1).
• Maintenance & Cleaning: Perform basic preventative maintenance online machinery and strictly adhere to cleanroom gowning and sanitation protocols to maintain standard ISO class environment metrics.

Key Competencies & Technical Skills

• Machinery Operation: Experience operating automated flat glass processing machinery (washers, heating tunnels, nip rollers, vinyl cutter and Auto Clave).
• Material Handling: Proficiency using overhead cranes, vacuum suction lifters, and specialized glass handling equipment safely.
• Technical Accuracy: Ability to read production drawings, micrometers, tape measures, and digital control panels (PLCs).
• Cleanroom Discipline: Understanding of contamination control, static management, and environmental monitoring.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for the duration of a shift.
• Capability to lift and maneuver heavy glass sheets safely, adhering to team-lift thresholds.
• Comfort working in a dual environment: a temperature/humidity-controlled cleanroom (requiring full gowning) and a standard manufacturing floor.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing or assembly environment; experience in glass manufacturing, cleanrooms, or high-precision assembly is highly preferred.
• Attention to Detail: Excellent visual acuity to spot minute surface defects, dust particles, or imperfections.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs. safely, and handle fragile, heavy materials using proper vacuum lifting equipment.
• Technical Aptitude: Ability to read production schedules, measure accurately, and operate basic computerized machinery interfaces (HMI).
• Safety Focus: Strict commitment to safety procedures, including the mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for glass handling (cut-resistant sleeves, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots outside the cleanroom).

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly wage 18.00 an hour or commensurate with your experience)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) matching program
• Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay
• Opportunities for career advancement within our expanding production lines