Flat Glass Lamination Line Operator

Flat Glass Distributors, LLC; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 28,929; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k)

Dental insurance

Holiday pay

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Flat Glass Distributors, LLC is seeking a Lamination Line Operator to set up, operate, and maintain the glass laminating line. The role alternates between cleanroom assembly and mechanical processing, ensuring quality and safety in a high-precision environment.

You will work on glass plies, interlayers, and autoclave processing while adhering to industry standards and ISO cleanroom protocols. Day shift in a production setting offers growth opportunities within expanding lines.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years in manufacturing or assembly, preferably in glass.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Experience with cleanroom or high-precision assembly is preferred.
• Ability to read production schedules and operate simple HMIs.

Responsibilities

• Set up and calibrate lamination line equipment.
• Prepare glass, interlayers (PVB/SGP), and inspect for defects.
• Operate interlayer cutting systems and align interlayers in cleanroom.
• Manage de-airing, pre-pressing, and autoclave processing.
• Perform regular visual and dimensional inspections for quality.
• Maintain cleanliness and follow ISO/class cleanroom protocols.

Skills

Machinery Operation

Material Handling

Technical Aptitude

Cleanroom Discipline

Tools

Overhead cranes

Vacuum lifters

Glass handling equipment

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