Flat Glass Lamination Line Operator

Lee & Cates Glass; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k)

Dental insurance

Holiday pay

Career advancement

Job summary

Lee & Cates Glass is seeking a Lamination Line Operator for its cleanroom and production floor. The role entails setting up, operating, and maintaining a laminated glass line, alternating between cleanroom assembly of interlayers and mechanical lamination tasks, ensuring safety and quality standards.

You will calibrate equipment, verify glass specifications, and manage de-airing and autoclave processes to achieve clear, bonded laminates.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years manufacturing or assembly experience, preferably in glass/manufacturing.
• Strong eye for detail and ability to spot surface defects.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Experience reading production schedules and operating basic computerized machinery (HMI).
• Strict adherence to safety procedures and PPE use.

Responsibilities

• Set up and calibrate laminating line equipment (washers, conveyors, pre-heat ovens, nip rollers).
• Prepare and inspect glass types, thicknesses, and dimensions; check for defects.
• Assemble interlayers (PVB/SGP) in cleanroom, align between glass plies to prevent contamination.
• Monitor de-airing and pre-pressing parameters for edge sealing.
• Assist autoclave loading and monitor curing cycles for final bonding.
• Perform quality checks for bubbles, delamination, or debris per standards.

Skills

Machinery Operation

Material Handling

Technical Accuracy

Cleanroom Discipline

Tools

Overhead cranes

Vacuum lifters

HMI interfaces

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