Lead High Voltage Winding Technician

Sanmina-SCI Systems de México; Illinois; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanmina-SCI Systems de México is looking for a Lead High Voltage Winding Technician in Illinois. This role involves setting up and operating high voltage winding machines, ensuring quality and compliance throughout the process. Candidates should have 5+ years in manufacturing, with specific experience in winding equipment operations and quality management.

The position requires strong technical skills and the ability to train new technicians, focusing on precision and adherence to specifications in a manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial environment.
• 3+ years operating winding equipment or working in a quality-critical environment.
• Prior experience in transformer manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate high voltage winding machines.
• Apply and inspect insulation materials according to specifications.
• Perform quality control checks and maintain production records.

Skills

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings

Proficiency with measurement tools

Strong mechanical aptitude

Ability to support setup and training

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in related field (preferred)

Tools

Measurement tools (calipers, rulers)

Job description

Lead High Voltage Winding Technician

Position Summary

The Lead High Voltage Winding Technician is responsible for setting up, operating, and supporting the commissioning of high voltage winding equipment used in the manufacture of medium- and high-voltage power transformers. This role requires a high level of technical competence, workmanship discipline, and quality ownership to ensure conductor placement, insulation application, winding sequence, spacing, and overall build integrity meet engineering and quality requirements.

This position is intended for experienced manufacturing personnel who will serve as part of the seed team during facility ramp‑up, supporting equipment startup, Technician training, process stabilization, and production readiness.

High Voltage Winding & Equipment Operation

• Set up and operate high voltage winding machines in accordance with work instructions and engineering requirements
• Wind conductors to required dimensions, turn counts, and build specifications
• Monitor winding operations and make adjustments to maintain alignment, dimensional accuracy, and build integrity
• Follow required winding sequences and workmanship standards throughout the build process
• Support equipment startup, qualification, and commissioning activities during ramp‑up
• Assist in developing standard work and best practices for high voltage winding operations

Insulation Application

• Apply, position, and inspect insulation materials in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, and winding specifications
• Maintain required build sequence, spacing, clearances, and insulation integrity throughout winding
• Inspect insulation materials for condition, fit, placement, and conformance prior to and during winding

Quality Control & Inspection

• Inspect conductors, insulation materials, and winding components prior to use
• Verify winding dimensions, conductor alignment, insulation placement, spacing, and overall build quality during and after winding
• Perform in-line dimensional inspection using standard metrology tools to verify winding dimensions, alignment, spacing, insulation placement, and conformance to specifications
• Perform required in-line electrical conformance checks using standard electrical test equipment and document results in accordance with work instructions and quality requirements
• Identify defects such as conductor damage, insulation irregularities, sequence errors, spacing issues, or dimensional non-conformance and take corrective action
• Maintain accurate production records, material traceability, and quality documentation
• Identify recurring quality issues and support corrective actions to improve consistency and reduce rework

Material Handling

• Safely handle conductors, insulation materials, tooling, and wound components using appropriate lifting or handling equipment
• Stage materials to support efficient workflow while maintaining organization and traceability

Equipment Care & Workplace Standards

• Perform routine equipment checks, daily safety inspections, and basic preventive maintenance
• Support troubleshooting of equipment and process issues in coordination with maintenance, engineering, and supervision as needed
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with company standards

Training & Team Support

• Support training and qualification of new Technicians during factory ramp‑up
• Share process knowledge, equipment best practices, workmanship expectations, and quality standards with team members
• Assist supervisors in identifying process gaps, training needs, and improvement opportunities

Required Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• 3+ years of experience operating winding equipment, performing precision build work, or working in a quality‑critical manufacturing environment
• Prior experience in transformer manufacturing, motor manufacturing, coil winding, or similar electrical equipment manufacturing preferred

Skills:

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, work instructions, and production specifications
• Proficiency with measurement tools such as calipers, rulers, gauges, and related inspection tools
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to identify, troubleshoot, and respond to process or quality issues
• Ability to support setup, startup, and training activities in a manufacturing environment

Safety & Certifications

• Experience with lifting devices, hoists, or overhead cranes preferred
• Ability to follow all workplace safety requirements and reinforce safe work practices with others

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree (AAS) in Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, Mechatronics, or related field strongly preferred
• Experience in transformer manufacturing, motor manufacturing, coil winding, or similar electrical equipment manufacturing
• Experience applying insulation materials in a precision or quality‑critical manufacturing environment
• Experience supporting equipment commissioning, process improvements, or Technician training
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example in quality, safety, and execution

Additional Requirements

• Ability and willingness to travel Internationally for training, equipment commissioning, or support activities, including extended travel during initial facility ramp‑up
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role as outlined below

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods during the work shift
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs, with or without assistance
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks involving hand and arm motion
• Ability to bend, reach, and work in a manufacturing environment around moving equipment
• Ability to safely work in an industrial environment using required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Work Environment

• Industrial manufacturing environment
• Exposure to moving equipment, conductors, insulation materials, and heavy components
• Requires standing, lifting, and repetitive winding-related tasks

This position deals with ITAR facilities and applicants must be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.