Lead Transformer Drying & Filling Technician

Sanmina; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Sanmina Corporation in Houston, TX is seeking a skilled process technician to own the drying and filling operations for transformer components. You will ensure setup, stability, and conformance while training operators and maintaining data logs.

You will operate autoclave, LFH, vacuum drying, and related equipment, while supporting ramp-up and process improvements in a controlled, safety-conscious environment. AAS in a relevant tech field is preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics or related field.
• 5+ years in manufacturing, industrial, or process equipment environment.
• 3+ years in liquid-filled transformer manufacturing or related processes.

Responsibilities

• Own process setup and conformance in the drying and filling cell.
• Perform active part loading/unloading for drying and filling per specs.
• Operate and support setup of LFH, autoclave, vacuum drying, and related equipment.
• Accurately log production data and material traceability in ERP.
• Identify process deviations and support corrective actions.
• Support training and qualification of new operators during ramp-up.
• Maintain cleanliness and process discipline throughout operations.
• Share process knowledge and quality standards with team members.

Skills

Process setup

Process control

Quality conformance

Training and mentoring

Safety awareness

Education

AAS in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics/Industrial Technology

Job description

Description

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a global powerhouse in integrated manufacturing solutions serving the fastest growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. We are a global engine providing the end-to-end manufacturing backbone for the world's most essential and innovative brands. Whether it's autonomous vehicles, life-saving medical tech, next-gen aerospace, or AI/cloud infrastructure - our integrated solutions don’t just meet standards—they redefine them.

What You'll Do

• This role owns process setup, process stability, operator training, and conformance within the drying and filling process cell, where time management skills and attention to detail are paramount.
• Perform active part loading and unloading for drying and filling operations in accordance with process specifications, work instructions, and production requirements
• Operate and support setup of LFH, autoclave, vacuum drying, and related process equipment in accordance with approved procedures and defined process requirements
• Execute drying, vacuum, and liquid filling cycles while maintaining conformance to engineering and quality requirements
• Prepare units for drying, vacuum processing, sealing, and liquid filling in accordance with work instructions
• Support development and refinement of standard work and best practices for drying and filling operations during ramp-up
• Set, adjust, and monitor process parameters in accordance with approved engineering requirements, process specifications, and quality standards
• Verify completion of required process steps, cycle conditions, and in-process checks as defined by standard procedures
• Identify process deviations, equipment issues, or non-conforming conditions and support corrective action in accordance with established procedures
• Support troubleshooting of drying, vacuum, filling, or related process issues in coordination with maintenance, engineering, and supervision as needed
• Maintain required cleanliness, process discipline, and documentation throughout drying and filling operations to protect transformer integrity
• Inspect components, active parts, tanks, fittings, and related materials prior to processing for condition, completeness, and conformance
• Verify readiness, fit-up, preparation status, and process readiness prior to starting drying process.
• Accurately log production data, material traceability, and quality yields into the ERP or production tracking system
• Identify defects such as damaged components, poor preparation, contamination concerns, missing hardware, or non-conforming process conditions and take corrective action
• Identify recurring process or quality issues and support corrective actions to improve consistency and reduce rework
• Safely handle transformer components, active parts, tanks, fittings, hoses, and related materials using appropriate lifting or handling equipment
• Use overhead cranes, hoists, fixtures, and other approved devices as required
• Stage materials and process equipment to support efficient workflow while maintaining organization and traceability
• Operation of PLC controlled automated processing plant, inclusive of industrial autoclave and application specific electrical automated test systems.
• Perform routine equipment and tool checks and report issues as needed
• Support troubleshooting of equipment, tooling, or process issues as required
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with company standards
• Use hand tools, fixtures, hoses, valves, fittings, and related process equipment required for drying and filling operations
• Support training and qualification of new operators during factory ramp-up
• Share process knowledge, workmanship expectations, and quality standards with team members
• Assist supervisors in identifying process gaps, training needs, and improvement opportunities
• Interface with tanking and downstream assembly operations as required by production flow

What You'll Bring

• Associate degree (AAS) in Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Technology, or related field strongly preferred
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or process equipment environment
• 3+ years of experience in liquid-filled transformer manufacturing, industrial vacuum systems, drying processes, oil processing, filling operations, or similar manufacturing environments
• Prior experience supporting process setup, adjustment, or parameter control in a quality-critical manufacturing environment preferred

How to Stand Out

• Experience in liquid-filled transformer manufacturing or similar industrial process environments
• Experience with autoclave, LFH, vacuum drying, oil processing, liquid filling, filtration, or related equipment
• Experience supporting tanking or related downstream transformer manufacturing operations
• Experience supporting process improvements, operator training, startup activities, or process documentation in a quality-critical environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example in quality, safety, and execution

Why Join Us?

Sanmina employees also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Sanmina, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment. Sanmina provides equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Please be aware that this position may require access to technology, software, or technical data that is subject to U.S. export control laws. All offers of employment are contingent on the applicant either 1) being a "U.S. Person," defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, or (iii) other protected individual, such as a refugee under 8 U.S.C.

• 1157 or asylee under 8 U.S.C.
• 1158; or 2) being eligible to obtain a timely export control license or license exception from the applicable U.S. federal agency.