Manufacturing Associate II

Aerotek; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Manufacturing Associate II in Austin, TX. You will support semiconductor manufacturing by performing SEM imaging, EDS analysis, and defect characterization, with independent management of routine analytical work in a cleanroom lab.

Responsibilities include preparing samples, operating SEM/FIB, reviewing requests with engineers, and maintaining documentation. This role offers a compressed night shift with overtime, onsite.

Qualifications

• Ability to follow detailed technical procedures.
• Commitment to safe cleanroom practices.
• Precise, careful sample handling and instrument operation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and laboratory software systems.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for analysis using established laboratory practices and techniques.
• Operate SEM and FIB to generate high-quality images and measurements.
• Perform EDS acquisition and qualitative elemental interpretation.
• Review analysis requests with engineers to understand requirements.
• Prioritize urgent production requests while maintaining quality and turnaround times.
• Document results, observations and issues clearly and accurately.

Skills

SEM operation

FIB operation

EDS interpretation

Sample handling

Data documentation

Cleanroom safety

Independent work

Communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Tools

MS Office

Laboratory software

Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing Associate II

Job Description

This role supports semiconductor manufacturing by providing high-quality analytical data through scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). You will prepare and analyze samples, verify processes, and investigate defects to help engineers identify root causes and ensure product quality. The position requires independent management of routine analytical work, responsiveness to production priorities, and active participation in continuous improvement efforts within a cleanroom laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for analysis using established laboratory practices and techniques, ensuring precise handling and consistent results.
• Operate Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) instruments to generate high-quality images and measurements of semiconductor devices, films, structures, and defects.
• Perform EDS acquisition and qualitative elemental interpretation to support defect characterization and process verification, when applicable.
• Review analysis requests with engineers to fully understand characterization requirements and align work with manufacturing needs.
• Prioritize urgent manufacturing and production requests while maintaining high quality standards and meeting turnaround expectations.
• Document analytical work clearly and accurately, including results, observations, and any issues encountered during testing or analysis.
• Perform and record routine preventive maintenance, tool qualifications, and basic troubleshooting activities on SEM, FIB, and related equipment.
• Collaborate with team members across shifts to ensure thorough handoff of work, equipment status, and ongoing activities.
• Follow detailed technical procedures and laboratory protocols to deliver accurate and reproducible analytical results.
• Adhere to safe work practices and cleanroom guidelines at all times, maintaining a controlled and orderly laboratory environment.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with engineers, technicians, and colleagues to report findings, discuss issues, and coordinate next steps.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance workflows, quality, and efficiency in analytical processes.

Essential Skills

• Ability to learn and follow detailed technical procedures while producing accurate and consistent results.
• Strong commitment to safe work practices in a cleanroom laboratory environment.
• Aptitude for precise, careful sample handling and instrument operation, particularly with sensitive analytical equipment.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn and use laboratory software systems.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced production support environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-shift and cross-functional teams.
• Reliability, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for assigned work.
• Exceptional attention to detail in sample preparation, instrument operation, documentation, and data review.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in an analytical laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience operating scanning electron microscope (SEM) instruments.
• Hands-on experience operating Focused Ion Beam (FIB) instruments.
• Experience with EDS acquisition and qualitative elemental interpretation.
• Experience analyzing semiconductor structures, thin films, particles, cracks, voids, contamination, and other defects.
• Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication processes.
• Familiarity with structured problem-solving methods.
• Background or exposure to chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical disciplines.
• Experience with testing and microscopy techniques in a laboratory setting.

Why Work Here?

Join a highly technical, collaborative environment where your work directly supports advanced semiconductor manufacturing and product quality. You will work with cutting-edge analytical tools, gain deep exposure to semiconductor processes, and build valuable expertise in microscopy and defect analysis. The compressed night shift schedule provides built-in overtime and extended off days, supporting work-life balance while maintaining a stable, predictable routine. You will be part of a team that values safety, precision, continuous improvement, and clear communication, offering opportunities to grow your skills and contribute meaningfully to critical manufacturing operations.

Work Environment

This position is based in a cleanroom laboratory environment focused on semiconductor analysis. You will regularly work with advanced analytical technologies, including Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM), Focused Ion Beam (FIB) instruments, EDS systems, and computer-based laboratory software, alongside standard Microsoft Office applications. The role follows compressed night shifts, typically SaturdayTuesday or SundayTuesday, with hours from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., and includes built-in overtime of approximately six hours every other week. Initial training is conducted on a day shift for approximately one month before transitioning to nights. You will operate in a controlled, cleanroom setting that requires adherence to strict safety, cleanliness, and procedural standards, including appropriate laboratory and cleanroom attire.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Austin, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $26.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment.

Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Austin, TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.