Manufacturing Process Engineering Technician 4

Optical Coating Laboratory, LLC; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

VIAVI Solutions is seeking a senior Process Engineering Technician IV for our advanced roll-coating and post-process operations. The role focuses on process ownership, complex troubleshooting, and data-driven improvements across multiple platforms.

The candidate will mentor technicians and lead cross-functional problem-solving while maintaining quality and safety standards. This 12-hour shift role requires self-direction, strong MS Excel and statistics skills, and the ability to work on a 24x7

Qualifications

• 4+ years in technical manufacturing with process ownership or leadership
• Associate degree or equivalent technical work experience
• Advanced MS Excel and statistics skills
• Strong technical writing, reporting and presentation abilities
• Ability to work independently and handle off-shift periods

Responsibilities

• Accept ownership of roll-coating platforms and post-process operations; establish monitoring standards and data analysis systems
• Lead complex cross-shift process troubleshooting and root-cause investigations
• Develop and improve data analysis tools; design studies and produce technical reports
• Create and own work instructions, SOPs, and PCNs; maintain process ownership
• Drive quality, EHS and continuous improvement initiatives across teams
• Mentor technicians and lead cross-functional problem-solving teams
• Support engineering projects (NPI, CAPA, PFMEAs, HAZOP) with limited oversight
• Champion safety, calibration, and measurement equipment practices

Skills

MS Excel

Statistical analysis

MS Office

Technical writing

Independent work

English fluency

12-hour shifts

Education

Associate of Science in a technical discipline

Bachelor of Science (preferred)

Tools

MS Excel

Statistical software

MS Office Suite

Job description

Summary

Summary: VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Duties & Responsibilities

This position is part of our A shift and will work Sunday- Tuesday and every other Wednesday from 6am-6pm. The Process Engineering Technician IV is a senior level engineering technician on the process engineering team, serving as a subject matter expert and process owner for advanced manufacturing processes supporting thin-film-based pigments production. The role requires a high degree of self-direction and independent judgment, operating with minimal daily oversight to lead process control, complex troubleshooting, and continuous improvement efforts across roll-coating platforms and post-process unit operations, while providing technical mentorship to less experienced technicians. Advanced analytical skills and proficiency with MS Excel, production data systems, and statistical methods are essential. This is a 24x7 production support role requiring shift flexibility. 12-hour shift assignments. As the senior on-shift technical resource, this role is typically the primary escalation point for off-shift process and quality issues.

Key Responsibilities

Process Monitoring & Control Serve as process owner for assigned roll-coating platforms and post-process unit operations; establish and maintain monitoring standards, control limits, and data analysis systems used across the team. Process Troubleshooting Act as the primary escalation point for complex, cross-shift process issues; lead root-cause investigations and implement corrective actions with minimal engineering oversight. Metrology & Data Analysis Develop and improve data analysis systems and tools; independently design and execute studies and experiments; produce comprehensive technical reports and present findings to engineering and leadership. Production Documentation Author and own work instructions, standard operating procedures, and Product/Process Change Notices (PCNs); serve as process owner of record for one or more manufacturing processes. Quality Management Provide final disposition on complex or ambiguous non-conforming material reports (NCMRs); drive root-cause corrective and preventive actions; actively lead QMS, EHS, and Continuous Improvement initiatives. Cross-Functional Collaboration Lead or facilitate cross-functional projects and problem-solving teams; serve as a recognized technical resource for engineering, quality, and operations organizations. Training & Development Train, mentor, and provide technical oversight to Process Engineering Technicians I–III; own and continuously improve training content and standard work documentation. Engineering Project Support Independently lead or manage engineering projects including NPI, continuous improvement, corrective and preventive actions, PFMEAs, HAZOP studies, and quality tools, with reduced engineering oversight. Safety & Compliance Champion safety and quality observation programs; serve as area calibrator/owner for measurement and control equipment; maintain required training certifications.

Qualifications Required

• 4+ years of technical manufacturing experience, including demonstrated process ownership or technical leadership in high-mix or process-intensive operations
• Associate of Science degree in a technical discipline, or equivalent technical work experience
• Advanced proficiency with MS Excel and statistical analysis software; strong working knowledge of MS Office suite
• Demonstrated technical writing, reporting, and presentation experience
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to lead root-cause investigations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and self-manage priorities with minimal supervision, including during off-shift periods with limited onsite support
• Fluent in English (reading and writing)
• Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts including nights and weekends
• Must be able to visually inspect, distinguish colors, and perceive depth and detail as required to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation

Preferred Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in a technical discipline
• Demonstrated experience training, mentoring, or informally leading manufacturing or engineering technicians
• Pigment, coatings, thin-films, or specialty materials manufacturing
• Chemical and bulk-solids / powder process handling
• Roll-coating, web handling, or vacuum process operations
• Advanced manufacturing and metrology equipment operation, including calibration
• Lean and Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (e.g., Notes, CamStar) and ERP systems (e.g., Oracle)

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements

Key Attributes

• Highly self-directed and self-motivated — able to work independently, set own priorities, and make sound decisions with minimal oversight, including during off-shift periods with limited onsite support
• Recognized subject matter expert able to exercise independent judgment on complex, ambiguous problems
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills; able to train and develop less experienced technicians
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Calm, methodical decision-maker — validates data, root cause, and impact before acting, even under pressure or in fast-paced situations
• Detail-oriented with a rigorous, quality-focused approach to tasks
• Comfortable performing technical calculations quickly and accurately
• Strong team player able to perform under dynamic, demanding conditions and lead others through them
• Drives a culture of continuous improvement
• Excellent communication, reporting, and presentation skills

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.

ITAR

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. Citizen or National, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, Refugee, or Temporary Resident granted amnesty.

Job Posting Pay Range

Job Posting Pay Range: 29 to 53 Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary.

VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.

VIAVI empowers Service Providers and IT organizations to manage the network lifecycle for complex 5G and Fiber networks with intuitive instruments, systems and technologies; and our expertise in light management and optical coatings help protect the world's bank notes from counterfeiters, enhance the colors you see, and enable advanced technology such as 3D sensing. We are a team of thought leaders who have the freedom to support and innovate and look for new effective and efficient solutions for our customers.