Production Technician

ACI Materials; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) retirement plan with match

Job summary

ACI Materials in Goleta, CA, is seeking a Production Technician to operate advanced material processing equipment and execute batch manufacturing as we scale from pilot to commercial production. This hands-on role requires following SOPs, recording batch data, and maintaining quality standards in a fast-paced, AS9100/ISO 9001–certified environment.

You will collaborate with Production Managers and engineers, contribute to process improvements, perform preventive maintenance, and help ensure

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in a technical field or related production experience required.
• Hands-on experience with process equipment operation and production activities expected.
• Ability to follow SOPs and document procedures with attention to detail.
• Comfort with data collection, measurements, and computer-based documentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment following SOPs to manufacture advanced formulations.
• Execute batch production with preparation, weighing, mixing, processing, and packaging; maintain batch records.
• Collect and document process data to support QA and continuous improvement.
• Perform equipment maintenance, including cleaning, calibration, and preventive tasks.
• Support scale-up activities by assisting engineers with pilot batches and parameter testing.
• Maintain compliance with AS9100/ISO 9001 through documentation and traceability.
• Conduct in-process quality checks and coordinate with QA on specification verification.

Skills

Process equipment operation

Data collection and documentation

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

LIMS

Process control software

MES

Job description

About ACI Materials

ACI Materials has developed a proprietary processing platform that improves how advanced materials are made. The process enhances dispersion, formulation control, and manufacturing consistency for advanced materials used in a variety of technically demanding markets. These improvements support better product performance, lower process complexity, reduced waste, and improved production economics. ACI is now scaling into a global organization focused on high-value applications in electronics, aerospace, and industrial materials.

The Opportunity

Join a deep tech company serving aerospace, energy, mobility, and advanced electronics sectors. As an AS9100 and ISO 9001 certified manufacturer, we engineer advanced material formulations using proprietary fluid dynamics processing technology that fundamentally transforms material properties at the molecular level, enabling breakthrough performance across multiple industrial applications.

This hands‑on technical role offers the chance to operate production equipment and execute batch manufacturing as we scale specialty materials from pilot to commercial capacity. You'll work directly with advanced formulation processing systems, maintain quality standards, and gain comprehensive production experience with a clear path to Production Manager for strong performers (typically 12-24 months).

Core Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment following established SOPs to manufacture advanced material formulations serving space, energy, mobility, and electronics product lines
• Execute batch production runs, including material preparation, weighing, mixing, processing, and packaging while maintaining detailed production records and batch documentation
• Collect and document process data to support quality control and continuous improvement initiatives
• Perform equipment maintenance, including cleaning, calibration, preventive maintenance, and minor repairs per established schedules
• Support R&D scale‑up activities by assisting Production Manager and engineers with pilot batch production, process parameter testing, and scale‑up trials
• Maintain AS9100/ISP 9001 compliance through accurate batch documentation, material traceability records, and adherence to quality control procedures
• Conduct in‑process quality checks, collect samples for testing, and coordinate with Quality Assurance on specification verification
  

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Chemical Technology, Process Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or related technical field OR equivalent combination of technical training and production experience (minimum 2 years)
• Hands‑on experience with process equipment operation, material handling, or production operations (prior production roles, internships, or co‑ops)
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow technical procedures and SOPs
• Comfortable with data collection, basic calculations, measurement tools, and computer‑based documentation systems
• Ability to work independently while knowing when to elevate issues to the Production Manager
• Physical capability to stand for extended periods, lift to 50lbs and work in a production environment with required PPE

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with materials characterization, rheology, or formulation chemistry
• Exposure to statistical process control, design of experiments, or Six Sigma methodologies
• Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems, process control software, or laboratory information management systems
• Prior experience in chemical processing, materials manufacturing, or aerospace/defense production environments
  

The Production Technician Opportunity

This position provides hands‑on technical experience that most production roles don’t offer: direct involvement in scale‑up from pilot to commercial production rather than operating established, static processes.

You’ll work with advanced materials processing technology during its formative stage, gaining exposure to process optimization, quality systems development, and cross‑functional collaboration with R&D and Engineering teams. As production volume increases 10-50x over the next 24 months, you’ll face real‑world scale‑up challenges and build expertise in advanced manufacturing.

For technically minded individuals who want hands‑on production experience with clear advancement opportunities, this role provides a foundation for growth into Production Manager or Process Engineering positions.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: Dependent on experience and technical depth
• Equity compensation: Stock options with significant upside potential tied to company growth
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Professional development support for continued technical education and certifications