Sputter Operator

Vacuum Deposits (VDI); Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Vacuum Deposits (VDI) in Louisville, KY is seeking an experienced Machine Operator to run a sputter coating machine and maintain production flow. The successful candidate will operate and maintain sputter deposition equipment, monitor process gases, and ensure film quality while adhering to safety and housekeeping standards.

Ideal applicants have 2–4 years in manufacturing, can lift 30–50 pounds, and possess strong communication, time management, and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and/or vocational training preferred.
• 2-4 years in a manufacturing environment operating complex equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift 30-50 pounds.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Experience with vacuum systems.

Responsibilities

• Load/unload fixtured components from the coating machine to maintain production flow.
• Perform general maintenance of vacuum equipment and track spares.
• Operate and maintain sputter deposition equipment and change targets.
• Monitor supplies and process gases; ensure availability.
• Record daily production and provide handovers.
• Follow safety and housekeeping standards; participate in kaizen.
• Interpret sputtering parameters to ensure film quality.
• Assist in maintenance scheduling and repairs.

Skills

Strong communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Safety culture

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Vocational training preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Vacuum systems

Job description

This position is based in Louisville, KY, with a Tuesday–Saturday schedule from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM.JOB SUMMARY: The experienced Machine Operator operates a sputter machine to make metalized films. This machine is one of the more complicated machines and does require an experienced machine operator. They are responsible for operation and general maintenance of vacuum coaters and tools by performing the following duties:ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Loading/unloading fixtured components from the coating machine to maintain production flow.General maintenance of ancillary equipment (vacuum pumps, power supplies, various gages) and keeping inventory of relevant critical spares. As well as tracking completed maintenance and assisting with the scheduling of upcoming maintenance.Working inside a deposition chamber, during maintenance as well as changing targets to produce different thin films.Monitoring and ensuring appropriate supplies or process gases are available.Fixturing of components as schedule demands.Interpreting variables associated with the sputtering process (atmospheric levels, gas pressures, electrical outputs, water flow) to understand the differences between a scenario that creates a healthy film and a poor one.Maintains lot traceability, work orders/travelers, and good housekeeping practices always.Quickly raises any machining or quality issues with appropriate supervision or engineering support.Ability to learn and work on a wide variety of part numbers and/or departments.Participates in local programs and initiatives to improve EHS performance.Accurately records daily production and provides detailed handover.May suggest areas for improvement to the production process e.g. complete kaizen suggestions and participate in 5 Why Investigation problem solving analysis.Operates machines and production equipment safely in accordance with business and OHSA standards as well as all legislative requirements.DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:High School Diploma or equivalent and/or vocational training preferred.2-4 Years in a manufacturing environment operating complex equipment.Ability to occasionally lift 30-50 pounds.Employee stands for 6 hours or more in a given day and sits and walks intermittently.Frequently required to reach with hands and arms and occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel.Must have strong organizational and time management skills in order to optimize machine use with the ability to handle several assignments at one time.Ability to work on process problems that may contain variables to which the solution may not be clear at the time of the assignment.Must possess a personal commitment to safety and foster a culture of safety across the site.Possess strong communication skills across all levels of the company.Previous experience with vacuum systems.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:At the option of VDI mgmt., persons hired as a Sputter Technician may be required to obtain within specified time limits designated licenses, certificates or specialized education and training relevant to the area of assignment.WORK ENVIRONMENT:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.SELECTION GUIDELINES:Formal ApplicationInterview with and Supervisors and Management TeamDrug Screen and background check****************************************************************************************The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements or duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.