Sputtering Line Operator (Vacuum Deposition Operator)

ASWF - American Standard Window Film; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Las Vegas seeks a Sputtering Line Operator to oversee the operation of vacuum sputtering equipment. In this role, you will ensure quality production through monitoring and adjusting process parameters, performing quality inspections, and maintaining equipment. Ideal candidates have a high school diploma and at least 2 years of experience in vacuum coating or roll-to-roll manufacturing. This full-time position offers day shifts and is currently accepting applications.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in vacuum coating, roll-to-roll manufacturing, thin film deposition.
• Ability to interpret process data and gauges.
• Basic understanding of thin film physics, vacuum systems.
• Preferred: magnetron sputtering, optical film production.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor vacuum sputtering equipment.
• Collect and inspect coated samples for quality assurance.
• Adjust process parameters to maintain coating specifications.
• Maintain contamination control and perform preventive maintenance.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting equipment

Process data interpretation

Process data interpretation

Mechanical troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or technical certification

Tools

Vacuum sputtering systems

PLC-controlled systems

Job description

EEO Statement

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Category

Manufacturing

Overview

The Sputtering Line Operator operates and monitors vacuum sputtering equipment used to deposit metallic or ceramic layers onto PET film substrates in a roll-to-roll manufacturing process. This role ensures consistent coating thickness, optical performance, adhesion quality, and production efficiency while maintaining vacuum integrity and equipment stability. The operator directly impacts product performance (IR rejection, reflectivity, durability) and production yield.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Equipment Setup & Operation
   • Prepare and load PET master rolls into sputtering chamber.
   • Set process parameters including:
     • Chamber vacuum levels
     • Gas flow rates (e.g., Argon, reactive gases if applicable)
     • Power settings to cathodes
     • Line speed
     • Web tension
   • Start and monitor vacuum pump-down sequence.
   • Ensure stable deposition conditions throughout run.
2. Process Monitoring & Control
   • Monitor:
     • Vacuum pressure levels
     • Target power stability
     • Deposition rate
     • Film temperature
     • Web alignment
   • Adjust parameters to maintain coating thickness specifications.
   • Identify abnormal readings or process instability.
3. Quality Control
   • Collect and inspect coated samples.
   • Verify:
     • Optical clarity
     • Color consistency
     • Reflectivity
     • IR rejection performance
   • Coordinate with laboratory for thickness and performance validation.
   • Identify defects such as:
     • Pinholes
     • Non-uniform coating
     • Arcing marks
     • Contamination streaks
4. Target & Chamber Maintenance
   • Replace sputtering targets as required.
   • Inspect shields and chamber components.
   • Assist with chamber cleaning and preventive maintenance.
   • Follow strict contamination control procedures.
5. Yield & Scrap Control
   • Track scrap during startup and shutdown.
   • Optimize ramp-up efficiency.
   • Minimize edge waste and roll rejects.
   • Report production metrics per shift.
6. Safety & Compliance
   • Follow vacuum equipment safety protocols.
   • Handle gases according to safety standards.
   • Comply with lockout/tagout procedures.
   • Wear appropriate PPE.

Position Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or technical certification.
• 2+ years experience in vacuum coating, roll-to-roll manufacturing, thin film deposition.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment.
• Ability to interpret process data and gauges.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in magnetron sputtering systems, optical film production, metallized PET film.
• Basic understanding of thin film physics, vacuum systems, gas flow control.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled systems.

Employment Details

• Full-Time / Non-Exempt
• Shift: Days
• Position Title: Sputtering Line Operator (Vacuum Deposition Operator)
• Division: Erickson Sputtering LLC
• Open Date: 3/18/2026
• Status: Currently accepting applications.

About the Organization

Erickson International is the most energy-efficient manufacturer in operation today. Our Las Vegas facility was several years in the making, following extensive research and development. It was built from the ground up, with custom machines, state of the science technology and proprietary processes that increase production efficiency, accuracy and product quality. Spanning more than an acre, our facility leads the industry in green thinking, with near-zero landfill waste to respect and protect the environment.