Sputtering Line Operator (Vacuum Deposition Operator)

ASWF - American Standard Window Film; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

ASWF - American Standard Window Film is seeking a Sputtering Line Operator to run vacuum deposition equipment on PET master rolls, ensuring coating thickness, optical performance, and process stability. You will monitor vacuum levels, gas flow, line speed, and tension, making parameter adjustments to maintain product quality.

Responsibilities include loading rolls, calibrating settings, inspecting coated samples for clarity and reflectivity, coordinating with QA labs, and maintaining safety and

Qualifications

• Experience operating vacuum sputtering equipment.
• Ability to adjust process parameters to meet thickness specs.
• Follows safety and contamination control procedures.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate sputtering equipment to deposit coatings.
• Load PET master rolls into the sputtering chamber.
• Adjust chamber vacuum, gas flow, power, line speed and web tension.
• Start and monitor vacuum pump-down sequence and stable deposition.
• Monitor deposition rate, film temperature, and alignment; ensure quality.

Skills

Vacuum systems

Process monitoring

Coating/Deposition

Quality control

Safety procedures

PPE compliance

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Vacuum pumps

Deposition chamber

Process control software

Job description

The Sputtering Line Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring 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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
• Yield & Scrap Control**
• Track scrap during startup and shutdown.
• Optimize ramp-up efficiency.
• Minimize edge waste and roll rejects.
• Report production metrics per shift.
• Safety & Compliance**
• Follow vacuum equipment safety protocols.
• Handle gases according to safety standards.
• Comply with lockout/tagout procedures.
• Wear appropriate PPE.