Technician Lead - Equipment Maintenance

IPG Photonics; West Oxford (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

IPG Photonics in West Oxford, Massachusetts is looking for a Lead Technician to ensure the reliability of production equipment. This role requires advanced technical expertise in deposition systems, including PVD and sputtering, and leadership within the maintenance team. You will troubleshoot and lead daily operations while collaborating with engineering for process improvements.

Ideal candidates will have strong experience with vacuum systems and a commitment to maintaining high safety and quality standards in a fast-paced environment. Join a team that drives innovation and supports a sustainable future.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with PVD, sputtering, e-beam, and evaporative deposition equipment.
• Ability to perform root-cause analysis for equipment failures.
• Experience in training and mentoring technicians.

Responsibilities

• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex equipment issues.
• Manage daily maintenance operations, prioritizing tasks.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance programs and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with engineering on equipment upgrades.

Skills

Advanced deposition systems knowledge

PVD and sputtering expertise

Troubleshooting skills

Root-cause analysis

Leadership in maintenance operations

Job description

About IPG Photonics

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in more than 25 locations around the world. We aspire to work together with our employees and customers to apply light in ways that improve life.

Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions to make the world a better place. To accomplish this mission, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent and an engaged and thriving workforce that drives a sustainable future for our company and society.

Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and competitive benefits.

Job Title: Lead Technician

The Lead Technician is responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of production equipment by applying advanced technical expertise and leadership within the maintenance team. This role serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for equipment and process reliability, leading troubleshooting efforts for complex and critical equipment issues. The Lead Technician performs and oversees root‑cause analysis for systemic or high‑impact failures, develops and implements corrective and preventive actions, and collaborates closely with engineering to drive process improvements and equipment reliability strategies. This position requires strong hands‑on experience working with advanced deposition systems, including PVD, sputtering, e‑beam, and evaporative deposition equipment. In addition, the role leads daily maintenance execution, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures high standards of safety, quality, and operational performance in a fast‑paced, high‑technology manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serving as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for equipment performance, troubleshooting, and process reliability
• Leading daily maintenance operations, prioritizing tasks and assigning work to technicians to meet production needs
• Leading troubleshooting and repair of advanced systems including PVD, sputtering systems, e‑beam deposition equipment, evaporative deposition systems, and ultra‑high vacuum (UHV) equipment and vacuum pumps
• Partnering with engineering teams on equipment upgrades, retrofits, and root‑cause analysis to drive continuous improvement
• Coordinating and overseeing the preventive maintenance (PM) program, ensuring execution, documentation, and compliance
• Training and mentoring technicians, promoting technical development, safety, and reliability best practices
• Managing spare parts and inventory, including ordering critical components and maintaining appropriate stock levels
• Coordinating with external vendors for equipment repair, technical support, and parts sourcing
• Arranging and tracking off‑site repair of equipment or components as required
• Ensuring accurate and thorough documentation of all maintenance activities in compliance with company and regulatory standards
• Supporting a cleanroom work environment, maintaining strict adherence to quality, safety, and operational protocols

Problem Solving / Troubleshooting

• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex and critical equipment issues, including PVD, sputtering, e‑beam, and evaporative deposition systems
• Perform and oversee root‑cause analysis for systemic or high‑impact failures, particularly within vacuum and thin‑film deposition processes
• Develop and implement corrective actions and preventive measures across the team to improve equipment uptime and stability
• Collaborate with engineering to design and implement process improvements and equipment reliability strategies for advanced manufacturing systems

Level of Independence

• Works with high autonomy; sets priorities for the maintenance team and manages workflow across multiple equipment platforms
• Authorized to make decisions on repairs, adjustments, and process improvements within company guidelines, including critical deposition systems
• Acts as the primary liaison between maintenance, engineering, and vendors for technical issues related to vacuum and thin‑film equipment
• Provides leadership and technical direction to all maintenance staff; may have input on performance evaluations
• Serves as the go‑to expert for advanced deposition technologies, guiding team response to complex equipment challenges