Technician - Thin Films (2nd Shift)

Ascent Solar Technologies Inc; Thornton, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Disability & Life Insurance

401(k) with match

PTO & Sick Time

11 paid holidays

Wellness & events

Job summary

Ascent in Thornton, CO seeks a skilled technician for the 2nd shift (2pm-10pm, with training on days). Responsibilities include operating vacuum deposition and sputtering equipment, maintaining tool performance, and collaborating with process engineers and manufacturing staff to optimize processes.

The role emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and proactive maintenance, with opportunities to advance to higher distinctions for experienced technicians.

Qualifications

• Experience operating manufacturing equipment in a tech or industrial setting.
• Ability to read and follow SOPs and process instructions.
• Willingness to work 2nd shift and adapt to training on day shift.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment daily, including vacuum deposition and sputtering tools and wet deposition equipment.
• Collaborate with process engineers, technicians, and management to ensure tool performance.
• Track parts and manage inventory to maximize uptime.
• Analyze tool data and suggest process improvements with stakeholders.
• Follow safety guidelines and handle hazardous materials with proper PPE training.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Vacuum deposition

Sputtering tools

Process improvement

Cross-team collaboration

Job description

Why You'll Love Working Here

Competitive Pay: $20 - $27/hour (at Tech I Level)

Benefits and Work/Life Balance:

• Robust Medical, Dental and Vision for employees with generous employer contribution
• Company paid Short/Long Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
• 401k with up to 4% employer match
• Generous PTO and Sick Time accrual
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Community garden and fun/engaging, people-first culture
• The opportunity to be innovative every day and grow with an emerging tech company
• A fun work environment with regular events and wellness opportunities

About the Opportunity

At Ascent, our technicians are the heart of what we do and what we build.Technicians are responsible for operating one of the machines we utilize to manufacture our solar cells, including handling basic troubleshooting of the equipment and performing routine maintenance. This role is hiring exclusively for the 2nd Shift, working Monday-Friday from 2pm-10pm; after a period of training on day shift (M-F 8-5). Please only apply to this role if you are able to accommodate the designated schedule.

What You'll Do

• Day-to-day operation and sustaining of equipment; including vacuum deposition and sputtering tools, and/or wet chemical deposition equipment.
• Work closely with process engineers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and management to ensure proper tool performance.
• Provide cross-team support as requested by management.
• Parts tracking and inventory control to achieve maximum uptime.
• Analyze tool data log activities and make recommendations in collaboration with stakeholders to identify and implement process improvements.
• Work closely with Safety team to ensure regulatory compliance of tool.
• Support the handling of hazardous waste material in accordance with federal, state and local regulations; individuals will be trained (upon hire and annually) for the requirements of safe handling and proper disposal of any material deemed to be hazardous and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for this activity.
• Other duties as assigned.

Advanced Responsibilities (for Tech II or higher distinction) include: (Yields premium pay)

• Prior experience working in a relevant field
• Subject matter expertise in one or more systems or tools in the manufacturing process
• Advanced troubleshooting/problem solving capabilities
• Proficiency in navigating, following and developing SOPs with the ability to mentor others on those SOP's