Vacuum Technician

Plug Power; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) with 5% company match

Bonus eligibility

Paid time off

Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Fertility and Family Building Benefit

Employee Referral program

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Plug Power is seeking a Vacuum Technician I to support vacuum system operations used in the manufacturing and repair of cryogenic vessels. You will set up equipment, monitor processes, perform testing, identify leaks, and maintain records while working under supervision.

This non-exempt, hourly role offers hands-on training and opportunities to develop skills within a safety-focused environment and cross-functional collaboration with operations teams.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 0-2 years in vacuum systems or related technical field.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn vacuum systems and manufacturing operations.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and reliable attendance with overtime flexibility.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate vacuum pumping systems on cryogenic vessels and related equipment under direction of technicians and supervisors.
• Install vacuum pumps, gauges, hoses, valves, and related vacuum equipment.
• Monitor and record vacuum readings during the evacuation process.
• Perform vacuum testing and verification to ensure vessels meet specs.
• Operate helium leak detection equipment.
• Identify and repair vacuum leaks using approved methods.
• Troubleshoot basic vacuum system issues and escalate complex ones.
• Read and follow engineering drawings, work instructions, specs, and procedures.
• Maintain records of vacuum levels, leak tests and equipment performance.
• Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance on vacuum equipment.
• Support production schedules and collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain clean, safe work areas.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Hand tools

Reading instructions

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Vacuum pumps

Gauges

Helium leak detector

Cryogenic equipment knowledge

Job description

Vacuum Technician

Status: Non-Exempt (hourly)

Department: Operations

Position Summary

The Vacuum Technician I supports vacuum system operations used in the manufacturing and repair of cryogenic vessels. This position works alongside and under the direction of Vacuum Technicians and Supervisors to set up equipment, monitor vacuum processes, perform testing activities, identify leaks, maintain equipment, and ensure compliance with company quality and safety standards. This role provides an opportunity to develop technical skills while contributing to production goals and product quality.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and operate vacuum pumping systems on cryogenic vessels and related equipment under the direction of Vacuum Technicians and supervisors.
• Install vacuum pumps, gauges, hoses, valves, and associated vacuum equipment.
• Monitor and record vacuum readings accurately throughout the evacuation process.
• Perform vacuum testing and verification activities to ensure vessels meet required specifications.
• Set up and operate helium leak detection equipment.
• Identify and repair vacuum leaks using approved methods and procedures.
• Troubleshoot basic vacuum system performance issues and escape complex issues as needed.
• Read and follow engineering drawings, work instructions, specifications, and technical procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of vacuum levels, leak test results, repairs, and equipment performance.
• Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance on vacuum equipment.
• Support production schedules and collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams.
• Follow all company safety procedures and maintain compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 0 - 2 years of experience in vacuum systems, industrial manufacturing, mechanical maintenance, fabrication, cryogenic equipment, or a related technical field.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn vacuum systems, leak detection processes, and manufacturing operations.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and basic measuring devices.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, procedures, and technical documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Reliable attendance and ability to work overtime and weekends as required to support production schedules.
• Ability to accurately collect, record, and communicate information.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, maintenance, construction, automotive repair, or other hands-on technical environments.
• Exposure to vacuum systems, leak detection equipment, cryogenic equipment, or industrial testing equipment.
• Technical trade school coursework or vocational training.

Pay Rate:

$23.50 - $34.00

We offer a fantastic total rewards package at Plug, and a brief summary is below:

• Base salary is determined on a number of factors including but not limited to education, experience, skills, and geography. These factors are considered when making an offer of employment.
• The above pay range, may not take into account local geographic pay variations. If there is an applicable geographic differential, a member of the HR team can discuss that with you.
• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance eligibility starting from the first day of hire
• 401(k) with 5% company match
• Bonus eligibility
• Paid time off including vacation, personal and sick time
• Paid Holidays
• Wellness Reimbursement Program
• Potential to apply for Tuition Reimbursement
• Fertility and Family Building Benefit
• Employee Referral program
• Employee Assistance Program

Plug Power Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.