Production Operator (Lapping)

Production Operator (Lapping)

Semiconductor Manufacturing

12-hour Compressed Shifts

Vancouver, WA

Job Description

The Production Operator runs multiple pieces of automated machinery to perform a lapping process in silicon wafer manufacturing. The role involves working in a semi-cleanroom environment, closely following detailed procedures, and ensuring wafers are processed to precise customer specifications. You will monitor automated equipment, handle wafer cassettes and carts, and maintain high standards of safety, quality, and documentation throughout each step of the manufacturing process.

Responsibilities

• Operate multiple automated and robotic machines to perform lapping processes on silicon wafers according to detailed procedures and work instructions.
• Review computerized work orders, interpret customer specifications, and schedule processing steps based on required processing times and priorities.
• Ensure wafers are processed in strict accordance with customer requirements, including verifying order specifications, weights, calibrations, and process parameters at each step.
• Continuously monitor, analyze, and verify process data and equipment performance during and after each manufacturing step before moving orders to the next process.
• Operate robotic or automated equipment to load and unload wafers, tools, and other components safely and efficiently.
• Respond to and troubleshoot tool alarms, taking appropriate action to resolve machine or quality issues, or escalating to a team leader, supervisor, or trainer when necessary.
• Perform routine cleaning of equipment and work areas to meet standards for each manufacturing process and maintain a semi-cleanroom environment.
• Multi-task by monitoring the movement of wafers on multiple tool sets simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Use a computer, including Excel and electronic forms, to input data, track and confirm each process step, and complete required documentation accurately and on time.
• Follow all documented training, procedures, and processes to meet established quality standards and prevent variations, errors, or lapses in quality.
• Identify, report, and help correct quality issues and suggest improvements to processes, procedures, or equipment when appropriate.
• Complete all tasks using safe work practices, consistently put safety first, and act as a safety role model for co-workers.
• Work safely around hazardous and volatile chemicals, moving mechanical parts, electrical equipment, and other potential hazards in the manufacturing environment.
• Perform physical tasks such as bending, stooping, squatting, lifting, reaching, grasping, and repetitive motions of wrists, hands, and fingers throughout the shift.
• Lift 26 lb wafer cassettes at waist level and place them on carts repeatedly during a 12-hour shift, and push carts weighing approximately 20 lbs and occasionally up to about 400 lbs.
• Apply pressure to buttons and levers on robotic equipment and use a vibrating oscillating tool to cut dried slurry from lapping plates, including bending at the waist and occasionally working overhead.
• Stand and remain in motion for long periods within a 12-hour shift while performing production and material handling tasks.
• Be available to work all required hours, all shifts, and overtime as needed, including every other weekend, as part of a compressed workweek schedule.
• Participate in cross-training, including potential training in a chemical etching process, which may require the use of a respirator.
• Communicate effectively in English with management and co-workers, and read, understand, and explain instructions, procedures, manuals, reports, and correspondence.
• Use basic math skills to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and compute percentages and decimals using a calculator, Excel, or other tools.
• Maintain strong organization, time management, and multitasking skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities while meeting production goals.
• Work effectively in close proximity with other team members or independently in designated areas, contributing to a team-oriented environment.

Essential Skills

• Ability to operate automated and robotic production machinery in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to follow complex, detailed procedures and complete documentation accurately and on time.
• Strong attention to detail and quality assurance focus to ensure wafers meet specific customer requirements.
• Ability to review computerized work orders and schedule processing steps based on specifications and processing times.
• Experience or ability to monitor, analyze, and verify process data, weights, calibrations, and order specifications.
• Capability to respond to and troubleshoot tool alarms and address machine or quality issues promptly.
• Proficiency using a computer, keyboard, and monitor to input data, track processes, and complete electronic forms.
• Experience using software such as Microsoft Excel and Outlook or similar applications.
• Ability to operate basic office and communication equipment, including a calculator, copier, cell phone, and telephone.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English with management and co-workers, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read, write, comprehend, and explain instructions, procedures, technical manuals, reports, and correspondence in English.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and computing percentages and decimals.
• Physical ability to bend, stoop, squat, lift, reach, grasp, and perform repetitive motions of wrists, hands, and fingers.
• Ability to stand for long periods and remain in motion during a 12-hour shift.
• Capability to exert up to 50 lbs of force occasionally, 20 lbs frequently, and 10 lbs constantly to move objects.
• Ability to lift 26 lb wafer cassettes repeatedly at waist level and place them on carts throughout the shift.
• Ability to push carts on wheels weighing approximately 20 lbs and occasionally up to about 400 lbs.
• Comfort working around hazardous and volatile chemicals and in proximity to moving mechanical parts and electrical equipment.
• Strong safety awareness and commitment to using safe behaviors and putting safety ahead of deadlines or other goals.
• Ability to multi-task and monitor multiple tool sets and wafer movements simultaneously.
• Strong organization, time management, and processing skills to manage workload in a production environment.
• Ability to work well with others in a team-oriented environment.
• Availability and flexibility to work all hours, all shifts, and overtime as required, including every other weekend.
• Prior production experience (preferred).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in semiconductor, wafer, or similar high-precision manufacturing environments is beneficial.
• Familiarity with lapping processes or related machine operation is an advantage.
• Experience in quality assurance, including identifying and reporting quality issues and suggesting process improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain high attention to detail and accuracy in fast-paced production settings.
• Strong multitasking abilities, including handling multiple tools, tasks, and priorities simultaneously.
• Proven teamwork skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
• Experience working in environments with strict safety and cleanliness standards, such as semi-cleanrooms.
• Comfort using a respirator for certain processes, such as chemical etching, if cross-trained.
• Demonstrated reliability and long-term commitment in previous roles is a plus.

Work Environment

The role is based in a semi-cleanroom manufacturing environment focused on silicon wafer production. You will work 12-hour shifts on a compressed workweek schedule, typically 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for night shift, alternating between 3 days on/4 days off and 4 days on/3 days off, which includes working every other weekend and occasional overtime as needed. Training for night shift may begin on day shift before transitioning to nights, and night shifts receive an additional shift differential. The environment involves working around hazardous and volatile chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and electrical equipment, requiring a strong safety mindset. You will stand, walk, and remain in motion for most of the 12-hour shift, frequently lifting wafer cassettes and pushing carts. Dress code includes semi-cleanroom personal protective equipment such as a hair net, safety glasses or goggles, latex or latex-free gloves or other acceptable gloves, safety shoes, and a two-piece uniform (scrubs); ear plugs are optional. You may also be cross-trained into chemical etching processes, which can require the use of a respirator. The setting combines close collaboration with team members in shared areas and independent work in specific zones, supported by computerized systems, Excel-based data entry, and automated and robotic production tools.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vancouver, WA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Vancouver,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.