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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Process Technician

💰 $45,000 - $75,000

ManufacturingEngineeringTechnology

🎯 Role Definition

As a Process Technician, you are the hands-on expert and the guardian of our production line's integrity and efficiency. You will be at the heart of our manufacturing operations, responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining the sophisticated equipment that creates our products. Your critical eye for detail and proactive problem-solving skills will ensure that every process runs smoothly, adheres to strict quality standards, and meets production targets. This role is pivotal in driving continuous improvement initiatives and upholding our commitment to safety and excellence. You are not just running machines; you are ensuring the foundation of our product's quality and our company's success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Operator
  • Manufacturing Associate
  • Junior Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Process Technician
  • Lead Process Technician
  • Process Engineer
  • Shift Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Technician
  • Maintenance Technician
  • R&D Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate, monitor, and control complex manufacturing equipment and automated systems according to detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Perform routine and preventative maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs on production machinery to minimize downtime and ensure operational readiness.
  • Conduct in-process quality control checks and inspections using various metrology tools and techniques to ensure products meet stringent specifications.
  • Utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods to monitor process variables, identify trends, and detect deviations from the norm in real-time.
  • Execute process adjustments and parameter changes based on SPC data, engineering directives, or documented procedures to maintain process stability and product quality.
  • Systematically troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and process deviations, applying root cause analysis techniques to identify and resolve issues effectively.
  • Maintain meticulous and accurate records of production runs, equipment performance, maintenance activities, and quality checks in manufacturing execution systems (MES) or logbooks.
  • Handle and disposition hazardous materials and production chemicals safely, following all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) protocols and wearing appropriate PPE.
  • Work within a cleanroom environment, adhering to strict gowning procedures and contamination control protocols to protect product integrity.
  • Collaborate directly with Process Engineers and Equipment Engineers to support process development, new equipment qualification, and continuous improvement projects.
  • Respond promptly to system alarms and alerts, taking immediate corrective action to prevent process excursions or equipment damage.
  • Prepare and set up equipment for production runs, including loading raw materials, changing out tooling, and verifying machine settings against a recipe.
  • Execute experimental process runs and engineering tests, carefully documenting observations and collecting critical data for analysis by the engineering team.
  • Perform visual inspections of wafers, components, or finished goods for defects, escalating any quality concerns to the appropriate personnel.
  • Manage the flow of material (WIP) through the assigned toolset or module, ensuring production targets and cycle times are met.
  • Certify on multiple process tools and operations to provide flexibility and support for the production team.

Secondary Functions

  • Train new technicians and operators on equipment operation, safety procedures, and quality standards, acting as a mentor.
  • Participate in and contribute to shift-pass-down meetings, effectively communicating process status, equipment issues, and priorities to the next shift.
  • Assist in the creation and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions to ensure they are accurate, current, and clear.
  • Contribute to lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives to improve workplace organization, efficiency, and safety.
  • Support inventory management of production consumables, spare parts, and raw materials required for the process area.
  • Serve as a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), responding to workplace incidents as trained.
  • Generate daily and weekly reports summarizing production output, yields, and equipment uptime/downtime for management review.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting complex manufacturing equipment (e.g., semiconductor etch/deposition tools, CNC machines, bioreactors, chemical processing skids).
  • Strong understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) principles and experience using SPC software to monitor process health.
  • Knowledge of vacuum technology, RF systems, and pneumatic/hydraulic systems is highly desirable.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams).
  • Experience working in a controlled environment, such as a cleanroom, with strict gowning and contamination control protocols.
  • Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and data logging software for production tracking.
  • Hands-on mechanical aptitude for performing routine maintenance and basic equipment repairs.
  • Knowledge of safe chemical handling procedures and EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) regulations.
  • Basic understanding of PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) functionality and troubleshooting.
  • Competency with metrology tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), calipers, CMMs, or ellipsometers.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills with a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality and accuracy in all tasks.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective shift hand-offs and documentation.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently with minimal supervision and as part of a collaborative team.
  • High degree of adaptability to changing priorities, process changes, and production demands in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong work ethic and the ability to work a compressed work week, including nights, weekends, and holidays if required by the shift structure.
  • A proactive and safety-conscious mindset in all aspects of work.
  • Patience and tenacity to resolve complex, intermittent issues.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree (A.S. or A.A.S.) from an accredited institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Engineering Technology
  • Electronics Technology
  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Chemistry or a related technical field

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of experience in a manufacturing, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, or similar high-tech production environment.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in a similar process area (e.g., Photolithography, Thin Films, Etch, Chemical Mechanical Polishing, or Bioprocessing).
  • Military technical experience is often considered a strong equivalent.
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