Vacuum Technician

Job Title:

Vacuum Technician

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Vacuum Technician to operate and monitor PVD systems such as sputtering, evaporation, or other vacuum deposition equipment for production builds. This role involves preparing substrates, tooling, and fixtures for deposition processes and running established thin-film recipes for production lots. The ideal candidate will log process data, track deviations, report issues, and support root cause analysis for equipment or process issues.

Additionally, the candidate will use thin-film characterization tools to assess film thickness, uniformity, and quality, and maintain accurate records in line with internal QA standards.

Responsibilities

+ Operate and monitor PVD systems for production builds.

+ Prepare substrates, tooling, and fixtures for deposition processes.

+ Run established thin-film recipes for production lots.

+ Log process data, track deviations, and report issues.

+ Support root cause analysis for equipment or process issues.

+ Use thin-film characterization tools to assess film quality.

+ Maintain accurate records of recipes, runs, and material traceability.

+ Uphold strict cleanroom, ESD, and vacuum safety protocols.

Essential Skills

+ 1-3 years of experience with thin-film deposition, vacuum systems, or semiconductor processes.

+ Comfort working in a cleanroom environment with full PPE.

+ Familiarity with vacuum pumps, gauges, gas systems, and plasma-based processes.

+ Clear communication skills and disciplined recordkeeping.

+ Ability to collaborate cross-functionally.

+ Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and stand for extended periods.

+ Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent experience in Materials Science, Electronics, Vacuum Technology, or related field.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Knowledge of deposition variables such as power, pressure, gas flow, and film stress.

+ Ability to train junior technicians and contribute to SOP development.

+ Critical thinking skills for problem-solving.

+ 3+ years of experience preferred.

Work Environment

This position requires onsite work in Berkeley, with a need to reside within 45 minutes of the location. The role demands comfort working in a cleanroom environment with full personal protective equipment (PPE) and the ability to occasionally work off-shift or weekend hours to support builds. Candidates should be prepared to lift up to 30 pounds and stand for extended periods during equipment operation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Berkeley, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Berkeley,CA.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 27, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a Clearly Rated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color,…