Equipment Maintenance Specialist

Job Summary

The Equipment Maintenance Specialist ensures the reliable operation of production equipment used in brazing, plating, sputtering, and inspection at IJ Research. This role requires hands‑on troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, reverse‑engineering when needed, and coordination with vendors. The position is responsible for minimizing downtime and supporting quality and delivery. Strong computer proficiency is required to manage maintenance records, track projects, and support data‑driven decision‑making.

The role carries full ownership and accountability for assigned projects, ensuring timely execution and successful outcomes.

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair critical equipment related to clean‑room, thermal processing, plating, deposition, and inspection systems—including hydrogen and vacuum furnaces, sputtering systems, gold/nickel plating lines, vacuum leak testers, XRF, profilometers, and drying ovens.
• Support root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment issues that affect production output, process consistency, or product quality.
• Develop and update preventive maintenance schedules and work instructions to ensure reliable equipment operation.
• Manage and maintain maintenance documentation for all production and process equipment.
• Maintain, upgrade, and create a centralized database of equipment conditions, service history, and maintenance activities.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams to align equipment performance with process requirements.
• When necessary, reverse engineer mechanical, electrical, or control systems to restore or improve function.
• Interface with equipment vendors and external service providers for repair, parts sourcing, and technical consultation.
• Travel on occasion to evaluate new or used equipment for suitability to IJ Research processes.
• Participate in or lead equipment installations and facility upgrades related to utilities and infrastructure.
• Maintain proper documentation of work performed, including equipment logs and service reports.
• Maintain full accountability for project outcomes, timelines, and deliverables, even when work is supported by others.

• 5+ years of relevant hands‑on experience in a manufacturing or R&D environment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude; familiarity with vacuum, high‑temperature, and clean‑room compatible equipment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (tracking, formulas, reporting).
• Demonstrated ability to work without complete documentation, applying reverse‑engineering approaches when required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects using computer‑based tools.
• Experience with ERP or maintenance tracking systems (preferred).
• Comfortable working safely with high‑temperature, high‑voltage, and gas systems (e.g., hydrogen, vacuum).
• Strong communication skills; able to clearly convey technical findings and collaborate across teams.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for equipment evaluations.
• Familiarity with plating processes, vacuum testing, or thin/thick film deposition.
• Experience with sensors, basic automation, or PLC interfaces.
• Technical certifications in maintenance, controls, or industrial systems.
• Understanding of contamination control, cleanroom standards, or precision metrology tools.

Compensation range: $76,200 – $114,000, depending on experience. The position may be eligible for a performance‑based bonus plan.

Benefits Package:

• Health benefits.
• 401(k) retirement savings program with company match.
• PTO.
• Other benefits available.

Work is normally performed on site at STC’s campus in Santa Ana, California. Office work is performed in a climate‑controlled environment, but substantial time is required on the manufacturing shop floor, which can be noisy, dusty, and not climate‑controlled in the summer season. Proper safety equipment is provided by STC where necessary.

Work may involve standing and walking for moderate to lengthy periods, with some duties performed from a seated position. There is potential for eye strain from reading detailed materials and computer screens. Deadlines, workloads during peak periods, and changing priorities may cause increased stress levels. Tasks may include bending, squatting, occasional lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50lbs, or pushing/pulling carts loaded with up to 500lbs.

IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, creed, color, religious belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, place of birth, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.