Senior Process Technician

Senior Process Technician

Department:
Engineering / Technical Development
FLSA Classification:
Exempt

Employment Type:

Full-Time

The Senior Process Technician is a key hands‑on contributor to Surface Engineering's daily coating operations. This role supports the execution of physical vapor deposition (PVD), ion implantation, plasma treatments, and other surface engineering processes through fixturing design and creation, machine operation, and maintenance. The Process Technician plays a vital role in ensuring quality, precision, reliability, and consistency across production and R&D workflows.

• Fixturing & Setup
  • Design and fabricate custom fixtures for holding parts during PVD and ion‑based processes.
  • Collaborate with the engineering team to translate R&D designs into practical fixturing solutions for production.
• Process Execution
  • Operate and monitor PVD coating equipment; load, position, and unload parts with care and attention to quality.
  • Adjust parameters and machine settings in real time to maintain process control and part quality.
  • Safely and compliantly operate chemical stripping baths when required.
  • Maintain a strong focus on quality by following established procedures, inspecting parts for accuracy, and ensuring coatings meet specifications, while consistently adhering to all safety protocols and PPE requirements.
• Maintenance & Shop Responsibilities
  • Perform preventive maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting of vacuum chambers and mechanical subsystems.
  • Contribute to shop safety and efficiency by ensuring work spaces, tools, and equipment are kept clean, organized, and in good working condition.
• Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
  • Work closely with engineers and project leads to align daily execution with R&D and production needs.
  • Participate in technical handoffs for new processes transitioning from development to production.
  • Maintain detailed run logs, fixturing documentation, and basic inspection records.
• Other Duties
  • Provide hands‑on support for special projects, machine upgrades, or experimental runs.
  • Support the Sales team with technical input for quotations, customer inquiries, and application guidance.
  • Other duties and tasks as may be assigned by Company leadership from time to time.

• 7+ years of experience in a manufacturing, machine shop, or coating environment.
• Proficiency with hand tools and basic machining equipment (manual mills, drill presses, etc.).
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with complex technical equipment.
• Willingness to learn and follow vacuum system handling procedures and cleanroom best practices.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and follow detailed work instructions.
• Dependable, self‑motivated, and detail‑oriented.

• Prior experience with PVD systems, vacuum chambers, or plasma surface treatment equipment.
• Familiarity with CAD software for fixturing design or ability to learn with guidance.
• Exposure to aerospace, automotive, or medical part handling and documentation standards.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Standing, bending, and working around high‑temperature systems for extended periods.
• Comfortable using safety gear, respirators, and other PPE as required.

1830 W 208 th Street, Torrance, CA 90501