Cleanroom Operator (EPI)

Cleanroom Production Operator (EPI)

Vancouver, WA

Job Description

This Production Operator role works in a fast-paced, highly automated semiconductor cleanroom environment, performing epitaxial growth and metrology processes on silicon wafers. You will follow detailed procedures, operate complex tools and robotic equipment, and complete accurate documentation to ensure wafers meet stringent customer and quality specifications. This is a 12-hour night shift position on a compressed workweek schedule in a temperature-controlled cleanroom that requires full personal protective equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform epitaxial growth and metrology processes on silicon wafers according to detailed procedures and work instructions.
• Review work orders and ensure wafers are processed according to specific customer requirements using computerized or paper work orders.
• Load material onto the appropriate tool sets and select and load the correct process recipes for each production run.
• Use computer systems to input data, track, and confirm incoming and outgoing material for each process step.
• Complete computerized forms and labels for each tool and submit requests for delivery of materials and equipment in line with work orders and schedule requirements.
• Perform daily calibrations on process tools and verify that all calibration data meets process specifications before releasing tools to production.
• Continuously monitor, analyze, and verify process data to ensure all parameters meet quality specifications before moving material to the next step.
• Operate highly automated and robotic equipment to lift, unload, raise, lower, and transport materials, products, and related equipment.
• Maintain strict adherence to documented training, procedures, and processes to meet quality and production standards.
• Immediately report and help address any variations, errors, or lapses in quality, and ensure issues are corrected and not repeated.
• Identify and communicate suggestions for process or quality improvements to supervisors or appropriate managers.
• Work safely around hazardous and volatile chemicals while following all safety procedures and using required PPE.
• Report all on-the-job accidents, injuries, unsafe conditions, property damage, and maintenance needs promptly to supervisors or safety staff.
• Act as a safety role model by always putting safety before deadlines or production goals and seeking guidance when unsure.
• Perform tasks to clean and organize equipment and work areas using mild chemicals to meet cleanroom and 5S standards.
• Stand and walk for extended periods during a 12-hour shift while performing production and inspection activities.
• Move, lift, carry, and transport items weighing up to 30 pounds multiple times per shift and exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally to move, lift, push, or pull objects.
• Use repetitive hand, wrist, and finger motions and maintain sufficient grip strength and dexterity to handle small parts and equipment.
• Kneel, crouch, stoop, bend, reach, and occasionally crawl as needed to access tools, equipment, and materials.
• Operate carts on wheels to push or pull materials and equipment weighing approximately 80 to 400 pounds.
• Prepare, read, and analyze data, work instructions, and documentation through detailed visual inspection of small parts, errors, defects, and numerical information.
• Communicate effectively in English with management and co-workers to clarify instructions, report issues, and coordinate workflow.
• Create, read, comprehend, and explain instructions, procedures, manuals, reports, and correspondence for self and others.
• Collaborate with team members, support a high level of organization and time management, and contribute to meeting daily production targets.
• Participate in cross-training and work toward certification in multiple process areas within the department to support flexible coverage and skill growth.

Essential Skills

• Ability to work 12-hour night shifts, generally from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., on a compressed 3-ON/4-OFF and 4-ON/3-OFF weekly schedule, including every other weekend and potential overtime.
• Capability to work safely around hazardous and volatile chemicals while following strict safety and PPE requirements.
• Physical ability to stand and walk for long periods during a 12-hour shift.
• Ability to move, lift, carry, and transport items weighing up to 30 pounds repeatedly throughout the shift.
• Strength to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly to move, lift, push, or pull objects.
• Manual dexterity for repetitive motion of wrists, hands, and fingers and the ability to grasp and apply pressure to small objects.
• Flexibility to kneel, crouch, stoop, bend, reach, and crawl as necessary to complete tasks.
• Ability to push and pull carts transporting materials and equipment weighing approximately 80 to 400 pounds.
• Strong attention to detail for reviewing work orders, selecting correct recipes, and verifying process parameters.
• Proficiency using a computer, keyboard, and monitor for data entry, tracking material, and completing electronic documentation.
• Ability to use software such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, email, or similar applications.
• Capability to operate basic office equipment including calculator, copier, fax, scanner, cell phone, and telephone.
• Ability to perform basic math, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, per-unit costs, and decimals using a calculator or computer software.
• Visual acuity to perform extensive reading and visual inspection of small parts, defects, fabrication details, words, and numbers.
• Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in English.
• Ability to understand and explain instructions, procedures, technical manuals, and reports.
• Commitment to following all safety procedures and consistently prioritizing safety over production deadlines.
• Commitment to following documented training, procedures, and processes to maintain high quality standards.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced production environment.
• Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills in a production or manufacturing setting.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with complex machinery and automated equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in epitaxial (EPI) processing, semiconductor manufacturing, or a similar cleanroom production environment is a strong plus and may support higher pay rates.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, such as acting as a safety role model or driving quality improvements.
• Experience with quality assurance practices, including monitoring process data and addressing nonconformances.
• Experience in highly automated or robotic equipment operation in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a detail-oriented mindset for processing, inspection, and documentation tasks.
• Ability to effectively multitask while maintaining accuracy and meeting production targets.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn, with openness to cross-training and working in multiple process areas.
• Experience working in a cleanroom environment with strict contamination control procedures.

Why Work Here?

You will join a highly automated, technology-driven operation that invests in modern facilities and tools to support your success. The compressed workweek schedule provides built-in extended time off, helping you balance work and personal life even while working night shifts. You can grow your skills through cross-training in multiple process areas and by taking on higher-skilled tasks over time. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits are available, along with a retirement plan featuring a competitive match. You will also have access to on-site amenities such as a gym and cafeteria, contributing to a supportive and convenient workplace experience.

Work Environment

You will work in a highly automated semiconductor cleanroom environment focused on epitaxial growth and metrology processes. The cleanroom is air conditioned and well ventilated, but you may feel warm at times due to the required full-body cleanroom gown. You will wear full personal protective equipment at all times in the cleanroom, including a hooded cleanroom suit (bunny suit), hairnet and/or beard net, safety glasses, face mask or face shield, latex or nitrile and nylon gloves, and a chemical apron when needed. The role follows a 12-hour night shift schedule, generally from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., on a compressed 3-ON/4-OFF and 4-ON/3-OFF rotation, which includes working every other weekend and potential overtime based on production needs. The environment is highly structured and process-driven, with strong emphasis on safety, quality, cleanliness, and 5S standards. You will work around hazardous and volatile chemicals, operate robotic and automated equipment, and use computers and standard office tools within a controlled, high-tech manufacturing facility.

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

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

This is a fully onsite position in Vancouver,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

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.