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Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
Department: Manufacturing / Production
Reports To: Flat Glass Laminating Line Supervisor
Shift: Day shift
Location: Cleanroom & Production Floor
Position Summary
The Lamination Line Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining specialized equipment used to manufacture high-quality laminated glass. This role alternates between cleanroom operations—where glass plies and interlayer materials (PVB/SGP) are assembled—and the mechanical operations of washing, pre-pressing, and autoclave processing. The operator ensures strict adherence to quality specifications, safety protocols, and industry compliance standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Equipment Setup & Calibration: Prepare and configure the glass laminating line, including glass washers, cleanroom assembly conveyors, infrared pre-heat ovens, and nip rollers according to job specifications.
- Material Preparation & Inspection: Verify glass types, thicknesses, and dimensions. Check glass surface for defects using tin-side detectors and ensure cleanroom-level cleanliness before lamination.
- Interlayer Assembly (Cleanroom): Program and operate interlayer cutting and positioning systems. Accurately align PVB, or SentryGlas interlayers between glass plies within the controlled cleanroom environment to prevent dust, lint, or moisture contamination.
- De-airing & Pre-pressing: Monitor and adjust parameters (speed, temperature, and pressure) of the nip roller or vacuum bag systems to ensure proper edge sealing and initial de-airing of the sandwich assembly.
- Autoclave Operations: Load pre-pressed glass onto racks and assist in managing the autoclave curing cycle (monitoring pressure and temperature curves) to achieve final clarity and bonding.
- Quality Control & Compliance: Perform regular visual and dimensional inspections to catch defects such as bubbles, delamination, or debris. Ensure all outputs meet standard industry benchmarks (e.g., ASTM C1172 or ANSI Z97.1).
- Maintenance & Cleaning: Perform basic preventative maintenance online machinery and strictly adhere to cleanroom gowning and sanitation protocols to maintain standard ISO class environment metrics.
Key Competencies & Technical Skills
- Machinery Operation: Experience operating automated flat glass processing machinery (washers, heating tunnels, nip rollers, vinyl cutter and Auto Clave).
- Material Handling: Proficiency using overhead cranes, vacuum suction lifters, and specialized glass handling equipment safely.
- Technical Accuracy: Ability to read production drawings, micrometers, tape measures, and digital control panels (PLCs).
- Cleanroom Discipline: Understanding of contamination control, static management, and environmental monitoring.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for the duration of a shift.
- Capability to lift and maneuver heavy glass sheets safely, adhering to team-lift thresholds.
- Comfort working in a dual environment: a temperature/humidity-controlled cleanroom (requiring full gowning) and a standard manufacturing floor.
Qualifications & Skills
- Experience: 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing or assembly environment; experience in glass manufacturing, cleanrooms, or high-precision assembly is highly preferred.
- Attention to Detail: Excellent visual acuity to spot minute surface defects, dust particles, or imperfections.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs. safely, and handle fragile, heavy materials using proper vacuum lifting equipment.
- Technical Aptitude: Ability to read production schedules, measure accurately, and operate basic computerized machinery interfaces (HMI).
- Safety Focus: Strict commitment to safety procedures, including the mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for glass handling (cut-resistant sleeves, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots outside the cleanroom).
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly wage 18.00 an hour or commensurate with your experience)
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 401(k) matching program
- Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay
- Opportunities for career advancement within our expanding production lines
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