Ingot Manufacturing Operator

Coherent Corp. Vietnam•Dallas, TX

About The Position

The Ingot Manufacturing Operator performs material production tasks independently using complex equipment and tools, and prepares and tests production and research samples for routine analysis. The role primarily manufactures extruded ingot materials and also supports additional ingot manufacturing processes. Work is performed according to written procedures and established instructions. The operator sets up and operates production equipment; processes, cuts, tests, grades, and prepares ingots for internal and external customers; and supports product development and other production activities. The position also involves accurate documentation, equipment upkeep, inventory support, housekeeping, and compliance with applicable safety, quality, and environmental procedures. The employee may be assigned additional duties and special projects by the line supervisor.

Requirements

Minimum high school degree.
Industrial experience dealing with metal-forming methods.
At least 2 years of experience operating complex machinery and processes to produce parts with minimal supervision.
At least 2 years of applicable manufacturing experience related to metal forming and materials testing.
Ability to handle a welding flame torch and load or unload hot tubes while using PPE.
Ability to use crushers and grinders to make thermoelectric powders and operate complex hot-forming and casting machinery.
Understanding of technical drawings and basic engineering principles.
Ability to work independently and in a timely manner.
Hands-on, direct approach to production problems and needs.
Ability to anticipate and manage multiple priorities involving internal and external demands under time constraints.
Attention to detail in processes and tools.
Ability to work effectively in a cross-organizational, cross-cultural, global team environment.
Ability to work with people and train operators.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Proficient computer skills, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, email, and internet access.
Ability to lift 10 kg of metal in sealed containers.
Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, finger cots, and gloves.
Ability to remain stationary, often standing or sitting, for prolonged periods.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to exchange information.
Ability to perform repetitive motions involving the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Compliance with site EHS procedures, Coherent EHS standards, and applicable quality and environmental requirements.

Responsibilities

Set up and operate ingot production steps to manufacture and deliver ingots on time to internal and external customers.
Load and unload ingots from furnaces for alloying and quenching of compounded raw materials in sealed containers.
Operate heat-treatment furnaces for sintering and post-extrusion processes, selecting the correct processing programs from equipment controllers.
Operate sand-blasting equipment and replace abrasive media at regular intervals.
Prepare equipment by cleaning growth chambers and extrusion dies, using power tools as required.
Operate extrusion equipment, align the chamber and ram, and use the human-machine-interface controller.
Use a sliding-table wet cutoff saw to section extruded materials for post-extrusion processing.
Monitor consumables and supplies, notify the supervisor when levels are low, and maintain adequate supplies.
Clean and store setups promptly after completing production kits; ensure process tools are calibrated and sent for repair or calibration on time.
Prepare ingots and samples for property testing and performance evaluation; remove ingots or billets from tubes and cut them to specified lengths.
Mark and label ingots according to specifications and documentation, measure resistance properties, and grade material against established specifications.
Prepare thermoelectric material samples through specified processing steps for thermoelectric property measurement and grade them against documented specifications.
Cross-train in preparation of Bridgman ingot compounds and support quartz sealing, heat treatment, and profiling of Bridgman ingots as required.
Prepare ingot test samples and complete analysis for material performance evaluation.
Prepare and pack ingots for internal and external customer shipment according to established procedures.
Support R&D ingot product-development projects by carrying out required process tasks.
Train other production personnel in primary responsibilities and, as needed, train for other processes to provide production backup.
Coordinate with Maintenance on periodic oven profile verification and document results in formats established by the Process Engineer.
Assist ingot production supervisors with monthly material counts and inventory reporting, and help stock raw materials from the warehouse as coordinated by the line supervisor.
Package and prepare materials for warehouse transfer with correct labeling for external customer shipment.
Perform simple equipment maintenance and housekeeping proactively.
Enter data accurately on travelers and in process programs and Kronos; complete process documentation accurately and on time.
Review and audit departmental processes for continuous-improvement, cycle-time, and cost-reduction opportunities.
Work independently or as part of a team on functional testing of ingots and materials, and collaborate with department personnel to meet objectives.
Develop business and personal goals and handle special assignments promptly and professionally.
Support production activities such as vacuum-sealing tubes with a welding torch, preparing ingots for profiling, breaking glass tubes, and removing ingots.
Perform simple machining, cutting, grinding, and abrading; test and characterize ingot electrical properties for in-process qualification and final release.
Grade and release material to production against documented specifications and help prepare shipment documentation with correct lot identification.
Perform other production activities and special projects as assigned by the line supervisor when trained.
Follow site EHS procedures and Coherent EHS standards, wear appropriate PPE, and maintain a safe, clean, organized, and environmentally compliant work area.
Adhere to the company’s ICARE values: Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Enthusiasm.