Job Description

The Photo Etch Operator is responsible for processing metal parts in small batches through various chemical baths and rinsing tanks. This job requires the above to be accomplished within Tecomet’s principles of continuous improvement, customer driven innovation and a win first culture, while meeting company financial and other performance metrics.

Principle Responsibilities

• Perform all job functions described under Level I Operator when needed.
• Be able to set up and adjust developing and rough etching conveyor speeds.
• Process metal parts in small batches through various chemical baths and rinsing tanks
• Process panels through conveyorized etch systems per given instructions.
• Perform in-process visual inspection of chemically cleaned and stripped panels.
• Perform visual and dimensional inspections of rough etched panels.
• Periodically empty and clean out etch system sumps including safe transport of 55-gallon drums to and from the storage areas.
• Safely and accurately dispense given amounts of raw chemicals for bath make-ups.
• Perform routine etch systems maintenance involving checking fluid levels, conveyor transport, spray nozzle performance and filter systems conditions.
• Periodically assist auxiliary departments including photoresist coating, filter press cleaning and pumping of spent chemistries into treatment tanks.
• Routine cleaning of process equipment and area.
• Performs other duties or special projects as required or as assigned by supervisor.
• Accurately measure in-process photo etched parts.
• Be able to set up and adjust developing and rough etching conveyor speeds.
• Perform routine etch systems maintenance involving removing and cleaning spray nozzles and manifolds, adjusting transport rollers and inspection and cleaning of air knife manifolds.
• Assist in major equipment maintenance.
• Perform temperature and Baume chemistry checks and make appropriate adjustments.
• Be able to identify photo etching problems including breakdown, poor developing, artifacts and photo tool misalignment.
• Perform final etch processes including measuring and adjusting machine speeds to achieve desired final product.
• Assist auxiliary departments including final inspections, start up and shut down of waste treatment system.
• Follow given instructions for small run production jobs including bath make ups, batch prep and coat and small run production.

Qualification Requirements

Credentials/Experience:

• High School Diploma
• 1– 2 years’ experience in Photo Etching
• Demonstrate abilities to accurately perform dimensional inspections using various quality control equipment.
• Able to read and follow blueprints regarding dimensional requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Work safely with chemicals while wearing proper personal protective equipment.
• Accurately inspect chemical etch parts both visually and with the use of microscopes. 
• Must be able to follow written work instructions, job routers and verbal instructions to perform assigned work.
• Ability to work independently and exercise judgment in a high-volume production area.

Other Requirements

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee could be required to stand. The employee could frequently be required to walk; use hand to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee could be required to sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee could occasionally lift and or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job could include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.

Travel Requirements

N/A

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.