Optical Coating Engineering Technician

Work Hours: 2nd Shift Monday-Friday 2:00pm-10:30pm

Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG), was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN.  Apogee is a growing, profitable company with annual revenues approaching $1.5 billion.  We provide distinctive metal and glass solutions for enclosing commercial buildings, and glass and acrylic solutions for picture framing and display applications. To learn more visit: www.apog.com.

The Apogee Performance Surfaces generates $200M in revenue and EBITDA margins of 20-25%. Our brands in the Performance Surfaces portfolio develop and manufacture high-performance coated materials for a variety of applications, including wall décor, museums, graphic design, architectural interiors, digital display, and industrial flooring markets.  We are the global leader in anti-reflective, conservation grade electrostatic dissipative, high-definition, and abrasion resistance coatings, that provide protection, innovative designs, and exceptional durability.

Position Summary

The Optical Coating Engineering Technician provides direct technical support to the Coating Manager, Process Technicians, and production coaters. They contribute to the development of new products and implementation of coating process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct technical support and guidance to the Process Technicians, including but not limited to:
  • Plan and execute technical training programs and on-the-job support for Process Technicians to enhance technical skills, promote efficiencies, and positively impact overall production/yields.
  • Audit Process Technicians on standard operating procedures that relate to the coating process. 
  • Provide meaningful and constructive performance feedback that positively influences Process Technician behavior.
  • Provide regular technical feedback to the Coating Process Manager on Process Technicians’ technical skill deficiencies, development opportunities, and work performance, including escalating technical performance issues, as necessary.
  • Assist Coating Process Manager with coordinating Process Technician scheduling and coater coverage plans.
• Contribute to the development of new products and implementation of coating process improvements.
  • Generate samples and conduct trials on the development coater for efforts related to the development of new coating and improvements to existing coatings and processes.
  • Lead/participate in development efforts on the production coaters.
  • Perform required product testing: optical, mechanical, environmental, etc. participate in the development of new standards.
  • Monitor the status of the production coaters and lead/participate in trouble-shooting efforts when needed.
  • Work directly and effectively with customers and vendors in support of new products or technology.
  • Support the patent process, as requested.
• Use data to manage risks effectively and be aware of impact of decisions on other departments.
• Stay current on developing markets and technological trends through external information sources.
• Provide support through effective and efficient literature searching.
• Interact with Maintenance and Support groups to ensure appropriate preventative maintenance items are completed and potential issues are resolved.
• All other duties as assigned.

Personal Attributes and Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in technology, equipment, or product development, with a substantial portion in vacuum or thin film coating. 5 years of experience is preferred.
• PC Skills and proficiency required: Microsoft Office, Internet, E-mail, Spreadsheets, and department specific software (specific software may be learned on the job.).
• Basic knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems.
• Proficient in training others.
• Knowledge of vacuum theory, systems, and hardware; demonstrated application and hands-on ability.
• Familiarity with and previous use of Six Sigma tools.  Prior Six Sigma formal training preferred.
• Optical modeling and coating design experience preferred.
• Ability and willingness to lead and motivate others in a positive manner, including coaching others to follow work instructions, achieve standards, reach team goals, and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to operate both development and production coaters, with a desire to learn the intricacies of operating Tru Vue’s coating equipment. Able to adapt to new technology and techniques.
• Demonstrated understanding of the relationship between product features and manufacturing parameters, and quality measurements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to discuss, develop, and implement plans.  Demonstrated ability to work and lead in a cross-functional team environment and interact effectively with others at various levels of the organization.
• Proficiently use department-specific software, equipment, and instrumentation.
• Proven excellent problem solving and root cause identification and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to manage time, workload, and projects efficiently; ability to prioritize, modify, prioritize, and organize efficiently. Produces projects on time and on budget.
• Ability to work independently and move projects forward without close supervision.
• Sensitive to other cultures and backgrounds, able to work effectively in a diverse workplace.
• Ability to work outside scheduled hours in a 24/5 operation, based on the needs for technical support on the production coaters.

Work Environment

This job is primarily performed in an office environment. The noise level in the office is generally moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently interacts with individuals on the plant floor, near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the production environment is usually loud.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.  The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.  Vision requirements include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Pay Range:

• $26.00-30.00, plus $1.00/hour shift premium

Our Benefits

Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.