Engineering Technician 5

About the role

From smartphones to solar panels, innovative technology is needed to create the devices we use every day. Silfex’s silicon components help make that technology a reality. Silfex Inc., A Lam Research Company is the leading provider of precision silicon components used to make and operate semiconductor tools, which enable the trillion-dollar global electronics industry. Our company’s products are integral to the semiconductor equipment and optical markets.

The outstanding team at Silfex makes that possible – through our people, we are advancing the world. The impact we have on the world is made possible by focusing on our people. So we recognize and celebrate our teams’ achievements. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone’s contribution and voice has value. We evaluate and evolve our offerings, so our people receive the support and empowerment to do meaningful things for their lives, careers, and communities.

Essential function

The position is responsible for supporting, stabilizing, and optimizing CNC machining and automation-enabled manufacturing processes for silicon and other brittle materials. This role serves as a technical expert in CNC machining execution, equipment and automation performance, and process control, ensuring safe, capable, and repeatable operations that meet dimensional, cosmetic, and throughput requirements. This position emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting, CNC machine and automation system support, process optimization, and sustained manufacturing performance rather than primary program development.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert for CNC machining and associated automation systems within assigned value streams.
• Support manufacturing and process engineers by troubleshooting machining and automation-related issues and stabilizing existing CNC processes.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for machining defects, equipment downtime, automation faults, scrap, and yield losses.
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies to resolve tooling, probing, fixturing, automation interface, and equipment-related issues.
• Support development, review, and maintenance of FMEAs, control plans, standard work, and automation-related safeguards for CNC operations.

CNC and Automation Support - Process Optimization

• Set up and operate CNC machining centers, grinders, and auxiliary automated equipment (tool setters, dressers, probes, loaders, robotic interfaces, and material handling systems) as required.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to CNC machines, automation systems, programs, tooling, fixtures, probing systems, and consumables.
• Support shop-floor execution through hands-on setup assistance, process verification, automation recovery, and operator support.
• Assist with commissioning, recovery, and sustained operation of CNC machining centers, grinders, and associated automation systems.
• Support process standardization, documentation, and revision control to ensure consistency across shifts and equipment.
• Partner with maintenance, manufacturing, controls, and engineering teams to address recurring equipment, automation, and process performance issues.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate degree or High School Diploma
• 6+ years of progressive CNC experience in a production environment.
• Experience with silicon, glass, ceramics, or brittle materials preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of CNC machining operations, automation-enabled equipment, and shop-floor manufacturing practices
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting CNC machines, tooling, fixturing, probing systems, and automation-related issues
• Working knowledge of CNC programming concepts (G/M-code, macros, CAM-generated programs) for troubleshooting and optimization
• Familiarity with manufacturing automation concepts including sensors, interlocks, HMIs, equipment integration, and basic control logic interaction
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T
• Working knowledge of SPC, process capability analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Comprehensive understanding of shop operations, automated workflows, and end-to-end manufacturing processes

Professional Attributes

• Self-driven, accountable, and hands-on problem solver
• Strong analytical and root-cause problem-solving skills
• Effective ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams
• Strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to support manufacturing operations in a fast-paced, high-mix, automation-enabled production environment

Culture

• Display a positive attitude and strong work ethic that reflects the Mission and Core Values of Silfex.
• Create and maintain a culture where workplace safety is part of everything we do.
• Provide the safest possible workplace to our employees by modeling and following all company safety policies, reporting any incidents or unsafe conditions immediately to Silfex management.
• Wear all PPE as required by work area or job function.
• Communication – Begin with the end in mind – Communicate boldly as well as effectively with empathy and respect to inspire teamwork and collaboration vertically and horizontally within Silfex.
• Assist in applying lean manufacturing concepts and 5S.
• Demonstrate ownership of continuous improvement ideas and activities.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness, housekeeping and 5S within work area.
• Maintain these areas at the highest degree possible while responsibly escalating any maintenance issues.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and; talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to lift up to 10 pounds. The vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties