Thick Film Printer Technician – Level 3

Fralock is an engineered solutions provider of specialty components and subassystems using advanced materials for high reliability, severe environment, and technically challenging applications. We develop and manufacture custom integrated solutions for Fortune 500 corporations, government, and targeted OEMs in industries including Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturing, Medical and Life Science, Aerospace and Defense, Industrial, Electronics, and Energy.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Thick Film Printer Technician - Level 3 to join our technical manufacturing team. In this advanced role, you will set up, operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot complex thick film screen printers and associated drying/firing equipment. The ideal candidate acts as a subject matter expert on the floor, optimizing print parameters, resolving complex paste and substrate defects, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and driving production excellence with a strong emphasis on precision and compliance.

This position requires access to information controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR); the successful candidate must be a "U.S. person" as defined in the ITAR and EAR (generally a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee).

Responsibilities

• Perform complex setups, register calibrations, and precise alignment on automated thick film screen printers for high-density, multi-layer microelectronic or ceramic circuits.
• Diagnose and resolve complex printing defects (e.g., smearing, bleeding, pinholes, thickness variations, screen wear) by adjusting snap-off distance, squeegee pressure, speed, and emulsion parameters.
• Manage specialized conductive/resistive inks, overseeing viscosity checks, mixing, shelf-life compliance, and proper screen reclamation/storage.
• Perform advanced preventative maintenance, optical alignment checks, and mechanical/pneumatic troubleshooting on printer platforms, IR furnaces, and dryers.
• Serve as the technical point of contact (SME) and provide hands-on training, guidance, and coaching to operators and junior processing staff.
• Lead Lean manufacturing, yield-improvement, and Root Cause Problem Solving (RCPS) initiatives to minimize scrap and enhance throughput yield.
• Ensure strict adherence to traveler instructions, process specifications, ITAR/CMMC security mandates, and accurate record-keeping in quality and ERP systems.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 5 to 8+ years of hands-on experience operating and maintaining thick film screen printers (e.g., Keko, MPM, EKRA) within a precision manufacturing or microelectronics environment.
• Expertise in setting up and operating automated vision-alignment screen printers.
• Strong familiarity with high-temperature drying ovens, belt furnaces, and firing profiles.
• Proficiency with precision measurement tools (micrometers, calipers, optical comparators, profilometers).
• Working knowledge of ERP/MES manufacturing tracking systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Skills

• Deep mastery of thick film screen printing theory, screen mechanics, emulsion types, and mesh tensioning.
• Advanced capability to analyze fine-line resolution, wet/dry film thickness, and registration tolerances using optical microscopes and profilometers.
• Strong mechanical and electro-pneumatic troubleshooting skills for automated printing machinery and auxiliary dryers/furnaces.
• In-depth knowledge of rheology, paste characteristics, and substrate preparation (e.g., alumina, ceramics, technical substrates).
• Exceptional analytical and root-cause problem-solving skills for resolving complex print yield and material failures.
• Effective leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills for training and mentoring shop-floor personnel.
• High attention to detail and rigorous commitment to quality control and process repeatability.
• Demonstrated organizational ability to manage multiple printing lots, tool changes, and project timelines simultaneously.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for long periods, perform repetitive fine-motor tasks, use precision microscopes, and lift up to 30 lbs. regularly.
• Flexibility to work assigned shifts and overtime as production demands.
• Work is performed in a cleanroom and manufacturing floor environment, requiring adherence to strict contamination-control protocols, handling of chemical pastes, and exposure to moderate machinery noise and varying ambient temperatures near thermal equipment.
• Required to wear mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and cleanroom garments (smocks, hairnets, gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toe footwear where designated).
• Strict adherence to chemical safety, ESD (electrostatic discharge) protocols, and handling procedures is required.

Schedule

• Full-time, onsite position on 1st shift.
• Requires flexibility to support varying shifts, scheduled weekend production runs, and overtime to accommodate critical customer delivery schedules.

Pay

Hourly range: $28.00 - $36.00, depending on experience.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401k with Company Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)