Coating Technician: Optical QC & Process Optimizer in Whetstone

Job Purpose

To assist the coating department by using optical technological knowledge to help with production requirements to meet on-time delivery requirements and yield expectations. To stay competitive within the current market and to assist in new product development. They make recommendations for continuous process improvements and may instigate relevant development activity. They will regularly demonstrate exemplary levels of efficiency and quality in their output. The shifts will be: 6am to 2pm and 2pm to 10pm (switching each week). Full training will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Competent to run numerous processes on a minimum of 2 coating plants in the department successfully, maintain the appropriate paperwork/route sheets correctly.
• Ability to measure and assess work on the appropriate spectrophotometers.
• Ability to identify potential coating problems ‘in process’ and take appropriate corrective action.
• Ability to identify coating defects such as spatter, striae, delamination, lint marks, comet marks etc. and understand the possible causes and know the type of action to take to avoid their occurrence.
• Possesses a thorough understanding of relevant Surface Quality Specifications and how the above relates to them.
• Examine work prior to coating and be satisfied it is fit to coat.
• Be able to load optics safely and maintain their cleanliness.
• Determine and specify the suitability of jigs for coating taking account of aspects such as clear aperture, outer dimensions, condition of jig being used, etc.
• Determines the appropriate test pieces to load into a run to maximise efficiencies and adherence to Quality schedules, is capable of measuring witness pieces to produce customer copies, this will involve familiarity with quality plans, and drawings.
• Possess the ability to identify and carry out routine preventative maintenance of critical process control features.
• Identify potential problems with the coating plant/measuring equipment and alert the appropriate support staff.
• Successfully perform a clean down of the coating chamber identifying any issues that could cause a failure, and re-assembly in good working order observing Local Health and safety rules.
• The Engineer would have developed/will develop sufficient experience and expertise to minimise and gauge the necessity for test runs.
• Maintain a tidy work area and work within the guidelines as laid down by the HSWE.
• Understand and adhere to the relevant Quality Control Procedures in accordance with ISO 9002.
• Read and understand all prints and specifications for optical coatings and checks desired specification.
• Cleaning all various material types.
• Competent to train colleagues on various aspects of the coating department.

AIMS

Provide Coating Supervisor with clear support to meet departmental objectives. Work as a member of the team. Follow the site’s comprehensive safety regulations, promptly report any risks, hazards, or incidents, and ensure a safe workplace by adhering to all established protocols.

The responsibilities listed above are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks to be performed. Additional duties are likely to be required as directed by the Department Manager.

Key Relationships

The Coating department liaises closely with the Sales & Engineering department ensuring that products meet the right customer specifications.

Desirable Attributes

• Competent Handling skills
• Attention to detail
• Working to tight tolerances
• Open to rotating shifts
• Willingness to learn
• Punctual
• Clean room experience preferred but not essential
• This will involve physical activities such as transporting optics to and from the coating department.