Machine Operator I

Machine Operator I Full Time + Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with Company Match, PTO) Job Type: Onsite Hourly Range: $19.00 - $25.00, DOE Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM  Location: Poway, CA Fralock is an engineered solutions provider of specialty components and subassemblies using advanced materials for high reliability, severe environment, and technically challenging applications. We develop and manufacture custom integrated solutions. Established in 1967, we are a critical solutions provider to Fortune 500 corporations, government, and targeted OEMs in a variety of industries including Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturing, Medical and Life Science, Aerospace and Defense, Industrial, Electronics, and Energy. Fralock is headquartered in Valencia, CA with manufacturing locations located throughout Northern and Southern California. VISION To be recognized by our customers as a leading solutions provider of proprietary engineered advanced materials for high reliability, severe environment, and technically challenging applications. MISSION To create value, profitably grow, and share our success with all stakeholders. CULTURE * Respect – We treat others the way they want to be treated. * Integrity – We practice a high standard of ethics in our business dealings with customers, suppliers, and employees. * Responsiveness – We have a sense of urgency in responding to internal and external requests and work proactively to solve problems. * Excellence/Competence – We empower our people to continuously improve and execute high quality work. * Teamwork – We work together to achieve Fralock business objectives by communicating at a high level, by listening and having clarity in our expectations of one another. * Individual Accountability and Personal Responsibility – We do what we have committed to do when we committed to doing it. * Continuous Improvement across all segments of the company 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 (which generally means (i) be a citizen or national of the United States; or (ii) be a lawful permanent resident of the United States; or (iii) have been admitted to the United States as a refugee, or have been granted asylum, as specified under applicable law. Job Summary The Machine Operator is responsible for setting up and operating high precision ceramic processing equipment, specifically green sheet punching, and sheet lamination. This position plays a critical role in the initial stages of high-precision ceramic component and electronic substrate manufacturing, ensuring precise layer registration, material consistency, and structural integrity before high-temperature sintering. This role focuses on producing high-quality products safely, efficiently, and on schedule while meeting both internal and external customer requirements. The position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to identify quality issues, and flexibility to support multiple functions through cross-training.  Essential Duties and Responsibilities To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Under general supervision, must be able to perform a variety of job duties including, but not limited to: * Setup and operate mechanical or automated punching equipment to produce via holes, alignment features, and cavity patterns in unfired ceramic green sheets according to engineering drawings and tooling specifications. *  Collate and align multi-layer ceramic sheets using high-precision alignment fixtures; operate thermal ISO-static or uniaxial lamination presses under strictly controlled pressure, temperature, and dwell time cycles. * Conduct visual and dimensional checks at each stage (punch quality, print registration/thickness, laminate bond integrity). Accurately log yield, scrap, and batch records in the ERP system. * Handle delicate green tape sheets, clean punching dies, and maintain a clean, contamination-free workstation (ESD and particulate control). * Perform machine setups, including tooling selection, fixture loading, and program loading.  * Make machine adjustments, offsets, and tooling changes to maintain machining quality and efficiency.  * Read and interpret blueprints, setup sheets, travelers, engineering drawings, and specifications * Use precision measuring instruments to verify part conformance and maintain accurate quality documentation.  * Crosstrain and rotate across multiple workstations to support production needs and efficiency.  * Communicate and collaborate effectively with Supervisors, Production Leads, and peers to support department goals.  * Follow all safety standards and procedures, including PPE requirements for a manufacturing environment. * Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work area using safety standards and expectations  * Other duties as needed or assigned by supervisor. Required Skills * Experience operating and/or setting up manual machining equipment in a manufacturing environment. * Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawing requirements. * Experience using precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, indicators, and height gages.  * Mechanical aptitude with strong attention to detail and commitment to quality. * Ability to deal with and solve problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. * Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals * Self-motivated with the ability to achieve results in a fast-paced environment.  * Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment. * Commitment to workplace safety and maintaining a clean work environment. * Experience using Microsoft Suite.  Preferred Skills * Previous experience operating greens sheet punching, thick film printing, and sheet lamination equipment.    Education and Experience Requirements * High School Degree or General Education Degree and zero (0) to two (2) years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience * Blueprint reading certificate desired.    Physical Requirements * Frequent use of hands for handling various sized components, tools, and controls. * Ability to perform similar operations and tasks for 6-8 hours.  * Ability to sit and stand for 6 to 8 hours. * Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally. * Ability to perform visual inspection to perform close‑up inspection tasks for 4 to 6 hours.   Working Conditions * Work performed indoors in environmentally controlled environments with temperatures ranging from 66°F to 90°F.  * Exposure to hazardous material. * Required use of PPE including smocks, gloves, hairnets/full face covers, shoe covers, and safety‑toed footwear. * While performing the duties of this job, will regularly be exposed to moving high-speed machinery and mechanical parts. Will occasionally be exposed to machine oils and hazardous materials.  All offers of employment at Fralock are contingent upon clear results of a background check. Background checks may include some or all the following depending on job title and responsibilities: * Social Security Verification * Prior Employment Verification * Criminal History * Personal and Professional References * Motor Vehicle Records * Credit History Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a position. Fralock provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #ZR