Job Details

Vacuum Technician

As a Vacuum Technician, you will operate and monitor PVD systems, such as sputtering and evaporation, for production builds. You will be responsible for preparing substrates, tooling, and fixtures for deposition processes, running established thin-film recipes for production lots, and using thin-film characterization tools to assess film quality.

Responsibilities:

• Operate and monitor PVD systems for production builds.
• Prepare substrates, tooling, and fixtures for deposition processes.
• Run established thin-film recipes for production lots.
• Log process data, track deviations, and report issues.
• Support root cause analysis for equipment or process issues.
• Use thin-film characterization tools to assess film thickness, uniformity, and quality.
• Maintain accurate records of recipes, runs, and material traceability.
• Uphold strict cleanroom, ESD, and vacuum safety protocols.

Essential Skills:

• 13 years of experience with thin-film deposition, vacuum systems, or semiconductor processes.
• Comfort working in a cleanroom environment with full PPE.
• Familiarity with vacuum pumps, gauges, gas systems, and plasma-based processes.
• Clear communication skills and disciplined recordkeeping.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds, stand for extended periods, and occasionally work off-shift or weekend hours.
• Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent experience in Materials Science, Electronics, Vacuum Technology, or related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Knowledge of deposition variables such as power, pressure, gas flow, and film stress.
• Ability to train junior technicians and contribute to SOP development.
• 3+ years of experience preferred.
• Critical thinking skills to solve problems proactively.

Work Environment:

Work onsite in Berkeley, with a requirement to be located within 45 minutes of the facility. The role involves working in a cleanroom environment, adhering to strict safety protocols, and may require occasional off-shift or weekend hours to support builds.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Contract position based out of Berkeley, California.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type:

This is a fully onsite position in Berkeley, CA.

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2025.

About Actalent:

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation, and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia, and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email ...@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.