Production Operator in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at NovoLINC Inc

NovoLINC is a deep-tech spin-off from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) dedicated to creating world-class thermal interface materials (TIM). Our high-performance solutions serve the semiconductor, AI data center, and aerospace industries. We are a "people-first" company where every team member is given the opportunity to grow their technical skills while driving sustainable global advancement.

Job Summary:

As a Production Operator, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operational execution of our scale-up operation, focusing on established process steps, and later-term supporting mid/full-scale manufacturing lines. You will work closely with the technicians under the guidance of manufacturing operations leadership to run targeted steps in production batching, assist with special/urgent customer requests, and ensure high-quality output of products. Our operations encompass both chemical (plating and material post-treatment) and mechanical processing (converting, transport, testing), so you will be working in both environments daily. Comfort working in both sides of this dual environment, in a safe manner, is paramount. This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced "scale-up" environment, transitioning from R&D-scale to larger production development and pilot lines.

Pay rate: $24-$27 per hour

Key Responsibilities:

• Chemical Production Execution: Independently set-up and run metal plating and post-processing, as well as SOP-based ancillary chemical processes.
• Part Production Execution: Support the physical processing of materials, from initial raw material to final packaging production steps, as they are fully developed.
• Material Preparation: Prepare critical chemical raw materials and delicate thin film materials under clean manufacturing conditions.
• Chemical Maintenance: Perform titrations, pH testing and periodic chemical addition to plating baths and support operation in-line with schedule and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS): Support an EHS-centric environment by assisting with daily EHS-related tasks and checks, ensuring 6S adherence, and contributing to continuous safety improvement.
• Work Instruction: Contribute to the development of process-based SOPs as process stages mature and scale, assist in training incoming production operators.
• Equipment and Supply Upkeep: Assist in basic preventative and corrective maintenance (PM/CM) execution and production supply tracking, in order minimize production impact/downtime.
• Quality Testing & Documentation: Perform standardized quality testing and record product data accurately for product traceability using both handwritten and digital formats.
• Contamination Control: Maintain strict adherence to contamination control protocols to ensure the integrity of delicate thin-film substrates

Experience: Previous experience in manufacturing is required.

• Previous manufacturing experience is required, ideally in a high-technology end-market and/or precision-based environment.
• High school diploma with some exposure to high school-level chemistry.
• Hands-on experience with safe chemical handling and storage in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to follow complex SOPs, and basic proficiency with digital tracking tools.
• Basic knowledge in utilizing Google or Microsoft office and email applications.
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Prior experience with electroplating, racking, or continuous plating lines is a strong plus.
• Ability to safely work onsite in a lab and factory environment, five (5) days per week, on an 8–10-hour production shift, during core office/site hours of 9AM-6PM minimum.
• Fundamental knowledge of 5S Lean principles is preferred but not required.
• Ability to perform “medium” lift workloads, 26 to 50 pounds infrequently.

Why Join NovoLINC?

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of thermal management innovation.
• Competitive salary and benefits, including healthcare, 401K and flexible PTO.
• A collaborative, inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and professional growth.