Technical Manufacturing Associate – Lamination Operator

The Technical Manufacturing Associate – Lamination Operator is responsible for preparing, bonding, and processing elastomer materials into multi-layer constructions used in custom gaskets, pads, and EMI shielding components. This role is essential to ensuring material performance, adhesion reliability, and dimensional stability prior to die cutting, waterjet cutting, or molding. You will work with silicone, foam, films, and pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) to create engineered material stacks that meet demanding OEM specifications.

Core Responsibilities

Lamination Equipment Operation

• Set up and operate lamination equipment including:
  • Roll laminators
  • Flatbed laminators
  • Adhesive application systems
• Adjust process parameters such as:
  • Pressure and nip settings
  • Feed rate and alignment
  • Temperature (if applicable for thermal lamination)

Material Preparation

• Stage and prepare materials including:
  • Silicone sheets, sponge, or foam
  • Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA)
  • Films, foils, or release liners
• Ensure proper material orientation and alignment prior to bonding

Process Control & Quality Assurance

• Monitor lamination runs to ensure:
  • Uniform adhesion across surfaces
  • Absence of air bubbles, wrinkles, or delamination
  • Proper bond strength and surface finish
• Inspect laminated materials using:
  • Visual inspection
  • Peel adhesion checks (qualitative or quantitative)
  • Dimensional verification
• Identify and correct issues such as:
  • Misalignment
  • Adhesive transfer failure
  • Contamination or surface defects

Material Handling

• Safely handle and store raw materials to prevent:
  • Contamination (dust, oils)
  • Compression set or deformation
  • Adhesive degradation
• Maintain traceability of materials, including lot control and labeling

Production Workflow

• Follow job travelers, work instructions, and production schedules
• Prepare laminated materials for downstream processes such as:
  • Die cutting
  • Waterjet cutting
  • Assembly or kitting

Equipment Maintenance

• Perform routine maintenance including:
  • Cleaning rollers and surfaces
  • Inspecting and replacing worn components
  • Maintaining proper machine calibration

Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and resolve lamination issues related to:
  • Adhesive performance
  • Material compatibility
  • Equipment alignment or pressure settings
• Communicate process issues to engineering or supervisors for resolution

Safety & Complaince

• Adhere to all OSHA and plant safety procedures
• Follow proper handling protocols for adhesives and materials
• Use required PPE during operation
• Maintain a clean, organized workspace aligned with 5S principles
• Support compliance with AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality systems

Requirements

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or technical certification required
• Experience in:
  • Lamination, converting, or fabrication processes (preferred)
  • Adhesive-backed materials or elastomer manufacturing (preferred)

Technical Skills

• Ability to read and interpret:
  • Work instructions and job travelers
  • Basic engineering drawings (preferred)
• Familiarity with:
  • Adhesive systems (PSA, transfer adhesives, films)
  • Precision material handling