PVD Coating Chamber Technician — West Chicago, IL

Step into a production floor where precision meets innovation. At IHI Ionbond — The Surface Engineers — your day revolves around turning customer-owned components into high-performance parts through advanced thin-film coatings.

A day in this role

You’ll begin by reviewing work orders and quality specs before preparing batch loads. You’ll load and fixture parts with care, then work side-by-side with supervisors to operate and closely monitor high-vacuum PVD coating chambers. Throughout the shift, you’ll run periodic checks to ensure processes remain stable. After each cycle, you’ll de-fixture parts, perform visual inspections, and document outcomes. You’ll also complete routine upkeep — cleaning machine interiors and performing light maintenance — to keep equipment in peak condition. And, as needs shift, you’ll jump in on other assigned tasks to keep production on track.

About Ionbond

Ionbond delivers advanced coating solutions for aerospace, medical, food-contact, automotive, decorative, tooling, and fuel cell applications. Our portfolio spans hard, low-friction, wear-resistant coatings using PVD, PACVD, and CVD technologies. With 34 coating centers across 15 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia, we operate one of the world’s largest coating networks. Ionbond is part of the IHI Group, a renowned Japanese industrial consortium.

What you’ll do

• Execute assigned processes to meet customer specifications, quality criteria, and production targets
• Operate and closely monitor high-vacuum PVD coating chambers with guidance from supervisors
• Run periodic process and equipment checks to verify proper operation
• Load/unload customer parts; handle precision-machined components with care
• Clean interiors of coating machines and perform basic preventive maintenance
• De-fixture batch loads after processing
• Visually inspect parts and document findings
• Support additional duties as needed

Schedule

Two shifts available Monday through Friday: 1st shift: from 7:00am to 3:30pm, and 2nd shift: 3:00pm to 11:30pm. Role requires the ability to sit and/or stand for up to 8-hour shifts and may include occasional weekend work.

What you bring

• 3+ years’ experience in manufacturing or related environment preferred
• Mechanical aptitude; electrical and troubleshooting experience are a plus
• Comfort using manufacturing tools and equipment; strong critical-thinking and communication skills
• Thrives in a fast-paced setting; excellent manual dexterity
• Ability to handle precision parts and read instructions in English, including documents as small as 8-point font

Proficiencies

• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• Precision Measurement & Inspection
• Machine Setups for Production Runs

Pay, benefits, and growth

We’re committed to unleashing your potential with international and local growth opportunities. You’ll join a diverse, team-oriented environment focused on innovation and customer excellence. Compensation is competitive and based on experience and education, with a comprehensive benefits package:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with affordable premiums and deductibles
• Flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Employee assistance program
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Safe Harbor retirement account plus company match

Important hiring note

*The position may begin on a contingent basis through a staffing agency, with eligibility for full-time regular employment determined after 90–180 days based on production needs and performance.

Legal

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and successfully complete a pre-employment criminal background check and physical screening.

How to apply

Please upload your resume and optional cover letter to this site.