IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in more than 25 locations around the world. We aspire to work together with our employees and customers to apply light in ways that improve life.
Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions to make the world a better place. To accomplish this mission, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent and an engaged and thriving workforce that drives a sustainable future for our company and society.
Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and competitive benefits.
The Lead Technician is responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of production equipment by applying advanced technical expertise and leadership within the maintenance team. This role serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for equipment and process reliability, leading troubleshooting efforts for complex and critical equipment issues. The Lead Technician performs and oversees root-cause analysis for systemic or high-impact failures, develops and implements corrective and preventive actions, and collaborates closely with engineering to drive process improvements and equipment reliability strategies. This position requires strong hands-on experience working with advanced deposition systems, including PVD, sputtering, e-beam, and evaporative deposition equipment. In addition, the role leads daily maintenance execution, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures high standards of safety, quality, and operational performance in a fast-paced, high-technology manufacturing environment.
Key responsibilities include:
Serving as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for equipment performance, troubleshooting, and process reliability
Leading daily maintenance operations, prioritizing tasks and assigning work to technicians to meet production needs
Leading troubleshooting and repair of advanced systems including:
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)
Sputtering systems
E-beam deposition equipment
Evaporative deposition systems
Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) equipment and vacuum pumps
Partnering with engineering teams on equipment upgrades, retrofits, and root-cause analysis to drive continuous improvement
Coordinating and overseeing the preventive maintenance (PM) program, ensuring execution, documentation, and compliance
Training and mentoring technicians, promoting technical development, safety, and reliability best practices
Managing spare parts and inventory, including ordering critical components and maintaining appropriate stock levels
Coordinating with external vendors for equipment repair, technical support, and parts sourcing
Arranging and tracking off-site repair of equipment or components as required
Ensuring accurate and thorough documentation of all maintenance activities in compliance with company and regulatory standards
Supporting a cleanroom work environment, maintaining strict adherence to quality, safety, and operational protocols