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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Glue Technician

💰 $45,000 - $70,000

ManufacturingAerospace & DefenseAutomotiveTechnicianSkilled Trades

🎯 Role Definition

As a Glue Technician, you are the artisan at the heart of our production process, responsible for creating robust and reliable bonds that are fundamental to the performance and safety of our final products. This role requires a unique blend of technical precision, process discipline, and hands-on expertise. You will work with a variety of advanced adhesives and materials, interpreting complex engineering drawings and work instructions to perform critical bonding, potting, and sealing operations. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a structured environment and is committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and safety.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Assembly Technician
  • Manufacturing Associate
  • Quality Control Inspector

Advancement To:

  • Senior Glue/Bonding Technician
  • Manufacturing Team Lead or Supervisor
  • Quality Assurance Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Process Technician
  • Materials & Process Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Accurately weigh, mix, and de-gas multi-component adhesives, resins, and sealants according to precise engineering specifications and material data sheets to ensure optimal bonding properties.
  • Perform meticulous surface preparation on a variety of substrates, including composites, metals, and plastics, using techniques such as cleaning, abrading, solvent wiping, and plasma treating.
  • Apply primers and adhesion promoters as specified by work instructions to enhance bond strength and durability.
  • Operate and maintain manual, semi-automated, and pneumatic adhesive dispensing equipment, ensuring consistent bead size, flow rate, and application accuracy.
  • Precisely apply adhesives and sealants to components, following detailed instructions on application patterns, bond line thickness, and fillet requirements.
  • Assemble and fixture components post-application, ensuring proper alignment and contact pressure are maintained throughout the curing process.
  • Operate and monitor thermal curing ovens, autoclaves, and UV light systems, strictly adhering to specified cure profiles including ramp rates, soak times, and temperatures.
  • Conduct in-process quality control inspections to verify correct material usage, application quality, and dimensional accuracy before and after curing.
  • Read, interpret, and execute tasks based on complex engineering drawings, blueprints, process specifications, and manufacturing work orders.
  • Maintain meticulous and accurate production records, including material lot numbers, mix ratios, application times, and cure cycle data for full traceability.
  • Perform routine calibration, cleaning, and preventative maintenance on all mixing, dispensing, and curing equipment to ensure operational readiness and reliability.
  • Handle, store, and dispose of chemical compounds, adhesives, and hazardous materials in strict accordance with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and company EHS policies.
  • Identify and troubleshoot common bonding defects such as voids, porosity, poor adhesion, or incorrect bond line thickness, and report non-conformances to engineering.
  • Manage the inventory of adhesives and related consumable materials, including monitoring shelf life, performing "first-in, first-out" (FIFO) usage, and requisitioning new stock.
  • Work within a controlled environment, such as a cleanroom, adhering to all gowning, contamination control, and environmental monitoring protocols.
  • Perform potting and encapsulation of electronic components and assemblies to provide structural support and protection from environmental factors.
  • Use precision measuring tools, including calipers, micrometers, and feeler gauges, to verify part dimensions and bond line thickness.
  • Support process engineering teams in the development, qualification, and implementation of new bonding procedures and materials.
  • Conduct destructive and non-destructive testing (NDT), such as tap testing, peel tests, or lap shear tests, on sample coupons to validate bond quality.
  • Collaborate closely with assembly teams, quality engineers, and production supervisors to ensure seamless workflow and resolve any production issues promptly.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the training and mentorship of junior technicians on proper adhesive handling and application techniques.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to process performance.
  • Contribute to the organization's continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting process enhancements for safety, quality, and efficiency.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the production and engineering teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Adhesive Mixing & Handling: Expertise in accurately mixing two-part epoxies, silicones, and urethanes, with a strong understanding of pot life and work life.
  • Blueprint & Technical Drawing Interpretation: Ability to read and comprehend complex engineering drawings, process specifications, and schematics.
  • Surface Preparation Techniques: Proficient in various methods of preparing surfaces for bonding, including solvent cleaning, mechanical abrasion, and chemical etching.
  • Dispensing Equipment Operation: Skilled in the use of manual, pneumatic, and semi-automated dispensing guns, systems, and robotics.
  • Quality Inspection Tools: Competency in using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and visual inspection aids to ensure work meets quality standards.
  • Curing Process Control: Experience operating and programming thermal ovens, autoclaves, or UV curing systems.
  • Chemical Safety & Handling: Deep understanding of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), proper PPE usage, and hazardous material management.
  • Traceability & Documentation: Meticulous record-keeping skills for logging material batches, process parameters, and quality checks.
  • Basic Mathematics: Strong arithmetic skills for calculating precise mix ratios and material quantities.
  • Cleanroom & ESD Protocols: Familiarity with working in controlled environments and handling electrostatic-sensitive devices.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Attention to Detail: A critical eye for precision and spotting minute imperfections is paramount.
  • Manual Dexterity: Excellent hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for precise application tasks.
  • Process-Oriented Mindset: The ability to follow multi-step, complex procedures without deviation.
  • Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying issues, troubleshooting defects, and proposing effective solutions.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to work with a wide range of materials, processes, and components.
  • Strong Work Ethic: A reliable, self-motivated individual who takes ownership of their work quality.
  • Team Collaboration: Ability to communicate and work effectively with engineers, supervisors, and peers.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or Technical Certificate in a related field (e.g., Composites Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Aviation Maintenance).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Materials Science
  • Chemical Technology
  • Manufacturing Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, or technical assembly environment.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience with adhesive bonding, potting, or sealant application in a regulated industry such as aerospace, defense, medical devices, or electronics manufacturing.
  • Certification in adhesive bonding or composite repair (e.g., Abaris Training) is a significant plus.
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