R&D Process Technician

Job Description:

Job Title

Vacuum Coating Technician

Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World

Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role

As a Vacuum Coating Technician, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. This position will provide extensive technical challenges and requires cross-functional teamwork with key researchers and development partners.  The position includes working on state-of-the-art roll-to-roll vacuum coating machinery in support of technology development programs that rely upon the precise configuration, operation, and maintenance of this equipment. Here, you will make an impact by:

• Configuring, operating, and maintaining vacuum coating process equipment
• Conducting detailed experiments to support lead researchers that must develop a thorough understanding of how materials and process parameters affect final product properties
• Conducting inspection and analysis of processed samples
• Working independently and with multidisciplinary team members.
• Making recommendations with respect to materials and/or process modifications.
• Proactively maintaining a safe and efficient process lab environment
• Other duties as assigned.

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year or more of technician experience in a research lab or manufacturing facility

OR

• Associates or 2-year technical program certificate in electrical, mechanical or process discipline

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

• Demonstrated hands-on mechanical skillset with knowledge of automated systems and machinery
• Experience using HMI interfaces, data acquisition
• Experience operating gas flow systems and high voltage power supplies
• Minimum of 1+ year vacuum coating experience (sputtering, evaporation, etc.)
• History of meticulous record-keeping
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office and other software
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter who takes ownership of their area and initiative in their work
• Ability to lift 50lbs.

Work location: On-site in Maplewood, MN​

Travel: N/A

Relocation Assistance: Not authorized

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Supporting Your Well-being

3M offers many programs to help you live your best life – both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.

Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $67,593 - $82,614, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.

Good Faith Posting Date Range 09/08/2026 To 10/08/2026 Or until filled

All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.

Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.

Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.

Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.

Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/

3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.

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