Title: Senior Cleanroom Engineer

Executive Area: Research and Engagement

College/School/MBU: Institute Applied Life Science

Department: Core Facilities

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Senior Cleanroom Engineer supports the daily technical operation, maintenance of equipment and development of processes in the Nanofabrication, the Device Fabrication, and the Roll-to-Roll Facilities cleanrooms in the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS). The Manufacturing Engineer works with the respective facility staff and management team to establish and support operating and maintenance protocols, process development, and collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and outside users to maximize high impact research and development output.

Essential Functions

Ensures daily operation of all lab equipment in the clean rooms, with major pieces including but not limited to, evaporator, sputter, plasma etchers, plasma and atomic layer deposition tools, wafer bonders, mask aligner, chemical and acid hoods, inspection and metrology tools, roll-to-roll (R2R) and bench top coating and printing lines.

Develops and maintains fabrication processes, such as etching, lithography, and vapor deposition, utilizing cleanroom equipment to support grant and industry research projects.

Develops and maintains a preventative maintenance program for the clean room facilities and provides preventative maintenance in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.

Troubleshoots and coordinates with technical services of tool vendors for equipment services and repairs in the event of equipment malfunctions, minimizing the equipment downtime.

Develops standard operating procedures and trains users on using the cleanroom equipment.

Performs hands-on maintenance work in cleanroom environment complying with all gowning requirements.

May participate in discussions with Faculty and other users around capabilities and servicing needs. Engages with vendors and other service providers as required. May also participate in planning activities around new equipment procurements and advises on equipment end-of-life processes.

Ensures the clean room facility complies with the University general health and safety standards, local environmental safety standards and appropriate quality assurance standards.

Stays current with technological development and suggests purchase of new equipment, negotiates technical specifications and price for new instruments purchase, and supervises the installation of the instruments.

Responds promptly and appropriately to emergencies or urgent issues as they arise.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with more than five (5) years of relevant professional experience required, or associate degree with more than eight (8) years of experience or high school diploma with more than ten (10) years of equivalent industry experience in a related technical environment.  

Relevant experience should include a minimum five years’ experience in cleanroom operation and tool maintenance.

Experience with vacuum pumps, chillers, high vacuum systems, pressurized gas distribution systems, compressors, and related valves, regulators, and hardware.

Excellent communication skills, the interpersonal ability to liaise effectively with staff, students, contractors and industrialists at all levels.

Sufficient IT skills of utilizing online laboratory and equipment management systems to deliver an efficient service is required. Hands on ability with graphical user interfaces for equipment.

Environmental Health and Safety laboratory safety training.

Laboratory hazardous waste management.

Preferred Qualifications

M.S. in related field.

Additional Details

The Senior Cleanroom Engineer will receive direct supervision from the Nanofabrication/Device Fabrication managers. Indirectly, the Senior Cleanroom Engineer will receive supervision from the R2R manager and Director of Core facility that oversees these core facilities, particularly in areas specific to research and scientific practices, as well as equipment functionality. Overall, the position provides an opportunity to engage in cutting edge high technology development and translation while working in a team environment. Self-starter, motivated individuals are sought.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

37.5 hours per week. Night & weekend work may be required on occasion.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 31

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Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.