Cleanroom Manager
Job Summary
The Utah Nanofab is seeking an experienced, hands-on Cleanroom
Manager to provide engineering, scientific, and operational
leadership for its world-class micro- and nanofabrication facility.
The manager oversees day-to-day cleanroom operations, equipment and
infrastructure maintenance, user training, safety, budgeting, and
strategic planning. This position plays a pivotal role in enabling
leading-edge research and development in microelectronics, sensors,
materials, micro optics, and nanotechnology. The successful
candidate will demonstrate technical depth, leadership experience,
and a passion for fostering a collaborative research
environment.
Multi-Discipline Engineering Management
Direct/Manage/Supervise engineers and technicians performing
research, design, and development across multiple engineering
disciplines. Develop processes, policies, and procedures and ensure
all engineering projects align with the organization's objectives.
Collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines, management,
sales and marketing, and related departments as necessary to
determine engineering feasibility, cost effectiveness, and demand
for engineering products and services. Manage engineering
verification activities to ensure product or service deliverables
are met on-time and conform to the organization's and/or client's
specifications. Advise leadership and other impacted departments on
product or design changes which may affect profit, schedule, cost,
or client relationships. May be required to approve designs that
can impact the health, safety, and welfare of the general public,
as required by law.
Learn more about the great benefits of working for
University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategy
- Provide engineering, scientific, and operational leadership for
the Utah Nanofab cleanroom.
Maintain and advance the Nanofab's reputation as a world-class
user facility supporting academic, industrial, and government
research.
Collaborate with faculty and leadership to develop and execute
strategic plans for equipment acquisition, facility upgrades, and
research initiatives.
Represent the Nanofab to the broader scientific community,
including coordinating tours, outreach, and development
efforts.
Prepare for and lead external reviews and assessments of the
Nanofab program.
Facility and Equipment Management
- Work with facilities and staff safety engineer to oversee all
aspects of cleanroom infrastructure, including HVAC, process gases,
DI water, vacuum, and safety systems.
- Supervise equipment maintenance, installation, and process
development across thin-film, etch, lithography, and packaging
tools.
- Establish repair and preventative maintenance priorities and
ensure minimal downtime.
- Coordinate with campus facilities, safety, and vendors for
service, repairs, and upgrades.
User Support, Training, and Safety
- Direct user training programs, ensuring safe and effective
operation of tools and adherence to protocols.
- Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), online
training modules, and safety documentation.
- Conduct user group meetings, annual safety town halls, and
individual process consultations.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, cleanliness, and
respect among users and staff.
Staff Management and Mentorship
- Supervise and mentor engineers, technicians, and student
assistants.
- Assign roles and responsibilities, conduct annual performance
reviews, and coordinate team development.
- Promote collaboration and communication between cleanroom,
surface analysis, and administrative teams.
- Support recruitment, retention, and advancement of staff from
all backgrounds.
Budgeting and Administration
- Develop and manage cleanroom budgets, user billing rates, and
cost recovery models.
- Provide financial analysis and operational metrics to the Price
College of Engineering and theVice President for Research.
- Oversee procurement, vendor relationships, and contract
negotiations.
Research and Technical Expertise
- Provide micro/nanofabrication services and process guidance for
internal and external projects.
- Collaborate with faculty and students to develop and optimize
fabrication process flows.
- Support advanced research activities including e-beam and UV
lithography, PVD, CVD,RIE/DRIE, wet etch, 3D microprinting, and
metrology.
Working Conditions
- Work performed primarily in a cleanroom environment.
- Frequent standing, walking, and working in protective
garments.
- Occasional handling of chemicals, hazardous gases, and use of
safety equipment.
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education
can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience
(Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work
experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job
levels:
Senior Supervisor, Multi-Discipline Engineering
Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4
years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related
work experience.
Manager, Multi-Discipline Engineering Management:
Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or
equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
Senior Manager, Multi-Discipline Engineering
Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8
years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related
work experience.
Preferences
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering or physical science
discipline.
- 7-10 years of experience managing a shared cleanroom facility
or equivalent industrial environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in process integration and multi-tool
fabrication workflows.
- E-beam lithography experience and expertise
- Experience with cost recovery models, billing systems, and rate
development.
- Hands-on experience with facility infrastructure (air handling,
process gases, DI water, vacuum, exhaust).
Special Instructions
Requisition Number: PRN45987B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
Department: 00052 - UTAH NANOFAB
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 90,000-130,000
Close Date: 10/31/2026
Open Until Filled:
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/9783757"">https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/207972
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