"Cleanroom Manager"

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

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget. The Utah Nanofab is considering applications for the job level Senior Supervisor, Manager, and Senior Manager.

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 the Vice 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

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in nanofabrication processes and cleanroom operations.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising staff, managing budgets, and maintaining complex laboratory facilities.
• Strong technical knowledge of micro/nanofabrication tools and safety protocols.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with researchers, staff, and students from all backgrounds.

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:

Manager, Multi-Discipline Engineering Management: Requires a bachelor's in a related field (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 in a related field (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: PRN43830B
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: 2/28/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/193762