Nanotechnology Equipment and Process Technician

The Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility (CNF) has an immediate opening for a Nanotechnology Equipment and Process Technician (job class Equipment Tech IV). This is a hands-on technical support position. The position is fixed-term with an expected appointment term of three years.

The successful candidate will demonstrate electronics, vacuum, and mechanical troubleshooting skills and enjoy collaborating with others to solve problems. A customer service demeanor and strong organizational skills will be critical to success in this role.

As Equipment and Process Technician, you will provide technical support and assistance with general cleanroom laboratory operations and perform a wide range of maintenance, installation, and upkeep tasks to assure the quality and safety of processes. You will interact with other CNF technical staff and CNF users and will spend at least 30 hours per week in the cleanroom, regularly handling hazardous chemicals.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Taking primary responsibility for proper operation of certain fabrication instruments
• Maintaining and repairing advanced nanotechnology equipment, including vacuum and electronic control systems
• Interacting with vendors and field service engineers for advanced maintenance functions
• Assisting with the installation and qualification of new nanofabrication tools
• Providing instruction for the users of assigned CNF equipment, predominantly reactive ion etching and thin film deposition tools
• Assisting in the characterization of thin film deposition and etching equipment and sharing the information available to staff and users
• Preparing training materials for correct operation of advanced nanotechnology tools
• Assisting in the design, implementation, and documentation of effective process flows that align with user requirements and operational needs
• Under the direction of senior technical staff, processing and characterizing samples for CNF users utilizing standard process recipes

As part of the Cornell community, you will help foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

About Us

The Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility (CNF) mission is to enable rapid advancements in science, engineering, and technology at the nanoscale by providing efficient access to nanotechnology infrastructure and expertise. CNF operates as a flexible open user facility and is proud to be a member of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI).

What We Need

Send us a cover letter and resume outlining your interest in this position and explaining how your experience and qualifications match the position requirements. Your letter is an important component of your application. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

When evaluating your candidacy, we will look for evidence of the following:

• Trade, vocational or technical school (formal training beyond a HS Diploma), preferably in engineering technology or related field or equivalent
• 2-4 years of relevant experience
• Ability to lift >50 pounds and move heavy equipment with assistance
• Ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and gases
• High degree of mechanical and organizational skills
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, situations, and demands
• Ability to work in cleanroom environment
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively without direct supervision
• Demonstrated use of a collaborative approach to problem-solving
• Demonstrated electronics, vacuum, and mechanical trouble-shooting skills
• Standard office computer skills required (email, spreadsheets, word processing)
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members

Additionally, although not required, we would like to see evidence of:

• Mechanical experience
• Compressed gas experience
• Vacuum technology experience
• Electricity, electronics, and control system experience
• Quality control experience