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Location: Raleigh, NC
Essential Job Duties:
NC State's Nanofabrication Facility (NNF) is seeking a skilled and motivated Semiconductor Research Engineer to support the performance, reliability, and safe operation of its advanced fabrication equipment and processes. In this role, you will help maintain critical cleanroom infrastructure, troubleshoot complex equipment issues, optimize semiconductor fabrication processes, and support researchers in achieving their technical goals.
Working closely with facility staff, equipment vendors, and research users, you will play an essential role in maintaining reliable operations, advancing process capabilities, and providing a safe, efficient environment for semiconductor research.
Key Responsibilities:
Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair
- Perform preventive maintenance on semiconductor fabrication equipment to minimize downtime and maintain reliable cleanroom operations.
- Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and process-related equipment issues to restore functionality and support consistent performance.
- Coordinate with hardware engineers, technicians, and external service vendors to complete equipment repairs and routine maintenance.
- Schedule and oversee vendor service visits, major equipment repairs, and maintenance agreements.
- Develop, test, characterize, and document standard fabrication processes for core semiconductor equipment, including photolithography, dry etching, and thin-film metal deposition.
- Evaluate process results against established quality standards and technical specifications to maintain consistent, repeatable outcomes.
- Partner with internal and remote research users to develop, refine, and implement custom fabrication processes that meet project requirements.
- Deliver hands-on training to internal and remote users on semiconductor fabrication tools, preparing them to operate equipment independently and safely.
- Instruct users on equipment operating procedures, cleanroom protocols, and applicable safety requirements.
- Provide ongoing technical guidance and operational support to help users troubleshoot challenges and complete fabrication activities successfully.
- Work regularly in the cleanroom while following required gowning procedures, safety protocols, and facility operating standards.
- Maintain accurate process logs, baseline data, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and equipment performance records.
- Track inventory levels for cleanroom consumables, chemicals, and equipment spare parts to support uninterrupted facility operations.
Other Work/Responsibilities:
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.
Minimum Experience/Education:
- B.S. or higher degree in a science or engineering discipline. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications:
- Hands-on experience in semiconductor processing and device fabrication in a university, industry, or government-owned clean-room. This experience may be an M.S. thesis project on a relevant topic in a semiconductor fab setting
- Must be able to operate tools in the facility and train users to use the equipment independently.
- Experience in clean-room safety operations
- Must be comfortable working with semiconductor fabrication equipment such as metrology equipment, and plasma etch tools
- Must be comfortable working with students
- Must be comfortable working safely with chemicals and toxic gases
- Must be able to work independently as well as make positive team contributions
- Must be able to operate tools in the facility and train users to use the equipment independently.
Preferred Qualifications:
- M.S. or Ph. D. in a science and engineering discipline
- Five or more years of experience working with semiconductor fabrication in a university, government, or industry cleanroom
Required License or Certification:
- N/A
AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
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