Senior Cleanroom Engineer

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

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 clean rooms in the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS). The Engineer works with the respective facility staff and management team to establish and support operating and maintenance protocols, process development, and collaborates with faculty, staff, students, and outside users to maximize high‑impact research and development output.

• 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 aligners, 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 downtime.
• Develops standard operating procedures and trains users on using the cleanroom equipment.
• Performs hands‑on maintenance work in a cleanroom environment complying with all gowning requirements.
• Participates in discussions with faculty and other users around capabilities and servicing needs; engages with vendors and other service providers as required; participates in planning activities around new equipment procurements and advises on equipment end‑of‑life processes.
• Ensures the clean room facility complies with university general health and safety standards, local environmental safety standards and appropriate quality assurance standards.
• Stays current with technological development, suggests purchase of new equipment, negotiates technical specifications and price for new instrument purchase, and supervises the installation of the instruments.
• Responds promptly and appropriately to emergencies or urgent issues as they arise.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree with more than five (5) years of relevant professional experience; 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’ 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 and interpersonal ability to liaise effectively with staff, students, contractors, and industrialists at all levels.
• Sufficient IT skills for utilising online laboratory and equipment management systems; hands‑on ability with graphical user interfaces for equipment.
• Environmental Health and Safety laboratory safety training.
• Laboratory hazardous waste management.

• M.S. in a related field.

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.

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

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade
31

The Senior Cleanroom Engineer receives direct supervision from the Nanofabrication/Device Fabrication managers and indirect supervision from the R2R manager and Director of Core Facilities. 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.