CLAWS Lithography Engineer

North Carolina State University is leading the charge as the recipient of a $78 million award from the Department of Defense to establish the regional Microelectronics Commons regional innovation hub, Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (CLAWS). This initiative, part of the larger $2B investment through the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, aims to revolutionize the field of wide bandgap semiconductors.

Hub leadership, Distinguished Professors John Muth and Fred Kish, are dedicated to the "lab to fab" journey-translating laboratory advancements into fabrication capabilities for wide bandgap semiconductors. The hub brings together a dynamic partnership with N.C. A&T State University and industry leaders, including MACOM, Coherent Corp., General Electric, Bluglass, Adroit Materials, and Kyma Technologies, Inc. This collaborative effort will propel the development of semiconductors crucial for national defense, electric vehicles, power grid technologies, 5G/6G, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence applications.

Wolfpack

Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

* Medical, Dental, and Vision

* Flexible Spending Account

* Retirement Programs

* Disability Plans

* Life Insurance

* Accident Plan

* Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

* 12 Holidays Each Year

* Tuition and Academic Assistance

* And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time

Employment status . Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential

Job Duties

We are seeking a highly-skilled lithography engineer to join our team and contribute to the ownership for NNF's suite of lithography capabilities. The ideal candidate will have deep, hands-on experience in all lithographic processes; including contact lithography tools, stepper/projection lithography tools, automated wafer coat/develop stations, and e-beam/laser direct-write systems.

Process Research & Development

* Advanced Development:
Lead the design and optimization of cutting-edge photolithography processes tailored for next-generation applications, specifically targeting wide-bandgap devices for RF, power electronics, and photonics.

* Technical Consultation:
Provide expert-level process integration support to internal and external users, translating complex device requirements into repeatable lithographic workflows.

* Service Excellence:
Execute high-precision service work for external customers, ensuring all deliverables meet rigorous industry standards for semiconductor fabrication.

Equipment Engineering & Maintenance

* Serve as the primary technical lead for lithography toolsets, ensuring maximum uptime and process stability through regular baseline monitoring.

* Maintenance & Repair:
Independently perform scheduled preventative maintenance and diagnose/repair unscheduled hardware failures to minimize facility downtime.

* Vendor Management:
Manage relationships with equipment manufacturers; coordinate complex service visits, manage service contracts, and oversee major tool overhauls.

User Training & Technical Communication

* Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for students and researchers, certifying users on tool operation, chemical safety, and lithographic theory.

* Act as the central communication hub for the lithography area, providing timely updates to management and users regarding tool status, process drifts, or facility interruptions.

Facility Operations & Compliance

* Actively participate in facility safety audits and uphold strict cleanroom protocols to ensure a safe working environment for all personnel.

* Maintain meticulous records including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintenance logs, user databases, and training certifications.

* Oversee the lithography supply chain, managing the inventory of specialized chemicals, resists, and critical spare parts to ensure uninterrupted lab operations.

Other Responsibilities

* Performing all necessary day-to-day tasks required to operate a multi-user facility such as ordering and maintaining consumables inventory, contributing to housecleaning/lab organization, maintaining lab-level documentation, etc.

* Contributing to technical discussions with users and staff.

* Working with/mentoring student staff.

* Working with fellow NNF staff members in other semiconductor fabrication technologies (etch, deposition, metrology, etc.).

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

* Bachelor's degree in science or engineering discipline

*…