Senior Research Engineer, Laboratory, Cleanroom & Management

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore is seeking a Facilities Systems Manager to take technical ownership of semiconductor fabrication facilities. The role focuses on managing Building Management Systems (BMS) and ensuring system reliability and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will have at least 6 years of experience in semiconductor operations, a strong background in BMS, HVAC systems, and experience working with contractors and operational teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6–8 years of relevant experience in semiconductor or high-technology manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of cleanroom operations and facilities systems integration.
• Experience managing contractors or in-house facilities operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical owner for facilities systems and BMS platforms.
• Ensure reliable operation of environmental control systems.
• Maintain documentation for system infrastructure and logic.

Skills

Building Management Systems (BMS)

HVAC systems

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline

Tools

Siemens Desigo CC

Honeywell EBI

Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Building Operation

Job description

Job Summary

The incumbent will take technical ownership of critical semiconductor fabrication (FAB) facilities systems, including Building Management System (BMS) platforms that support environmental control, utilities, and manufacturing operations. The role is responsible for ensuring system reliability, cleanroom integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence through effective monitoring, contractor management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities – Facilities Systems & BMS Management

• Serve as the technical owner for assigned facilities systems and BMS platforms.
• Ensure continuous and reliable operation of environmental control systems through BMS monitoring and control.
• Oversee in-house operations contractors and ensure compliance with service level agreements and operational requirements.
• Coordinate integrated operation across HVAC, cleanroom, utilities, and electrical power monitoring, UPS, wastewater treatment, CDA, PCW systems.

Operations, Monitoring & Maintenance

• Ensure 24/7 monitoring of critical systems via BMS, including alarms, trends, and system performance.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance of BMS infrastructure, including controllers, sensors, actuators, and networks.
• Maintain system uptime through routine health checks, backups, and system upgrades.
• Maintain accurate system documentation, including control logic and architecture diagrams.

Technical Performance & Optimization

• Optimise HVAC and cleanroom environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, differential pressure, airflow) to meet process requirements.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis of system faults, excursions, and BMS-related issues.
• Review and approve system modifications, control strategies, and upgrade works.
• Leverage data analytics to monitor trends, improve reliability, and enhance system performance.

Utilities Integration & Support

• Ensure effective integration and monitoring of critical utilities, including chilled water, cooling systems, CDA, PCW, and electrical systems.
• Support stable and reliable utility performance to meet the cleanroom operation needs.

Compliance, Risk & Incident Management

• Ensure compliance with EHS, ISO, and internal standards for all facilities and BMS systems.
• Manage emergency response and system recovery to minimise operational disruptions.
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory submissions.
• Enforce Management of Change (MOC) processes for system changes.

Cybersecurity & Network Management

• Maintain BMS network security.
• Manage user access controls and permissions.
• Coordinate with IT and OT cybersecurity teams.
• Implement backup and recovery procedures.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in facility expansion, upgrading, and retrofit projects, including commissioning activities.
• Drive energy efficiency, sustainability, and optimisation initiatives using BMS insights.
• Support planning and management of operational and capital expenditures.
• Develop performance reports and dashboards for system monitoring and management reporting.
• Diagnose BMS communication issues and field device failures.
• Troubleshoot HVAC control loops and automation sequences.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Conduct root cause analysis for facility excursions impacting production.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 6–8 years of relevant experience in semiconductor or high-technology manufacturing facilities.
• Strong knowledge of Building Management Systems (BMS), HVAC systems, and cleanroom operations.
• Experience in managing contractors or in-house facilities operations teams.
• Familiarity with facilities systems integration, utilities, and automation controls.
• Good understanding of EHS, regulatory compliance, and industry standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with systems such as Siemens Desigo CC, Honeywell EBI, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Building Operation, etc.
• Works well with Communication Protocols such as BACnet, Modbus RTU/TCP, Ethernet/IP, OPC, etc.