Chemical Lab Equipment Technician

TSMC; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Paid Time-Off

Job summary

TSMC Arizona seeks a Chemical Lab Equipment Technician to maintain and calibrate analytical instruments, support lab startup, and ensure safety compliance in a high‑tech semiconductor environment.

The role involves field inspections, coordination with Facilities, and instrument hookups. Education includes A.A.S. or BS in a science field, with English/Mandarin skills preferred. On‑site work in Phoenix, AZ with industry‑leading safety standards.

Qualifications

• Strong familiarity with chemical hygiene, chemical safety (OSHA standards), and pressurized utility safety.
• Familiarity with computerized systems (CMMS, LIMS, or MES) for maintenance and inventory tracking.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance and calibration on analytical instruments (ICP-MS, GC-MS, Ion Chromatography) to ensure baseline stability and ppt-level detection.
• Diagnose and resolve basic to intermediate equipment issues; document failures and escalate to vendors as needed.
• Coordinate lab construction startup activities, inspect field sites, and ensure layouts and utilities meet specs.
• Assist in instrument hookup, Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) with Facilities and vendors.
• Track consumables and spare parts using LIMS/CMMS; maintain inventory accuracy.
• Adhere to OSHA, LOTO, CHP and chemical handling safety policies.

Skills

Chemical safety

OSHA standards

Maintenance coordination

Field inspection

Equipment troubleshooting

Reading blueprints

Bilingual English & Mandarin

Education

AA/S or BS in Science

Fresh graduates with equipment experience welcome

Tools

CMMS

LIMS

Manufacturing Execution Systems

Job description

A job at TSMC Arizona offers an opportunity to work at the most advanced semiconductor fab in the United States. TSMC Arizona’s first fab will operate it’s leading-edge semiconductor process technology (N4 process), starting production in the first half of 2025. The second fab will utilize its leading edge N3 and N2 process technology and be operational in 2028. The recently announced third fab will manufacture chips using 2nm or even more advanced process technology, with production starting by the end of the decade. America’s leading technology companies are ready to rely on TSMC Arizona for the next generations of chips that will power the digital future.

As a Chemical Lab Equipment Technician, you will demonstrate a strong sense of reliability and enthusiasm and will possess an attitude that embodies our core values – Integrity, Commitment, Innovation and Customer Trust.

Responsibilities

• Preventive Maintenance (PM) & Calibration: Perform scheduled PMs, routine cleaning, and precision calibrations on analytical instruments (e.g., ICP-MS, GC-MS, Ion Chromatography) to ensure baseline stability and ppt-level (parts-per-trillion) detection sensitivity.
• First-Line Troubleshooting & Escalation: Act as the first line of defense to minimize equipment downtime by diagnosing and resolving basic to intermediate technical issues on analytical laboratory instruments according to safety guidelines and SOPs. Perform standard troubleshooting; if unresolved, efficiently document failure details (such as error logs and symptoms) to elevate and coordinate with instrument vendors for advanced repairs.
• Lab Construction Coordination & Field Inspection (New Lab Startup):
  • Execute and support new laboratory setup projects based on engineering designs and specifications.
  • Inspect the field construction site to monitor progress, ensuring that the physical layout, floor load-bearing setup, and clearances align with the engineering blueprint and equipment specs.
  • Coordinate directly with Facilities (FAC) teams and third‑party contractors on-site to facilitate the accurate routing and installation of utilities (power, exhaust, drainage, and specialty gases).
  • Act as the eyes and ears on the construction field: perform safety walks, monitor contractor compliance with TSMC safety standards, and immediately elevate any deviations or utility installation bottlenecks to QR Engineers.
• Equipment Hook‑up Support & Commissioning: Assist in the setup of new laboratory instruments and new lab startup, including unboxing, precision positioning, and aligning machine‑side interfaces. Coordinate closely with the Facilities (FAC) team for utility connections (such as power, gases, drainage) and assist vendor with Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Consumables & Chemical Inventory Tracking: Manage and track laboratory consumables (e.g., columns, nebulizers, tubing, reagents) and spare parts, maintaining accurate records using our Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and computerized maintenance systems.
• Safety, Chemical Hygiene & Compliance: Adhere strictly to OSHA standards, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols, Chemical Hygiene Plans (CHP), and hazardous waste/chemical handling safety guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

• Education: (one of following required)
• Associate’s degree (A.A.S.) or Bachelor’s (BS) degree in Science ( Mechanic, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical, or Electrical Technology , Electronics, Vacuum Technology, Materials Science or a related scientific field. (Fresh graduates with strong equipment experience are welcome).
• Technical Skills:
• Required Qualifications :
  • Strong familiarity with chemical hygiene, chemical safety (OSHA standards), and pressurized utility safety.
  • Familiarity with computerized systems (e.g., CMMS, LIMS, or Manufacturing Execution Systems) for maintenance and inventory tracking.
• Preferred Qualifications :
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin.
• Hands‑on experience in a semiconductor cleanroom, high‑tech manufacturing, or chemical laboratory environment.
• On‑site construction monitoring, tool hook‑up coordination, or field inspection experience.
• Experience with wet chemistry setups (chemical hoods, automatic pipettes, chemical handling/sampling kits) and gas/liquid delivery lines.
• Hands‑on experience operating or maintaining analytical instruments such as ICP-MS, GC-MS, HPLC, IC, or DSC (academic thesis research or industrial experience are both valued).
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow technical drawings, blueprints, instrument specifications, and P&ID diagrams.
• Interpersonal Skills:
• Resilience Under Pressure: Ability to maintain a clear mind, composure, and a positive attitude in a high‑stress, fast‑paced environment where quick technical decisions and prompt safety escalations are critical.
• Strong Ownership & Proactivity: Highly self‑motivated, quick to learn new analytical technologies, and capable of working and troubleshooting independently following initial training.
• Effective Liaison & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong active listening and negotiation abilities to effectively coordinate with diverse teams, including Facilities, ESH, external construction contractors, and instrument OEMs.
• Collaborative Team Player: Ability to work cohesively within a multi‑cultural team environment, fostering trust and positive collaborative relationships.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Weight Handling: Ability to safely lift, push, pull, or carry up to 35 lbs (such as gas cylinders, laboratory pumps, and liquid reagents) with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Mobility & Posture: Ability to stand or walk for extended periods, bend, kneel, and safely climb ladders/platforms to access elevated instrument interfaces.
  • Gowning & PPE Compliance: Ability to wear full cleanroom garments (bunny suits, hoods, gloves, and safety glasses) and specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for chemical handling, including medically qualifying to wear a respirator if required.
  • Sensory & Environment: Comfort working in a controlled laboratory, cleanroom, and chemical handling environment with potential exposure to laboratory‑grade chemicals, gases, and moderate equipment noise.
  • Training:
    • Ability to travel to Taiwan for training for up to 12 months (if needed ).

Shift expectations verbiage (Choose appropriate option below)

• May be required to work a Compressed Work Week (4-day on, 3-day off, 3-day on, 4-day off) on a rotational basis.

By applying to this position, I acknowledge and agree that my application and qualifications may be considered for other roles within the company. However, I reserve the right to withdraw my consent for future consideration of other roles within the company at any time.

Candidates must be willing and able to work on-site at our Phoenix Arizona facility.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans: Choose the options that best fit your and your family’s needs.
• Income-Protection Programs: Financial assistance during injury or illness.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan: Secure your financial future with competitive employer contributions.
• Paid Time-Off Programs and Holidays: Recharge and spend quality time with loved ones.

Work Location

5088 W. Innovation Circle, Phoenix, AZ 85083

TSMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If you need an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact [e-mail].

TSMC Arizona maintains the right to change or assign other duties to this position

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of TSMC Arizona’s pre-employment screening process. This process may include verifying the candidate’s identity, confirming legal authorization to work in the offered position's location, educational background and a comprehensive background check, where permitted by local regulations.