CLAWS Manufacturing Systems Engineer

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

NC State University is seeking a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) / Database Engineer to support the digital infrastructure of our advanced semiconductor research foundry. The role focuses on MES workflow development, Oracle-based back-end management, and data traceability in an R&D fabrication environment.

You will collaborate with process engineers and IT, build dashboards, automate data pipelines, and mentor others while ensuring data integrity and scalable architectures for analytics,

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field with MES/database experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Industrial Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of experience.
• Proficiency in SQL and relational database architecture.
• Experience developing MES systems or digital workflows in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with Python, JavaScript, or similar scripting languages for data automation.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement MES workflows to support custom semiconductor fabrication process flows.
• Support foundry users in establishing new fabrication process flows.
• Build and maintain digital traveler systems for lot tracking, process documentation, and process monitoring.
• Integrate MES with process tools and data acquisition systems.
• Develop intuitive user interfaces and dashboards for tracking materials, fabrication lots, and operating metrics, including process controls (SPC).
• Ensure data consistency and traceability throughout fabrication process flows.
• Administer databases storing process metadata, experiment logs, and tool usage history.
• Design and maintain scalable schemas and optimize query performance for large datasets.
• Automate data collection pipelines from lab equipment, process logs, and measurement tools.
• Support integration with homegrown and third‑party web‑based applications.
• Develop and maintain APIs, ETL processes, and scheduled jobs to support workflows.
• Enable clean data delivery for analytics, visualization, and AI/ML use cases.
• Work with process engineers, cleanroom staff, and IT to gather requirements and implement MES/database updates.
• Support continuous improvement through data accessibility and system enhancements.
• Implement and maintain document control protocols within MES.
• Document workflows, user guides, and SOPs for MES and data systems.
• Provide training and troubleshooting for end users.

Skills

SQL

Python

JavaScript

MES workflows

Data automation

Education

Master’s Degree in a relevant field

Bachelor’s Degree in CS/IS/IE or related field with 2+ years

Tools

Flask

Django

Node.js

LIMS

Job description

About the Department:

North Carolina State University is leading the charge as the recipient of a $39.4 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 $238 million 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 Wolfspeed, 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.

• 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 motivated Manufacturing Execution System (MES) / Database Engineer to support and develop the digital infrastructure of our advanced semiconductor research foundry. The position focuses on enhancing MES workflows and managing Oracle‑based backend systems to improve process traceability, data integrity, and operational efficiency in an R&D fabrication environment.

Key Responsibilities:

MES Workflow Development & Support (40%)

• Create and implement MES workflows to support custom semiconductor fabrication process flows.
• Support foundry users in establishing new fabrication process flows.
• Build and maintain digital traveler systems for lot tracking, process documentation, and process monitoring.
• Integrate MES with process tools and data acquisition systems.
• Develop intuitive user interfaces and dashboards for tracking materials, fabrication lots, and operating metrics, including process controls (SPC).
• Ensure data consistency and traceability throughout fabrication process flows.

Database Architecture & Management (30%)

• Administer databases storing process metadata, experiment logs, and tool usage history.
• Design and maintain scalable schemas and optimize query performance for large datasets.

  Data Integration & Automation (20%)

  • Automate data collection pipelines from lab equipment, process logs, and measurement tools.
  • Support integration with homegrown and third‑party web‑based applications.
  • Develop and maintain APIs, ETL processes, and scheduled jobs to support workflows.
  • Enable clean data delivery for analytics, visualization, and AI/ML use cases.

  Collaboration & Support (10%)

  • Work with process engineers, cleanroom staff, and IT to gather requirements and implement MES/database updates.
  • Support continuous improvement through data accessibility and system enhancements.
  • Implement and maintain document control protocols within MES.
  • Document workflows, user guides, and SOPs for MES and data systems.
  • Provide training and troubleshooting for end users.

  Other Responsibilities:

  • Comply with stated workplace policies.
  • Communicate results, plans, and other updates to a variety of audiences.
  • Adhere to and mentor others in known best practices.
  • Support CLAWS activities such as tours, meetings, and conferences.

  Minimum Education and Experience:

  • Master’s Degree in a relevant field with demonstrated experience in MES/database systems.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Industrial Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of experience.

  Other Required Qualifications:

  • Proficiency in SQL and relational database architecture.
  • Experience developing and maintaining MES systems or digital workflows in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
  • Familiarity with Python, JavaScript, or similar scripting languages for data automation.
  • Ability to work in a fast‑paced R&D environment with evolving needs and technologies.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Eligibility to obtain clearance upon request of the U.S. government.

  Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in a semiconductor R&D or university research cleanroom environment.
  • Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or lightweight MES tools.
  • Understanding of wafer fabrication workflows and experimental process tracking.
  • Experience building web‑based dashboards or UIs (e.g., Flask, Django, Node.js).
  • Exposure to cloud‑based data solutions or virtualized database systems.

  Required License(s) or Certification(s):

  • N/A

  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.

  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.

  NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.