CLAWS Manufacturing Systems Engineer

NC State College of Engineering; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Retirement Programs

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

Job summary

NC State College of Engineering seeks a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) / Database Engineer to support digital infrastructure in semiconductor research. This role involves enhancing workflows, managing Oracle databases, and integrating data systems for operational efficiency. A Master’s degree or relevant experience in MES/database systems is required. Candidates should possess strong SQL skills and familiarity with automation scripting. The position offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement programs, and academic assistance.

Qualifications

• Experience in MES/database systems.
• 2+ years of experience in a relevant field.
• Familiarity with cloud-based data solutions.

Responsibilities

• Support and develop MES workflows for semiconductor fabrication.
• Administer databases for process metadata.
• Automate data collection from lab equipment.

Skills

SQL proficiency

Data automation scripting (Python, JavaScript)

Strong communication skills

Education

Master's Degree in a relevant field

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Relational databases

Laboratory information management systems (LIMS)

Job description

About CLAWS

North Carolina State University is the recipient of a $39.4 million award from the Department of Defense to establish the regional Microelectronics Commons innovation hub, Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (CLAWS). This initiative, part of the broader $238 million investment through the CHIPS and Science Act, aims to revolutionize wide‑bandgap semiconductor technology. The hub brings together partners including N.C. A&T State University and industry leaders such as Wolfspeed, Coherent Corp., General Electric, Bluglass, Adroit Materials, and Kyma Technologies, Inc., to translate laboratory advancements into fabrication capabilities for national defense, electric vehicles, power grid technologies, 5G/6G, quantum technologies, and AI applications.

Benefits

• 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
• Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs

Essential Job Duties

We are seeking a 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.
• 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.
• Ensure data security, backup protocols, and system uptime.
• Support analytics and reporting needs from internal teams and external partners.

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.

Qualifications

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 US 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.

Legal Notice

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, or 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 the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. 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.