CLAWS Manufacturing Systems Engineer

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

North Carolina State University seeks a Manufacturing Systems Engineer to develop MES workflows, manage Oracle-based databases, and automate data pipelines for a semiconductor research foundry. You will create dashboards, ensure data integrity, and support cross-functional teams across R&D and process engineering.

The role emphasizes collaboration with cleanroom staff and IT, with a focus on traceability and scalable data solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with experience in MES/database systems.
• Bachelor's degree in CS/IS/IE or related field plus 2+ years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop MES workflows for semiconductor fabrication processes.
• Manage databases storing process metadata and logs.
• Automate data collection pipelines from lab equipment and logs.
• Collaborate with engineers and IT to implement MES updates and training.

Skills

SQL

Python

JavaScript

Data automation

Strong communication

Education

Master's Degree in MES/DB systems

Bachelor's Degree in CS/IS/IE or related field

Tools

LIMS

Flask

Django

Node.js

Job description

Posting Information

Working Title: CLAWS Manufacturing Systems Engineer

Working Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8am - 5pm

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (CLAWS)

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

• 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.

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.
• 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.
• Valid NC Driver's License required: No
• Commercial Driver's License required: No

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

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date: 04/17/2026

Anticipated Close Date: Open Until Filled

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.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

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.