Cleanroom Mechanical Systems Engineer - Senior Technician

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a qualified candidate to maintain and enhance its cleanroom facility, supporting cutting-edge research in micro- and nanofabrication. This role demands hands-on technical expertise in servicing and maintaining complex mechanical systems within the Electrical & Computer Engineering department.

Required qualifications include an Associate's degree in Mechanical Engineering and considerable cleanroom experience. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of cleanroom safety protocols are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Extensive cleanroom experience with semiconductor process tools.
• Understanding of ISO classifications and contamination control.
• Familiarity with electrical and plumbing systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance cleanroom facility for research.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex equipment issues.
• Provide guidance and training to faculty, staff, and students.

Skills

Hands-on cleanroom experience

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of cleanroom safety protocols

Communication and teamwork

Education

Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (preferred)

Tools

Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)

Equipment inventory tracking software

Job description

Job Description

The successful candidate will join a dynamic team to maintain and enhance our state‑of‑the‑art cleanroom facility, directly supporting leading‑edge research in micro‑ and nanofabrication. This role provides advanced, hands‑on technical expertise in servicing, repairing, and maintaining the complex mechanical, vacuum, and gas delivery systems used within the Bradley Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE). This position requires independent diagnosis and troubleshooting to resolve complex equipment issues, including adapting tools and techniques to meet specialized research needs. In addition to repair and preventive maintenance, key responsibilities include maintaining detailed service records, ensuring strict compliance with all safety protocols, and serving as a key technical resource for faculty, staff, and students by providing expert guidance and training on equipment. The role may also involve providing oversight for junior technicians or student workers to ensure the safe and effective operation of laboratory equipment.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a closely related field is required.
• Considerable hands‑on experience working within a cleanroom environment, with a demonstrated focus on the maintenance and repair of semiconductor process tools and associated mechanical systems. This must include direct, demonstrable experience in the following areas: Gas Delivery Systems: Working with high‑purity, toxic, flammable, and inert gas delivery infrastructure; Vacuum Systems: Maintaining and troubleshooting a wide array of vacuum pumps, including dry, wet, turbo, cryo, and roots blowers; Cleanroom Infrastructure: Supporting cleanroom‑specific Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and ultrapure water systems.
• Robust understanding of fundamental cleanroom principles, including: International Organization for Standardization (ISO) classifications and contamination control protocols.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills for diagnosing complex equipment malfunctions.
• Practical experience with electrical and plumbing systems is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the mechanical aspects of semiconductor processing equipment is a significant advantage.
• Comprehensive knowledge of cleanroom safety protocols and best practices for the safe handling of hazardous materials, including chemicals, compressed gases, and vacuum hazards. Familiarity with relevant safety regulations and standards is expected.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork abilities to interact effectively with researchers, faculty, and staff from diverse technical backgrounds.
• Proficiency in documenting procedures and providing clear guidance to users is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a closely related field.
• Direct experience in a university research facility or a similar multi‑user Research and Development (R&D) environment.
• Experience providing technical training, serving as a lead worker, or supervising junior technicians and students.
• Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) or similar equipment inventory and service tracking software.
• Experience with Building Management Systems (BMS) for monitoring and controlling cleanroom environmental conditions.
• Project management experience related to facility upgrades or the installation of complex capital equipment.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and service contracts.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non‑Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Hours per week

40

Review Date

December 8, 2025

Additional Information

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for 3 professional references

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Cole Tankersley at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.