Cleanroom Process and Operations Engineer

Starshopper; Fayetteville (AR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville seeks a senior research associate to provide technical and scientific support for the Materials Institute Cleanroom User Facility. The role focuses on nanofabrication processes, training, and user services across multiple disciplines.

Responsibilities include operating deposition, etching, and lithography tools; assisting with process development; training researchers; and maintaining safety and equipment records.

Qualifications

• A BS degree in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics or related fields from an accredited institution.
• At least two years experience working in nanofabrication and clean room facilities.

Responsibilities

• Train and certify users on nanofabrication tools, processes, and cleanroom protocols.
• Develop and implement effective training strategies for students and researchers.
• Assist researchers with process development and experimental design related to micro- and nanofabrication techniques.
• Perform preventative maintenance and maintain detailed equipment service records.
• Troubleshoot and resolve minor equipment issues and coordinate vendor-supported repairs.
• Manage user access, equipment reservations, and facility utilization systems.
• Ensure facility operations remain compliant with University policies and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) regulations.
• Assist with facility tours, outreach activities, and demonstrations for faculty, staff, students, industrial partners, and visitors.
• Promote facility capabilities and services to potential users across the University and external research community.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of facility operations and user experience.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Interpersonal communication

Education

BS in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics or related

Job description

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Closing Date:

09/15/2026

Type of Position:

Technical Research Support

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Regular

Work Shift:

Day Shift (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu): Request an Accommodation. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Department:

Department of Physics Research Assistants 01

Summary of Job Duties:

The Cleanroom Process and Operations Engineer will be providing technical and scientific support for the Materials Institute Cleanroom User Facility, which serves a diverse user base of faculty, researchers, and students conducting cutting‑edge research in materials science, engineering, physics, chemistry, and related disciplines. We are searching for a talented individual with strong analytical skills and hands‑on expertise in nanofabrication processes to work as a senior research associate.

Key responsibilities include operating and supporting day‑to‑day operations of a wide range of nanofabrication processes such as physical and chemical vapor deposition systems, wet and dry‑etching, photolithography, and related processes. The individual will provide training to students and faculty on these and other instrumentations, assist researchers with process development and experimental design, manage user access, scheduling systems, ensure safe and efficient facility usage, troubleshoot and repair equipment issues.

The individual must have a background in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry or Engineering and at least some experience working on Nanofabrication equipment. More specifically, the individual must be able to work with compressed gases, acids and other chemicals and will be expected to fulfill the following tasks:

• Train and certify users on nanofabrication tools, processes, and cleanroom protocols.
• Develop and implement effective training strategies for students and researchers.
• Assist researchers with process development and experimental design related to micro- and nanofabrication techniques.
• Perform preventative maintenance and maintain detailed equipment service records.
• Troubleshoot and resolve minor equipment issues and coordinate vendor‑supported repairs.
• Manage user access, equipment reservations, and facility utilization systems.
• Ensure facility operations remain compliant with University policies and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) regulations.
• Assist with facility tours, outreach activities, and demonstrations for faculty, staff, students, industrial partners, and visitors.
• Promote facility capabilities and services to potential users across the University and external research community.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of facility operations and user experience.

Regular, reliable, and non‑disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to establish and maintain collegial and effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external collaborators.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A BS degree in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics or related fields from an accredited institution of higher education
• At least two years experience working in nanofabrication and clean room facilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• An MS or PhD degree in Materials Sciences, Engineering, Physics or related fields from an accredited institution of higher education

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs):

• Candidates must have strong problem-solving
• Analytical skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for successful inter and intra-group interactions

Additional Information:

This position is a Designated Research Position and is regulated by the Arkansas Research Education Protection Act of 2025. Prior to issuance of an offer of employment, the University is required to request and obtain additional information about an applicant’s background and, if required, conduct an additional review of that background information.

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience.

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact Information:

Emily Ebbing, Project Program Specialist, [e-mail]

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.