CNF Nano Fabrication Intern

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Cornell University, through the Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility (CNF), is offering a paid internship. The role provides hands-on experience in micro-nano fabrication within a cleanroom, reporting to a technical mentor on the Ithaca campus.

Applicants should have two years of college coursework or an associate’s degree, with strong attention to detail and the ability to work 20 hours per week for 20 weeks. The position is onsite and not visa-sponsoring.

Qualifications

• Two years of college coursework or associate’s degree, or 1–2 years of related work experience.
• Ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and in a cleanroom environment.
• Strong attention to detail and basic computer skills (email, spreadsheets).

Responsibilities

• Shadow staff and assist with daily routines in the cleanroom.
• Learn fabrication equipment operation and basic metrology techniques.
• Receive hands-on tool training and documentation of baseline processes.
• Develop an independent project and present findings at the end of the appointment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Cleanroom work

Safety with chemicals

Computer skills

Commitment to 20h/week

Education

Associate’s degree

Job description

The Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility (CNF) is a flexible open user facility that enables rapid advancements in science, engineering, and technology at the nanoscale by providing efficient access to nanotechnology infrastructure and expertise. CNF seeks students or other individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in the process of micro-nano fabrication and contributing to projects in a cleanroom environment.

Overview Of The Opportunity

The intern will learn about fabrication equipment, maintenance, and cleanroom production to develop skills for a potential career in the semiconductor or high-tech industries. The internship is made possible through the NEXUS NE project. This paid internship will be 20 hours per week for 20 weeks with an anticipated hourly rate of $17.50.

Responsibilities

• Shadow technical staff and assist with daily routines, including disposing of chemical waste, monitoring gas supplies, and stocking chemicals and supplies
• Learn how to work safely and independently in a cleanroom
• Receive hands‑on tool training and technical training on fabrication technologies, such as thin film deposition, furnace processing, photolithography, and plasma etch processing
• Execute routine process validation and monitoring of processing equipment
• Work with a staff mentor to develop, characterize, and document baseline processes
• Observe staff and assist with routing maintenance or installation of tools and equipment
• Learn metrology characterization techniques
• Develop an independent project and prepare a written report and presentation at project’s conclusion

Knowledge/Experience Required

• Two years of college coursework, preferably in engineering technology or related field, formal training or associate’s degree, or 1-2 years of work experience in a related field
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment
• Demonstrated ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals
• Computer skills, including email and spreadsheets
• Able to work 20 hours per week for a 10‑to 20‑week appointment period

Other Information

The position is located on Cornell's main campus in Ithaca, New York. Interns will report to Ron Olson and be assigned a technical mentor, also. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

University Job Title

Intern, Paid Non-Exempt

Job Family

Temporary Intern

Level

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

Refer to Posting Language

Remote Option Availability

Onsite

Contact Name

Kathy McKee

Contact Email

[e-mail]

Job Titles And Pay Ranges

Non-Union Positions

Noted Pay Ranges Reflect The Potential Pay Opportunity For Each Job Profile. The Hiring Rate Of Pay For The Successful Candidate Will Be Determined Considering The Following Criteria

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-09-08