Equipment Engineer, Deposition and Thermal Process Development, Microelectronics Research Center

utaustin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UT Austin's Microelectronics Research Center seeks an Equipment Engineer for deposition and thermal process development. The role ensures operational and baselined processes, supports integration with lithography and etch areas, and maintains tool uptime across deposition systems.

You will train users, develop SOPs, and collaborate with researchers to optimize thin-film processes, characterize films, and coordinate with vendors for major repairs and upgrades. Immediate start preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in EE/ME/MSE/Physics or related field required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience with semiconductor or thin-film deposition equipment.
• Strong understanding of vacuum systems and gas delivery.
• Experience with thin-film characterization and metrology tools.
• Experience with diagnostics, troubleshooting, and component-level repair.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain deposition toolsets (sputtering, evaporation, ALD, CVD, furnaces) to meet uptime, reliability, and performance targets.
• Monitor and optimize pressure, gas flow, temperature, plasma stability, and deposition rate.
• Perform tool qualification, calibration, and matching for repeatable films.
• Conduct advanced diagnostics and root-cause analysis for equipment issues.
• Coordinate with vendors on major repairs, upgrades, and preventive maintenance.
• Support development and optimization of thin-film deposition processes.
• Utilize metrology tools to characterize film thickness, uniformity, stress, adhesion, and morphology.
• Correlate metrology data with equipment performance and support data-driven process improvements.
• Train users and develop SOPs, safety practices, and maintenance documentation.
• Collaborate with researchers and technicians to align tool performance with process requirements.

Skills

Vacuum systems

Gas delivery systems

Thermal processes

Plasma-based deposition

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

Metrology techniques

SOPs and training

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics

Tools

Ellipsometry

SEM

AFM

XRR

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Equipment Engineer, Deposition and Thermal Process Development, Microelectronics Research Center ----

Hiring Department:

Office of the Vice President for Research ----

Position Open To:

All Applicants ----

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40 ----

FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA ----

Earliest Start Date:

Immediately ----

Position Duration:

Expected to Continue ----

Location:

AUSTIN, TX ----

Job Details:

General Notes

The Microelectronics Research Center (MRC) laboratories serve users from both universities and corporations across many different fields: electronics, optics, physics, chemistry and astronomy, as well as chemical, mechanical and petroleum engineering. The MRC is more than a clean room with a comprehensive set of advanced nano-fabrication equipment; it is a community of scientists who work together to build advanced technology products and knowledge.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays

Purpose

This position will be responsible for ensuring processes and the equipment in the areas of deposition and thermal process are operational and baselined as well as providing support for process integration with lithography and etch areas.

Responsibilities

Equipment Performance, Maintenance, and Sustainment

• Own and maintain deposition toolsets (sputtering, evaporation, ALD, CVD, furnaces) to meet uptime, reliability, and performance targets.
• Monitor and optimize key system parameters such as pressure control, gas flow, temperature uniformity, plasma stability (for sputtering), and deposition rate control.
• Perform tool qualification, calibration, and matching to ensure repeatable film deposition across systems.

Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, and Repair

• Perform advanced diagnostics and root cause analysis for equipment-related issues affecting film quality and system performance.
• Conduct hands-on troubleshooting and repair, including replacement of electronic boards, sensors, power supplies, vacuum components, and mechanical assemblies.
• Coordinate with vendors on major repairs, upgrades, and preventative maintenance strategies.

Process Development Support

• Support development and optimization of thin-film deposition processes in collaboration with engineers and researchers.

Metrology and Characterization Integration

• Utilize and support metrology tools (e.g., ellipsometry, profilometry, SEM, AFM, XRR) to characterize film thickness, uniformity, stress, adhesion, and morphology.
• Correlate metrology data with equipment performance to identify drift, non-uniformity, or failure modes.
• Maintain a set of electrical characterization systems to support monitoring of electrical quality of films and contacts.
• Support data collection, analysis, and process monitoring using scripting tools where applicable.

Collaboration and Integration

• Work closely with researchers, engineers and technicians to align tool performance with process requirements.
• Support downstream integration by ensuring lithography tools meet performance needs for etching, deposition, and lift-off processes.
• Participate in facility planning related to tool upgrades, replacements, and capability expansion.
• Collaborate with other process engineers, technicians, and researchers to support process transfer, yield improvement, and multi-step process integration.
• Participate in interdisciplinary projects involving lithography, metrology, etching, and deposition.

User Support, Training, and Documentation

• Train users on equipment operation, capabilities, limitations, and safety practices.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), training materials, and maintenance documentation.
• Provide technical support to researchers for process planning and tool selection.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure safe operation of deposition systems, including vacuum systems, high-voltage components, and process gases.
• Maintain compliance with institutional safety standards and cleanroom protocols.
• Participate in safety reviews, hazard assessments, and incident response as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience with semiconductor or thin-film deposition equipment.
• Strong understanding of vacuum systems, gas delivery systems, thermal processes, physical and plasma-based deposition techniques.
• Demonstrated experience with equipment diagnostics, troubleshooting, and component-level repair (electronics and mechanical systems).
• Experience with thin-film characterization and metrology techniques (e.g., ellipsometry, SEM, AFM).
• Experience with