Lab Operations Engineer

Stanford University School of Medicine; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University School of Medicine is seeking a Lab Operations Engineer to lead the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of physical vapor deposition tools and vacuum systems within our nano@stanford facility.

The role requires a strong engineering background, proactive organization, and the ability to manage multiple projects while coordinating with researchers, technicians, and vendors. On-site work with potential remote opportunities, supporting a large shared research environment.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or related scientific discipline and three years of relevant experience.
• Experience applying scientific and engineering principles to technical services and support.
• Ability to write clear documentation and manage research protocols.

Responsibilities

• Support scientific and research programs; analyze data and oversee experimental processes.
• Modify, repair, and troubleshoot complex equipment and systems.
• Prepare drawings, material lists, requisitions, and change requests for equipment and projects.
• Coordinate installations; plan and execute operations and maintenance schedules.
• Acquire and maintain tools, equipment, and chemicals for projects and experiments.
• Maintain documentation related to research studies and admin duties for equipment and systems.
• Liaise between researchers, staff, vendors, and other university personnel; provide guidance.
• Oversee technicians and staff, training them in lab operations and equipment use.

Skills

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Equipment maintenance

Lab operations

Communication

Project coordination

Supervision

Education

Associate Degree or certificate in engineering/science

Tools

Vacuum systems

Physical vapor deposition tools

Job description

Job Description

On-site work arrangement; employee is expected to work on-site full-time. There may be occasional opportunities for remote work.

Work Schedule

Job Description

On-site work arrangement; employee is expected to work on-site full-time. There may be occasional opportunities for remote work.

Budgeted Salary

$71,145 - $132, 805

School/Unit Description

nano@stanford is the largest shared research facility at Stanford University, formed by the merger of Stanford Nano Shared Facilities (SNSF) and the Stanford Nanofabrication Facility (SNF) in 2025. We provided access to world-leading facilities and expertise in nanoscale science and engineering for Stanford and external researchers from academic, industrial, and government labs across the US and around the globe. Over 1000 researchers, in applications ranging from medicine and biology to fundamental physics and astronomy, use nano@stanford’s cleanrooms and satellite labs, which contain approx. 400 pieces of equipment for device fabrication and characterization. More than a collection of labs, it's a vibrant research community.

Position Summary

The Lab Operations Engineer will be primarily responsible for the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of several physical vapor depositions tools. They will prepare and review purchase requisitions, drawings, training manuals, and other documents associated with equipment and lab operations. They will also participate in general cleanroom lab operations, join the Incident Response Team and support the maintenance and operations of other nanofabrication tools as needed. nano@stanford seeks a highly motivated, experienced lab operations engineer to make an impact on our research operations. You will perform maintenance and troubling on complex vacuum systems, physical vapor deposition tools, and analytical equipment, in addition to working with team members to improve the overall operation of the lab. As a successful candidate, you have a strong background in engineering fundamentals and are technologically savvy. You are highly organized and proactive and have great appreciation for preventive maintenance. You aren’t afraid to ask for help and are able to rally others to take on help with challenging equipment repairs or major lab cleanups. You can juggle multiple projects and change direction quickly to meet shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

• Support scientific and research programs related to area of specialization; analyze data, monitor and oversee experimental process, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/or systems.
• Modify, repair, and troubleshoot complex equipment and experimental systems.
• Prepare and review drawings, material lists, requisitions, job orders, engineering change requests, and other documents associated with development, fabrication, assembly, installations, and testing.
• Coordinate and work on scientific or engineering installations; plan and execute various phases of an operation, oversee schedule of equipment operations, and supervise routine maintenance.
• Acquire and maintain tools, equipment, and chemicals associated with experimental or engineering projects.
• Maintain documentation related to research studies and protocols, and perform administrative duties related to equipment and systems associated with research or engineering projects, as assigned.
• Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other university staff; serve as a resource, providing training and practical guidance.
• Oversee the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/projects, and provide guidance to technicians, operators, and others working in particular scientific or engineering function area.

Minimum Education And Experience

Associate Degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or related scientific discipline and three years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Experience applying scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support.
• Experience with data analysis, experimental process, design, and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to area of specialization.
• Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and research protocol maintenance related to research studies and/or scientific/engineering projects.
• Experience with software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job.
• Ability to interpret and determine validity of data and check own work.
• Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.
• Ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse work staff.