Lab Operations Engineer

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University’s nano@stanford facility seeks a Lab Operations Engineer to operate and troubleshoot vacuum deposition tools and related equipment. You will prepare requisitions, draw on project documentation, and support cleanroom operations, while coordinating with researchers and technicians to maintain high-performance lab systems.

The role emphasizes preventive maintenance, multi-project juggling, and proactive collaboration within a dynamic nanofabrication environment.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or related scientific discipline, and three years of relevant experience.
• Experience with data analysis, experimental process, and development of prototypes, equipment, and systems.
• Ability to write clear documentation and perform administrative duties related to research studies.
• Experience with software applications relevant for the job.
• Ability to supervise and train staff and liaise with researchers, students, and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Support scientific programs related to specialization; analyze data and design prototypes.
• Modify, repair, and troubleshoot complex equipment and experimental systems.
• Prepare and review drawings, material lists, requisitions, and job orders.
• Coordinate and oversee equipment installations; plan operation phases and maintenance.
• Acquire and maintain tools, equipment, and chemicals for projects.
• Maintain documentation and perform administrative duties for equipment and studies.
• Liaise with researchers, students, staff, and vendors; provide training and guidance.
• Oversee work of technicians and staff in the group and provide guidance.

Skills

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Project coordination

Technical communication

Fabrication equipment

Education

Associate degree or certificate in engineering or related field

Job description

WORK SCHEDULE:

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 ofspecialization; analyze data, monitor and oversee experimental process,and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/orsystems.

• Modify, repair, and troubleshoot complex equipment andexperimental systems.

• Prepare and review drawings, material lists, requisitions, joborders, engineering change requests, and other documents associated withdevelopment, fabrication, assembly, installations, and testing.

• Coordinate and work on scientific or engineering installations;plan and execute various phases of an operation, oversee schedule ofequipment operations, and supervise routine maintenance.

• Acquire and maintain tools, equipment, and chemicals associatedwith experimental or engineering projects.

• Maintain documentation related to research studies and protocols,and perform administrative duties related to equipment and systemsassociated 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 withthe group/projects, and provide guidance to technicians, operators, andothers working in particular scientific or engineering functionarea.

Minimum Education andExperience

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience applying scientific and engineering principles andpractices to perform technical services and support.

• Experience with data analysis, experimental process, design, anddevelopment of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to area ofspecialization.

• Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrativeduties, and research protocol maintenance related to research studiesand/or scientific/engineering projects.

• Experience with software applications, systems, or programsrelevant for the job.

• Ability to interpret and determine validity of data and check ownwork.

• Ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students,faculty, and outside vendors.

• Ability to effectively supervise and train a diverse workstaff.