Manager - Research Facilities

University of Houston; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Houston seeks a Manager - Research Facilities to design, construct, and maintain thin film deposition equipment on UH campus, supporting the Selva Research Group. You will lead cross-functional efforts, coordinate with Facilities, and drive integration of R&D concepts into scalable tools for MOCVD, magnetron sputtering, and related deposition technologies.

Applicants should have a degree in engineering and 5+ years of hands-on experience with vacuum deposition systems and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering with strong background in mechanical, electrical and electronics engineering.
• Experience of 5+ years in design, construction and troubleshooting of thin film vacuum deposition equipment.
• Experience in design, construction and troubleshooting of control systems for motion, heat, vacuum, flow, power, RF, and deposition components and software to automate equipment.
• Experience working in an R&D or technology-driven environment and management of laboratory facilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts research in one or more large and complex areas of specialization.
• Reviews and manages progress of projects; liaises with other areas for support or technical expertise.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

Electronics engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

AAS degree (relevant experience)

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

Job description

Department: Mechanical Engineering Salary: Commensurate with Experience/Education

Description

Provides expertise in support of research projects in engineering, biology, mathematics, statistics, computer science, physics, etc. Prepares and edits research papers, proposal, and reports. Performs advanced testing procedures and analyses of data. May prepare samples for testing. Performs advanced testing procedure and performs analyses of data. Makes uses of a variety of specialized equipment typical within area of specialization. May contribute to grant proposal development. Ensures experiments are performed according to specifications. May make recommendations to changes in procedure, processes, or experimental design. Possesses, understands, and applies an advanced knowledge of a professional natural, physical, or engineering field or multiple fields of specialization to develop unique and new approaches or ideas. Understands and uses research tools and equipment and utilizes effective management techniques.

• 1. Plans and conducts research in one or more large and complex areas of specialization.
• 2. Reviews and manages progress of projects. Liaison with other areas of specialization to obtain support or technical expertise for projects.
• 3. Defines procedures or processes to be used in the experimental processes. May personally conduct important and/or technically complex investigations.
• 4. Responsible for administrative activities, including the supervision and evaluation of personnel.
• 5. Operates with wide latitude for unreviewed action subject only to institutional policies and guidelines and ethical considerations.
• 6. Reviews and evaluates the effectiveness of personnel.

The Manager - Research Facilities will be responsible for design, construction, and maintenance of equipment for thin film vacuum deposition processes. The position will support research in the Selva Research Group (https://selva.me.uh.edu/) directed by Prof. Venkat Selvamanickam in 6,000 sq.ft. laboratories on UH campus and 22,000 sq. ft facilities at the Technology Bridge of the University of Houston. High-caliber candidates are sought for design, construction, improvement, and troubleshooting of thin film vacuum deposition process tools for metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), magnetron sputtering, pulsed laser deposition, and ion beam assisted deposition. The position entails implementation of concepts developed by R&D scientific staff into equipment design and construction. Additional responsibility includes troubleshooting and improvement of existing equipment to achieve desired functionality. The position further requires coordination with Facilities department to install power, exhaust, water, and other utilities for the equipment.

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering with a strong background in mechanical, electrical and electronics engineering. Candidates with AAS degree with substantial relevant work experience will also be considered. 5+ years of experience is required in design, construction and troubleshooting of thin film vacuum deposition equipment. 5+ years of experience in design, construction and troubleshooting of control systems for motion, heat, vacuum, flow, power, RF, and deposition components and software expertise to automate the equipment is required. Expertise in design software, particularly SOLIDWORKS, is required. Experience working in an R&D or technology-driven environment and management of laboratory facilities is preferred.

Anticipated start date: 11/1/2026

Experience will be considered in lieu of education.

MQ: Education: Requires singular knowledge of a specialized advanced professional discipline or the highest level of general business knowledge, normally acquired through attainment of a directly job-related terminal degree (PhD) or equivalent formal training in a recognized field of specialization that is directly related to the type of work being performed. Experience: Requires a minimum of five (5) years of directly job-related experience. Experience can only be considered in lieu of education if directly related.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.