Microfabrication Technician and Facility Support Specialist

San José State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

San José State University is seeking a Microfabrication Technician and Facility Support Specialist to join the Microscale Process Engineering Laboratory (MPEL) in the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering.

The role emphasizes maintaining a hands-on microfabrication capability and ensuring the MC2 facility runs smoothly, including repair work and coordinating technical support on-site. The position requires on-site work, Monday–Friday 8am–5pm, with responsibilities spanning maintenance,

Qualifications

• Three years in maintenance/repair of scientific equipment.
• Experience in design modifications or instructional support roles.
• Familiar with chemical waste handling.
• Apprenticeship or military tech training may substitute.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safe, clean lab stations and work areas.
• Perform preventive maintenance.
• Manage lab utilization and consumables.
• Evaluate new projects and materials.
• Recruit, train, supervise lab assistants.
• Develop SOPs and documentation.
• Coordinate with FD&O for approvals.
• Maintain MC2 lab and equipment.
• Lead technicians for BME/CME teams.

Skills

Microfabrication

Equipment repair

Safety & chemical handling

Documentation

Software skills

Planning & scheduling

Communication

Driving/forklift

Customer service

AI awareness

Education

B.S. in semiconductor manufacturing

Tools

PVD

Photolithography

Metrology tools

Oxidation/Diffusion

Vacuum pumps

Job description

Job Summary

The College of Engineering is seeking a Microfabrication Technician and Facility Support Specialist to join the team! The Microfabrication Technician will support and enhance capabilities and user experience in the Microscale Process Engineering Laboratory (MPEL) in the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering at San José State University. The incumbent helps ensure that the facility can effectively serve the needs of education and research that depend on hands‑on microfabrication capabilities. They will also maintain the MC2 facility, repair equipment, and coordinate technical support operations in the Engineering Building. The work schedule is Monday-Friday 8am-5pm and requires on‑site presence. If you have experience in a technical environment, we want to hear from you!

Job Summary

The College of Engineering is seeking a Microfabrication Technician and Facility Support Specialist to join the team! The Microfabrication Technician will support and enhance capabilities and user experience in the Microscale Process Engineering Laboratory (MPEL) in the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering at San José State University. The incumbent helps ensure that the facility can effectively serve the needs of education and research that depend on hands‑on microfabrication capabilities. They will also maintain the MC2 facility, repair equipment, and coordinate technical support operations in the Engineering Building. The work schedule is Monday-Friday 8am-5pm and requires on‑site presence. If you have experience in a technical environment, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• Ensures safe and clean equipment stations and work areas.
• Plans, manages, and/or performs regular preventive maintenance.
• Manages utilization and expenditures, including maintenance and consumables.
• Evaluates new projects and non-standard chemicals and materials.
• Recruits, trains, and supervises lab assistants.
• Develops, maintains, and disseminates documentation (e.g., standard operating procedures).
• Interfaces with Facilities Development & Operations (FD&O) to ensure laboratory project approvals and completion.
• Coordinates processes such as omnilock access and package deliveries.
• Maintains Materials Characterization and Metrology Center (MC2 lab).
• Serves as the work lead for the equipment technician focusing on BME and CME and student assistants.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of microfabrication processes and equipment, especially safe use of chemicals (e.g., acids and solvents) and associated hardware that are typically used in microfabrication.
• Knowledge of chemical waste handling and the paperwork involved.
• Working knowledge of software applications: word processing, spreadsheets, cloud-based documents, database management.
• Ability to plan, organize, and schedule work.
• Ability to operate and repair technical and scientific equipment.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and forklift (with training). Ability to pass CSU Defensive Driving in order to drive automobile, mid-size truck, and/or forklift.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple work priorities.
• Must possess excellent customer service and public relations skills.
• Ability to provide instruction to unskilled and semi-skilled assistants
• General awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and a willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices.

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to three years of progressively responsible journey‑level or skilled experience in the maintenance, repair and operation of scientific or technical equipment in the specialty area to which assigned, including one year involving design modifications and fabrication of complex and highly technical equipment or equivalent to two years of semi-skilled experience maintaining and repairing scientific or technical equipment or related equipment experience as part of instructional support activities may be substituted for one year of the required experience or equivalent to two years of trade school or technical arts training with specialization in the type of equipment repair to which assigned. Completion of an apprenticeship program or completion of a full military specialization in the required type of equipment maintenance and repair may be substituted for one year of the required experience. A Federal Communications Commission license is required for some positions.

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. with semiconductor manufacturing experience.
• Hands‑on experience with microfabrication/lithography, such as PVD, oxidation/diffusion, photolithography, vacuum pump maintenance, and metrology or the ability to learn these technologies.
• Experience developing new processes using online tools.
• Experience repairing equipment.

Compensation

Classification: Equipment Technician III, Specialized Equipment

Anticipated Hiring Range: $6,287/month - $7,513/month (Step 11 – Step 20)

CSU Salary Range: $5,157/month - $7,513/month (Step 1 – Step 20)

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary .

Contact Information

People and Culture

[e-mail]

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in‑person program or activity (on- or off‑campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to [e-mail] .

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1‑B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the