Multi-Discipline Engineering Management

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah’s Utah Nanofab seeks an experienced Cleanroom Manager to lead a world-class micro- and nanofabrication facility. You will direct day-to-day operations, oversee equipment maintenance, user training, safety, budgeting, and strategic planning to enable cutting-edge research.

The role requires technical depth, leadership experience, and a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach across engineering and admin teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (or equivalent) with related work experience.
• Experience managing a shared cleanroom facility or equivalent.
• Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering, scientific, and operational leadership for the Utah Nanofab cleanroom.
• Supervise engineers and technicians across multiple disciplines.
• Develop policies and procedures aligning with organizational objectives.
• Oversee budgeting, facility upgrades, and vendor relationships.
• Ensure safety, training, and compliance across the facility.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Budgeting

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master’s or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

E-beam lithography

UV lithography

PVD

CVD

RIE/DRIE

Metrology

Job description

FLSA Code

FLSA Code Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code?

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

VP Area

VP Area Academic Affairs

Department

Department 00052 - UTAH NANOFAB

Location

Location Campus

City

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range

Pay Rate Range 90,000-130,000

Close Date

Close Date 10/31/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

The Utah Nanofab is seeking an experienced, hands-on Cleanroom Manager to provide engineering, scientific, and operational leadership for its world-class micro- and nanofabrication facility. The manager oversees day-to-day cleanroom operations, equipment and infrastructure maintenance, user training, safety, budgeting, and strategic planning. This position plays a pivotal role in enabling leading-edge research and development in microelectronics, sensors, materials, micro optics, and nanotechnology. The successful candidate will demonstrate technical depth, leadership experience, and a passion for fostering a collaborative research environment.
Multi-Discipline Engineering Management

Direct/Manage/Supervise engineers and technicians performing research, design, and development across multiple engineering disciplines. Develop processes, policies, and procedures and ensure all engineering projects align with the organization’s objectives. Collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines, management, sales and marketing, and related departments as necessary to determine engineering feasibility, cost effectiveness, and demand for engineering products and services. Manage engineering verification activities to ensure product or service deliverables are met on-time and conform to the organization’s and/or client’s specifications. Advise leadership and other impacted departments on product or design changes which may affect profit, schedule, cost, or client relationships. May be required to approve designs that can impact the health, safety, and welfare of the general public, as required by law.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Provide engineering, scientific, and operational leadership for the Utah Nanofab cleanroom.
• Maintain and advance the Nanofab’s reputation as a world-class user facility supporting academic, industrial, and government research.
• Collaborate with faculty and leadership to develop and execute strategic plans for equipment acquisition, facility upgrades, and research initiatives.
• Represent the Nanofab to the broader scientific community, including coordinating tours, outreach, and development efforts.
• Prepare for and lead external reviews and assessments of the Nanofab program.

Facility and Equipment Management

• Work with facilities and staff safety engineer to oversee all aspects of cleanroom infrastructure, including HVAC , process gases, DI water, vacuum, and safety systems.
• Supervise equipment maintenance, installation, and process development across thin-film, etch, lithography, and packaging tools.
• Establish repair and preventative maintenance priorities and ensure minimal downtime.
• Coordinate with campus facilities, safety, and vendors for service, repairs, and upgrades.

User Support, Training, and Safety

• Direct user training programs, ensuring safe and effective operation of tools and adherence to protocols.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), online training modules, and safety documentation.
• Conduct user group meetings, annual safety town halls, and individual process consultations.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, cleanliness, and respect among users and staff.

Staff Management and Mentorship

• Supervise and mentor engineers, technicians, and student assistants.
• Assign roles and responsibilities, conduct annual performance reviews, and coordinate team development.
• Promote collaboration and communication between cleanroom, surface analysis, and administrative teams.
• Support recruitment, retention, and advancement of staff from all backgrounds.

Budgeting and Administration

• Develop and manage cleanroom budgets, user billing rates, and cost recovery models.
• Provide financial analysis and operational metrics to the Price College of Engineering and the Vice President for Research.
• Oversee procurement, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations.

Research and Technical Expertise

• Provide micro/nanofabrication services and process guidance for internal and external projects.
• Collaborate with faculty and students to develop and optimize fabrication process flows.
• Support advanced research activities including e-beam and UV lithography, PVD , CVD , RIE / DRIE , wet etch, 3D microprinting, and metrology.

Working Conditions

• Work performed primarily in a cleanroom environment.
• Frequent standing, walking, and working in protective garments.
• Occasional handling of chemicals, hazardous gases, and use of safety equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Senior Supervisor, Multi-Discipline Engineering Management: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Manager, Multi-Discipline Engineering Management: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Senior Manager, Multi-Discipline Engineering Management: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering or physical science discipline.
• 7-10 years of experience managing a shared cleanroom facility or equivalent industrial environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in process integration and multi-tool fabrication workflows.
• E-beam lithography experience and expertise
• Experience with cost recovery models, billing systems, and rate development.
• Hands-on experience with facility infrastructure (air handling, process gases, DI water, vacuum, exhaust).

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s