Semiconductor Research Engineer

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off

Holiday Leave

Job summary

NC State University’s Nanofabrication Facility (NNF) seeks a Semiconductor Research Engineer to support advanced fabrication equipment and processes. You will help maintain cleanroom infrastructure, troubleshoot complex equipment, and optimize semiconductor fabrication processes for researchers.

You will collaborate with facility staff, vendors, and researchers to ensure safe, efficient operations and enable innovative projects in a highly technical environment.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in science or engineering from an accredited institution.
• Hands-on experience in semiconductor processing and device fabrication.
• Ability to operate and train users on cleanroom tools and equipment.
• Experience with clean-room safety operations and handling hazardous chemicals.
• Comfortable working with students and collaborative teams.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanroom infrastructure and critical fabrication equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and process-related issues to restore function.
• Develop, test, and document standard semiconductor processes.
• Train internal and remote users on fabrication tools and protocols.
• Maintain process logs, SOPs, and inventory for uninterrupted operations.

Job description

About the Department

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) has as its mission the accumulation, generation, and dissemination of knowledge in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Central to the mission is a high quality research and educational program that benefits our students, the State of North Carolina, the nation and the world. The Department acts as a focal point for development, growth and entrepreneurship. The national and international reputation of the Department facilitates future growth in areas of fundamental economic importance to the State.

The department is also home to the NC State Nanofabrication Facility (NNF), which is a 7400 ft. 2 Class 100 cleanroom that provides semiconductor-processing capabilities to a variety of science and engineering disciplines. The facility possesses a full range of micro- and nano-fabrication capabilities including photo and electron beam lithography, wet and dry etch, chemical vapor deposition (including atomic layer deposition), vacuum metallization, rapid thermal anneal, and various characterization tools.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

NC State's Nanofabrication Facility (NNF) is seeking a skilled and motivated Semiconductor Research Engineer to support the performance, reliability, and safe operation of its advanced fabrication equipment and processes. In this role, you will help maintain critical cleanroom infrastructure, troubleshoot complex equipment issues, optimize semiconductor fabrication processes, and support researchers in achieving their technical goals.

Working closely with facility staff, equipment vendors, and research users, you will play an essential role in maintaining reliable operations, advancing process capabilities, and providing a safe, efficient environment for semiconductor research.

Key Responsibilities: Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair

• Perform preventive maintenance on semiconductor fabrication equipment to minimize downtime and maintain reliable cleanroom operations.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and process-related equipment issues to restore functionality and support consistent performance.
• Coordinate with hardware engineers, technicians, and external service vendors to complete equipment repairs and routine maintenance.
• Schedule and oversee vendor service visits, major equipment repairs, and maintenance agreements.

Process Development and Optimization

• Develop, test, characterize, and document standard fabrication processes for core semiconductor equipment, including photolithography, dry etching, and thin-film metal deposition.
• Evaluate process results against established quality standards and technical specifications to maintain consistent, repeatable outcomes.
• Partner with internal and remote research users to develop, refine, and implement custom fabrication processes that meet project requirements.

User Training and Technical Support

• Deliver hands-on training to internal and remote users on semiconductor fabrication tools, preparing them to operate equipment independently and safely.
• Instruct users on equipment operating procedures, cleanroom protocols, and applicable safety requirements.
• Provide ongoing technical guidance and operational support to help users troubleshoot challenges and complete fabrication activities successfully.

Cleanroom Operations and Administrative Support

• Work regularly in the cleanroom while following required gowning procedures, safety protocols, and facility operating standards.
• Maintain accurate process logs, baseline data, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and equipment performance records.
• Track inventory levels for cleanroom consumables, chemicals, and equipment spare parts to support uninterrupted facility operations.

This role offers the opportunity to apply your engineering expertise, solve technical challenges, and work directly with researchers to support innovative projects. If you enjoy hands-on problem-solving, equipment optimization, and helping others succeed in a highly technical environment, we encourage you to apply.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• B.S. or higher degree in a science or engineering discipline. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in semiconductor processing and device fabrication in a university, industry, or government-owned clean-room. This experience may be an M.S. thesis project on a relevant topic in a semiconductor fab setting
• Must be able to operate tools in the facility and train users to use the equipment independently.
• Experience in clean-room safety operations
• Must be comfortable working with semiconductor fabrication equipment such as metrology equipment, and plasma etch tools
• Must be comfortable working with students
• Must be comfortable working safely with chemicals and toxic gases
• Must be able to work independently as well as make positive team contributions
• Must be able to operate tools in the facility and train users to use the equipment independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in a science and engineering discipline
• Five or more years of experience working with semiconductor fabrication in a university, government, or industry cleanroom

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

No

Commercial Driver's License required

No

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.