Senior Cleanroom Engineer

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Senior Cleanroom Engineer to manage daily operations in cleanroom facilities. This role involves collaboration with faculty and staff to optimize processes in nanofabrication and device fabrication.

The ideal candidate will have extensive cleanroom experience, a Bachelor’s degree, and excellent skills in communication and equipment management. The position is full-time and onsite with responsibilities that include maintenance and training on cleanroom equipment.

Qualifications

• Five years of cleanroom operation and tool maintenance experience required.
• Experience with vacuum pumps and related systems is necessary.
• Effective communication and IT skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Ensure daily operation of all lab equipment in cleanrooms.
• Develop and maintain fabrication processes.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and minimize downtime.

Skills

Cleanroom operation experience

Tool maintenance experience

Excellent communication skills

IT skills for laboratory management systems

Environmental Health and Safety training

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

M.S. in a related field

Tools

Vacuum pumps

Chillers

High vacuum systems

Pressurized gas distribution systems

Job description

Title: Senior Cleanroom Engineer

Executive Area: Research and Engagement

College/School/MBU: Institute Applied Life Science

Department: Core Facilities

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Senior Cleanroom Engineer supports the daily technical operation, maintenance of equipment and development of processes in the Nanofabrication, the Device Fabrication, and the Roll‑to‑Roll Facilities cleanrooms in the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS). The Manufacturing Engineer works with the respective facility staff and management team to establish and support operating and maintenance protocols, process development, and collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and outside users to maximize high impact research and development output.

Essential Functions

• Ensures daily operation of all lab equipment in the clean rooms, with major pieces including but not limited to evaporator, sputter, plasma etchers, plasma and atomic layer deposition tools, wafer bonders, mask aligner, chemical and acid hoods, inspection and metrology tools, roll‑to‑roll (R2R) and bench top coating and printing lines.
• Develops and maintains fabrication processes, such as etching, lithography, and vapor deposition, utilizing cleanroom equipment to support grant and industry research projects.
• Develops and maintains a preventative maintenance program for the clean room facilities and provides preventative maintenance in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
• Troubleshoots and coordinates with technical services of tool vendors for equipment services and repairs in the event of equipment malfunctions, minimizing the equipment downtime.
• Develops standard operating procedures and trains users on using the cleanroom equipment.
• Performs hands‑on maintenance work in cleanroom environment complying with all gowning requirements.
• May participate in discussions with Faculty and other users around capabilities and servicing needs, engage with vendors and other service providers as required, and may also participate in planning activities around new equipment procurements and advise on equipment end‑of‑life processes.
• Ensures the clean room facility complies with University general health and safety standards, local environmental safety standards and appropriate quality assurance standards.
• Stays current with technological development and suggests purchase of new equipment, negotiates technical specifications and price for new instrument purchase, and supervises the installation of the instruments.
• Responds promptly and appropriately to emergencies or urgent issues as they arise.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with more than five (5) years of relevant professional experience required, or associate degree with more than eight (8) years of experience or high school diploma with more than ten (10) years of equivalent industry experience in a related technical environment.
• Relevant experience should include a minimum five years’ experience in cleanroom operation and tool maintenance.
• Experience with vacuum pumps, chillers, high vacuum systems, pressurized gas distribution systems, compressors, and related valves, regulators, and hardware.
• Excellent communication skills, the interpersonal ability to liaise effectively with staff, students, contractors and industrialists at all levels.
• IT skills of utilizing online laboratory and equipment management systems to deliver an efficient service are required; hands‑on ability with graphical user interfaces for equipment.
• Environmental Health and Safety laboratory safety training.
• Laboratory hazardous waste management.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in a related field.

Additional Details

The Senior Cleanroom Engineer will receive direct supervision from the Nanofabrication/Device Fabrication managers. Indirectly, the Senior Cleanroom Engineer will receive supervision from the R2R manager and Director of Core facility that oversees these core facilities, particularly in areas specific to research and scientific practices, as well as equipment functionality. Overall, the position provides an opportunity to engage in cutting‑edge high‑technology development and translation while working in a team environment. Self‑starter, motivated individuals are sought.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

37.5 hours per week. Night & weekend work may be required on occasion.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 31. Click here to view the Professional Staff hiring ranges.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.