Sr. Detector/Instrument Engineer

Columbus Technologies and Services; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbus Technologies & Services at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD seeks a senior microfabrication engineer to advance MEMS devices for internal projects. This onsite role offers the chance to contribute to next‑generation space exploration capabilities.

You will develop and optimize photolithography and thin‑film processes, troubleshoot fabrication issues, and collaborate with design, test and integration teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum a bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering or science field.
• 3+ years hands-on experience in semiconductor or MEMS fabrication.
• Experience with photolithography, photoresist, exposure systems (e.g., stepper tools, E-beam lithography).
• Knowledge of thin-film deposition including PVD, CVD, ALD.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and directs activities associated with detector/instrument engineering.
• Develop and optimize microfabrication processes for MEMS devices
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement solutions
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in design, test, and integration
• Document procedures and results according to industry standards
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for fabrication processes

Skills

MEMS fabrication

Photolithography

Thin film deposition

RIE/DRIE etching

Metrology & characterization

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

Stepper tools

E-beam lithography

Ellipsometry

PECVD/VDP equipment

PVD (evaporation/sputtering)

Job description

Location - Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Greenbelt, MD (onsite)

OVERVIEW

Must be a US Person or Permanent Resident

W2 with full benefits

Customer and contract specific training will be required and provided.

Offer contingent on ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screen

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position

JOB DESCRIPTION

• The Columbus Technologies & Services at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center seeks a talented microfabrication engineer to advance our cutting-edge technology for internal projects. This exciting opportunity allows you to contribute directly to next-generation space exploration capabilities.
• Senior Detector/Instrument Engineer Oversees and directs activities associated with detector/instrument engineering.
• Develop and optimize microfabrication processes for MEMS devices
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement solutions
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in design, test, and integration
• Document procedures and results according to industry standards
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for fabrication processes

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, physics, or related field; MS or PhD preferred
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in semiconductor or MEMS fabrication environments
• Demonstrated expertise in photolithography processes including photoresist application, exposure systems, such as stepper tools or E-beam lithography, and pattern development
• Comprehensive knowledge of thin film deposition methods including:
• Physical vapor deposition (thermal/e-beam evaporation and sputtering)
• Chemical vapor deposition (PECVD)
• Thermal oxidation processes
• Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD)
• Proficiency in etching techniques including:
• Wet chemical etching of metals and dielectric films
• Plasma-based dry etching (RIE)
• Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE)
• Specialty vapor phase etching (vapor HF and XeF2)
• Experience operating metrology and characterization equipment:
• Optical and electron microscopy
• Ellipsometry for film thickness measurement
• Stress measurement techniques for thin films
• Electrical probing and device characterization

DESIRED SKILLS

• Cleanroom experience in class 10-1000 environments
• Familiarity with process integration and optimization
• Experience with Design of Experiments methodology
• Knowledge of MEMS design principles and fabrication challenges

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, Columbus participates in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.