Thin-Film Process Technician - Lab Ops & Maintenance

Periodic Labs; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 128,943,000 - 186,252,000; Full time

Job summary

Periodic Labs in Menlo Park, CA is seeking a Process Technician to operate thin-film deposition and metrology tools, prepare samples, and maintain data integrity. You will run SOPs, perform first-line maintenance, and collaborate with process engineers to handle non-standard experiments.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in thin-film or metrology tool operation, strong sample prep skills, and a commitment to rigorous documentation and safety in a cleanroom environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience operating thin-film deposition and/or metrology equipment.
• Working knowledge of at least one deposition technique at practical detail.
• Sample prep skill with delicate materials and artifact-free prep.
• Comfort with basic metrology data and film measurements.
• Mechanical aptitude and maintenance instinct; follow service procedures.
• Rigorous documentation habits and attention to what was done and observed.
• Cleanroom experience with strict protocol and contamination control.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple engineer requests.

Responsibilities

• Run deposition tools to SOP, loading/unloading, verify chamber state and setpoints, and log results.
• Prepare samples: dice and cleave coupons, mount, cross-section prep, cleaning per workflow.
• Operate characterization tools and log structural, optical, and electrical data; escalate issues.
• Perform first-line and preventive maintenance: chamber opens, changes, PM scheduling, and vendor coordination.
• Keep tools qualified: monitor thickness/uniformity and flag drift.
• Support non-standard work: help scope tool capabilities for unusual experiments and document outcomes.
• Document every run with metadata, failures, and fixes.
• Own lab safety and housekeeping: chemical handling, waste, lockout/tagout, cleanroom protocols.

Skills

Thin-film deposition

Metrology equipment operation

Sample preparation

Documentation

Cleanroom safety

Chamber maintenance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or technical certificate

Technical training/military experience

Tools

LIMS

MES

Job description

Periodic Labs in Menlo Park, CA is seeking a Process Technician to operate thin-film deposition and metrology tools, prepare samples, and maintain data integrity. You will run SOPs, perform first-line maintenance, and collaborate with process engineers to handle non-standard experiments.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in thin-film or metrology tool operation, strong sample prep skills, and a commitment to rigorous documentation and safety in a cleanroom environment.