Wafer Tech (Project Tech)

Draper; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance programs

Employee clubs (photography, yoga)

Health/finance workshops

Off-site social events

Discounts to local museums

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA is seeking technicians to operate and maintain precision fabrication tools in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. You will move wafers through the process, run etch, lithography, deposition, and chemistry steps, and work with engineers to optimize production.

The role requires a technical degree or certificates with substantial hands-on experience, strong attention to detail, and clear communication in a lab setting.

Qualifications

• Requires 2-year technical degree + 10 years experience OR 4-year degree + 10 years experience OR relevant technical certificate(s) + 10 years experience OR 15+ years experience.
• 2 years hands-on experience, or 2 years of tech school plus 2 years of work.
• Comfort in a cleanroom or lab environment.
• Focused, careful work habits and good communication.

Responsibilities

• Keep wafers moving through the cleanroom, running fabrication steps from start to finish.
• Set up, operate, and maintain tools such as dry etch systems, photolithography tools, deposition equipment, and wet chemistry stations.
• Work with engineers to troubleshoot issues, make process improvements, and keep things running smoothly.
• Assemble and test parts for prototype hardware (mechanical and electrical).
• Keep accurate records using basic computer tools (Word, Excel).
• With limited or no supervision, document own work consistent with work unit policy.
• Perform scientific experiments and/or tests with complex lab equipment independently or with senior staff.
• Apply analytic and test experience in acceptance procedures.
• Program computer-controlled automated and semi-automated equipment.
• Mentor, train or supervise more junior technicians as needed.
• Other temporary assignments at supervisor discretion.

Skills

MS Windows

Word

Excel

Verbal & written communication

Education

Two-year technical degree

Tools

N/A

Job description

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary

Are you the kind of person who likes working with your hands, running cool equipment, and being part of something bigger? We’re looking for technicians who know their way around precision tools and want to help build technology that supports national defense, space systems, and more. This isn’t a desk job, it’s hands‑on, fast‑paced, and your attention to detail will make a real difference.

What You’ll Do

• Keep wafers moving through the cleanroom, running fabrication steps from start to finish.
• Set up, operate, and maintain tools such as dry etch systems, photolithography tools, deposition equipment, and wet chemistry stations.
• Work with engineers to troubleshoot issues, make process improvements, and keep things running smoothly.
• Assemble and test parts for prototype hardware (mechanical and electrical).
• Keep accurate records using basic computer tools (Word, Excel).

What You Bring

• Solid hands‑on experience (2 years, or 2 years of tech school plus 2 years of work).
• Confidence running fabrication equipment and following SOP.
• Comfort in a cleanroom or lab environment.
• Focused, careful work habits and good communication.

Second Shift Hours: 11 am – 7:30 pm

Duties / Responsibilities

• With limited or no supervision, carefully document own work consistent with work unit policy in handwritten form or using common computer‑based software.
• Perform scientific experiments and/or tests with complex laboratory equipment independently or in collaboration with senior technical personnel.
• Apply analytic and test experience in the execution of acceptance procedures independently or in collaboration with senior technical personnel.
• Program computer‑controlled automated and semi‑automated equipment.
• At the discretion of the supervisor, perform focused training to grow and enhance skills for betterment of the department or the laboratory as a whole.
• As needed, mentor, train or supervise more junior technicians.
• Other temporary assignments at the discretion of the supervisor.

Skills / Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft applications (MS Windows, Word, Excel, etc.).
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Possess highly specialized skills for production for assigned work area.
• Possess a high degree of attention to detail.

Experience / Education

Requires 2‑year technical degree + 10 years experience OR 4‑year degree + 10 years experience OR relevant technical certificate(s) + 10 years experience OR 15+ years experience.

Security Clearance

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139‑3563

Compensation

The U.S. base salary range for this full‑time position is $55.80 - $55.80 per hour. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all U.S. locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in U.S. role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Benefits and Work-Life Balance

Draper supports many programs to improve work‑life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off‑site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Join Our Team

If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now at www.draper.com/careers.

EEO Statement

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high‑performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].