CLAWS Semiconductor Equipment Engineer

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number
PG194219EP

Internal Recruitment
No

Working Title
CLAWS Semiconductor Equipment Engineer

Anticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with education and experience

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Job Location
Raleigh, NC

Department
CLAWS (Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors)

About the Department

North Carolina State University is leading the charge as the recipient of a $39.4 million award from the Department of Defense to establish the regional Microelectronics Commons regional innovation hub, Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (CLAWS). This initiative, part of the larger $238 million investment through the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, aims to revolutionize the field of wide bandgap semiconductors.

Hub leadership, Distinguished Professors John Muth and Fred Kish, are dedicated to the "lab to fab" journey-translating laboratory advancements into fabrication capabilities for wide bandgap semiconductors. The hub brings together a dynamic partnership with N.C. A&T State University and industry leaders, including MACOM, Coherent Corp., General Electric, Bluglass, Adroit Materials, and Kyma Technologies, Inc. This collaborative effort will propel the development of semiconductors crucial for national defense, electric vehicles, power grid technologies, 5G/6G, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence applications.

Based on this huge initiative, we will be looking to create and fill several critical roles for the Hub (see attached org chart).

The cleanroom facility associated with the CLAWS program is the NC State Nanofabrication Facility (NNF). The NNF is comprised of >7500 ft.2 Class 100/Class 1000 cleanroom space located in the Monteith Research (MRC) on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University.

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.

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

Core Equipment Maintenance & Repair (45%)

• Work with NNF process engineers to maintain/troubleshoot/repair semiconductor fabrication tools, with an emphasis on plasma etch and vacuum deposition tools.
• Work with NNF process engineers to install new semiconductor fabrication tools, with an emphasis on plasma etch and vacuum deposition tools.
• Coordinate with tool vendors to arrange service visits for preventative maintenance and/or major repairs
• Keep clear records of all repair/maintenance work done on tools
• Work primarily in a Class 100 cleanroom environment

Facilities Management & Emergency Response (30%)

• Monitor the facilities (including but not limited to power, exhaust, chilled water, compressed air, nitrogen, deionized water) in the building which houses the NNF (Monteith Research Center)
• Work with NNF staff, University Facilities & Maintenance staff, and/or equipment vendors to carry out minor repairs on NNF-owned building equipment, such as air compressors and deionized water systems
• Coordinate with University Facilities & Maintenance, College of Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety, and/or the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department to address facilities issues relevant to NNF.

Operational Support, Project Management & Safety (25%)

• Lead projects focused on the improvement of NNF facilities and/or infrastructure
• Coordinate with tool vendors and NNF staff to create and maintain facilities-related documentation for the MRC building and all NNF tools.
• Quickly respond to any facilities-related shutdowns or emergencies
• Participate in and document safety audits to help ensure the NNF is being operated in safe manner

Other Responsibilities

• Perform all necessary day to day tasks required to operate a multi-user facility such as ordering and maintaining consumables inventory, contributing to housecleaning/lab organization, maintaining documentation, etc.
• This role will occasionally involve addressing building emergencies after-hours

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in science or engineering discipline; or equivalent combination of training and experience
• Five or more years of experience working in a university, government, or industry laboratory
• Significant experience in maintaining/repairing semiconductor vacuum deposition and plasma etch tools

Other Required Qualifications

• Excellent hands-on skill with troubleshooting and repairing lab equipment
• Must be comfortable working in a class 100 cleanroom environment
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of personnel
• Ability to troubleshoot systems at the component level using equipment schematics
• Must be able to work independently as well as make positive team contributions
• Familiarity with electrical, exhaust, and plumbing operation in industrial buildings
• Familiarity with environmental health and safety protocols.
• Must be comfortable working safely with chemicals and compressed gases
• Must be willing and able to acquire SCBA certificationEligibility to obtain clearance upon request of the US government.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Science or Engineering discipline
• Two or more years working in an R1 University setting
• Two or more years working in a cleanroom
• Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication facility operation and design

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required
No

Commercial Driver's License required
No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date
09/04/2025

Anticipated Close Date
Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.

Position Details

Position Number
00111567

Position Type
EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.0

Appointment
12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure

Department ID
140110 - CLAWS

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 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 or .

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.