Assistant Process and Equipment Engineer

Department

PME Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs. The PME intends to hire an Assistant Process and Equipment Engineer or Associate Process and Equipment Engineer, based on level of experience.

Job Summary

The PME's Pritzker Nanofabrication Facility (PNF) is looking for a qualified, experienced Cleanroom Process and Equipment Engineer to help manage a suite of specialized tools that enable fabrication of complex, integrated electronic, mechanical, optical, and fluidic structures. The Engineer is expected to have core competencies related to lithographic processes and will be responsible for training users and developing fabrication processes, as well as preventative and corrective maintenance on a variety of tools and ancillary support equipment. This qualified individual will interface with students, scientists, and engineers to provide training and support on all process and equipment related matters.

Responsibilities

• Moderate experience with electron beam lithography.
• Knowledge of UV lithography techniques, including the use of UV aligners and maskless aligner systems.
• Moderate experience with physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition techniques.
• Moderate experience with dry and wet etch processes.
• Familiarity with semiconductor processing in a research laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with cleanroom protocols and working conditions.
• May help support process development activities under the direction of the Executive Director.
• Some experience using semiconductor metrology tools, including, but not limited to scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, stylus profilometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), reflectometry, and spectroscopic ellipsometry.
• Works with senior engineers in maintaining equipment to help maintain select tools in full operational condition and manage critical spare parts inventory; modify equipment when necessary to improve uptime and optimize process performance; troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues, applying root cause analysis and using diagnostic/test equipment; and performs routine preventive maintenance and calibrations in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
• Works with senior engineers to provide equipment support and to help implement preventive maintenance strategies; assist with new equipment installations, start-up, and conducts acceptance testing; coordinate with vendors for technical assistance, maintenance, and support; and develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Learns how to trains new users on tool operations and cleanroom protocols.
• Provides hands-on user support and guidance during tool usage under the direction of senior engineers.
• Under the direction of senior engineers, lifts up to 50 lbs and works with hazardous chemicals following all relevant safety procedures; works continuously in a cleanroom environment; develops proficiency in analyzing tool performance; collects operating data; and conducts experimental testing.
• Uses mechanical and construction knowledge to install, maintain, and repair electronic systems.
• Researches, designs, and evaluates mechanical processes and systems.
• With a moderate level of guidance, researches, designs and evaluates a variety of mechanical processes and machinery.
• Uses solid understanding of construction to install and repair new and existing electronic systems. Analyzes equipment to establish operating data and conduct experimental tests.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• BA/BS degree in basic sciences or engineering.​

Experience:

• Minimum of two years of experience in semiconductor processing and technical equipment maintenance, including hands-on work with semiconductor processing tools.
• Background working with vacuum equipment.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of research techniques or methods.
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Work independently, take direction, and achieve consensus.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail.
• Read and keep abreast of technical developments.

Working Conditions

• Research/Office environment in an ISO 5 academic cleanroom.
• On-call rotation.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Three Professional References Contact Information (required)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$77,000.00 - $83,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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