Careers at UMass Amherst

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. 

Job Summary

The Senior Cleanroom Engineer supports the daily technical operation, maintenance of equipment and development of processes in the Nanofabrication, the Device Fabrication, and the Roll-to-Roll Facilities cleanrooms in the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS). The Manufacturing Engineer works with the respective facility staff and management team to establish and support operating and maintenance protocols, process development, and collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and outside users to maximize high impact research and development output.

Essential Functions

• Ensures daily operation of all lab equipment in the clean rooms, with major pieces including but not limited to, evaporator, sputter, plasma etchers, plasma and atomic layer deposition tools, wafer bonders, mask aligner, chemical and acid hoods, inspection and metrology tools, roll-to-roll (R2R) and bench top coating and printing lines.
• Develops and maintains fabrication processes, such as etching, lithography, and vapor deposition, utilizing cleanroom equipment to support grant and industry research projects.
• Develops and maintains a preventative maintenance program for the clean room facilities and provides preventative maintenance in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
• Troubleshoots and coordinates with technical services of tool vendors for equipment services and repairs in the event of equipment malfunctions, minimizing the equipment downtime.
• Develops standard operating procedures and trains users on using the cleanroom equipment.
• Performs hands-on maintenance work in cleanroom environment complying with all gowning requirements.
• May participate in discussions with Faculty and other users around capabilities and servicing needs. Engages with vendors and other service providers as required. May also participate in planning activities around new equipment procurements and advises on equipment end-of-life processes.
• Ensures the clean room facility complies with the University general health and safety standards, local environmental safety standards and appropriate quality assurance standards.
• Stays current with technological development and suggests purchase of new equipment, negotiates technical specifications and price for new instruments purchase, and supervises the installation of the instruments.
• Responds promptly and appropriately to emergencies or urgent issues as they arise.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s degree with more than five (5) years of relevant professional experience required, OR an associate degree with more than eight (8) years of experience OR a high school diploma with more than ten (10) years of equivalent industry experience in a related technical environment.  
• Relevant experience should include a minimum five (5) years of experience in cleanroom operation and tool maintenance.
• Experience with vacuum pumps, chillers, high vacuum systems, pressurized gas distribution systems, compressors, and related valves, regulators, and hardware.
• Excellent communication skills, the interpersonal ability to liaise effectively with staff, students, contractors and industrialists at all levels.
• Sufficient IT skills of utilizing online laboratory and equipment management systems to deliver an efficient service is required. Hands on ability with graphical user interfaces for equipment.
• Environmental Health and Safety laboratory safety training.
• Laboratory hazardous waste management.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• M.S. in related field.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Works in a controlled cleanroom and laboratory environment.
• Ability to lift to 50 pounds and move machinery with appropriate tools.

Additional Details

• The Senior Cleanroom Engineer will receive direct supervision from the Nanofabrication/Device Fabrication managers. Indirectly, the Senior Cleanroom Engineer will receive supervision from the R2R manager and Director of Core facility that oversees these core facilities, particularly in areas specific to research and scientific practices, as well as equipment functionality. Overall, the position provides an opportunity to engage in cutting edge high technology development and translation while working in a team environment. Self-starter, motivated individuals are sought.

Work Schedule

• 37.5 hours per week.
• Night and weekend work may be required on occasion.

Salary Information

Level 31

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.