Microfabrication Engineer

Support • Greenbelt, MD

5h • Onsite

About The Position

The Microfabrication Engineer shall serve as a hands-on technical specialist supporting the development, optimization, and sustainment of microfabrication processes for MEMS devices and advanced spaceflight instrumentation within NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) laboratories. The engineer will apply expertise in semiconductor fabrication techniques to enable the production and integration of high-reliability micro-scale devices used in space and scientific missions. The candidate will operate within a cleanroom environment and collaborate closely with design engineers, systems engineers, and test personnel to translate device requirements into robust fabrication processes. Responsibilities include executing and refining photolithography workflows, thin-film deposition processes, and etching techniques while ensuring consistency, repeatability, and compliance with established process controls. The engineer will troubleshoot fabrication issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to improve device yield and performance. Responsibilities include conducting process characterization using metrology tools such as optical and electron microscopy, ellipsometry, and electrical test equipment, and interpreting data to support process optimization. The role includes development and documentation of fabrication procedures, process flows, and technical reports in accordance with NASA and industry standards. The engineer will support process integration efforts, contribute to Design of Experiments (DOE) activities, and provide clear technical assessments to project teams and laboratory management. The candidate will support ongoing laboratory operations, including adherence to cleanroom protocols, equipment usage, and safety standards. Participation in multidisciplinary teams and contributions to continuous process improvement initiatives are expected. Limited support for external collaborators or project reviews may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of demonstrated hands-on experience in semiconductor, MEMS, or microfabrication environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in photolithography processes, including photoresist application, exposure systems (mask aligners, steppers, or e-beam lithography), and pattern development.
• Experience with thin-film deposition techniques, including PVD, CVD/PECVD, thermal oxidation, and ALD.
• Proficiency in etching techniques, including wet chemical etching, RIE, DRIE, and vapor phase etching.
• Experience operating metrology and characterization equipment including microscopy, ellipsometry, and electrical probing.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot fabrication processes and perform root cause analysis.
• Ability to work independently and effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• US Citizenship or lawful permanent US residency required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or PhD in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline.
• Experience working in Class 10–1000 cleanroom environments.
• Familiarity with MEMS device design principles and fabrication challenges.
• Experience with process integration and wafer-level fabrication workflows.
• Knowledge and application of Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies.
• Prior experience supporting NASA, aerospace, or government laboratory environments.

Responsibilities

• Executing and refining photolithography workflows, thin-film deposition processes, and etching techniques while ensuring consistency, repeatability, and compliance with established process controls.
• Troubleshooting fabrication issues, performing root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions to improve device yield and performance.
• Conducting process characterization using metrology tools such as optical and electron microscopy, ellipsometry, and electrical test equipment, and interpreting data to support process optimization.
• Development and documentation of fabrication procedures, process flows, and technical reports in accordance with NASA and industry standards.
• Supporting process integration efforts and contributing to Design of Experiments (DOE) activities.
• Providing clear technical assessments to project teams and laboratory management.
• Supporting ongoing laboratory operations, including adherence to cleanroom protocols, equipment usage, and safety standards.
• Participating in multidisciplinary teams and contributing to continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Limited support for external collaborators or project reviews may be required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level