Research Engineer - Nanofabrication Lab (Materials Research Institute)

Penn State University • University Park, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Penn State's Nanofabrication Laboratory, a world-class open user facility under the Materials Research Institute, is seeking a seasoned Research Engineer with a robust background in nanofabrication. This position is at the Research Engineer - Advanced Professional level. The Nanofabrication Laboratory is a 15,000 sq ft Class 1000 / 100 open user facility located in the Millennium Science Complex. The successful candidate will have extensive experience working in a cleanroom environment, focusing on process integration, and the development and troubleshooting of prototype devices. This role is responsible for advanced packaging toolset and processes related to substrate fabrication, among other responsibilities within the nanofabrication lab. The Research and Development Engineer will contribute innovation and problem-solving to advance materials research at Penn State, working on-site in a cleanroom environment with strict protocol adherence. Reporting to the Nanofabrication Facility Operations Director, the role supports and advances nanofabrication operations through self-directed goal setting, prioritization, and scheduling, and provides input on equipment issues, purchases, staffing, and budgeting. The position requires hands-on involvement in equipment repair and process troubleshooting, strong collaboration skills, and regular communication with students, faculty, industry partners, government laboratories, and global institutions, including ongoing interaction with key faculty experts. This position is funded for 1 year, with continuation based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

Requirements

• Proven experience in nanofabrication within a cleanroom setting.
• Demonstrated ability in process integration and prototype device development.
• Skilled in maintenance and troubleshooting of nanofabrication tools.
• Expertise with the majority of the tools in the nanofabrication toolset.
• Proficient in lithography and etching techniques for submicron feature creation.
• Strong record of innovation and problem-solving.
• Strong collaboration skills.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science.
• 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Implement advanced packaging processes, including die bonding, and substrate fabrication.
• Perform fabrication on behalf of internal and external users across a wide range of applications.
• Become proficient on the majority of tools within the facility, including lithography processes.
• As the owner of multiple tools, maintain and troubleshoot complex tool issues within the cleanroom.
• Train users on the toolset.
• Assist in wafer bonding, femtosecond laser patterning, and electroplating of vias.
• Document processes, results, and procedures.
• Support and advance nanofabrication operations through self-directed goal setting, prioritization, and scheduling.
• Provide input on equipment issues, purchases, staffing, and budgeting.
• Engage in hands-on involvement in equipment repair and process troubleshooting.
• Maintain strong collaboration and regular communication with students, faculty, industry partners, government laboratories, and global institutions, including ongoing interaction with key faculty experts.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees
• Comprehensive medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time)
• Generous 75% tuition discount (available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees