Senior UHV (Ultra High Vacuum) Engineer

Elbit America•Roanoke, VA

About The Position

The Senior UHV Engineer will be responsible for the design, fabrication, integration, and maintenance of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems used in defense, advanced research, semiconductor processes, and precision manufacturing. This role requires hands on experience with complex vacuum technology, strong troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work effectively in clean room and team-based environments. The Senior UHV Engineer collaborates with mechanical, electrical, controls, and process engineering teams to ensure vacuum systems meet stringent performance, reliability, and cleanliness requirements. The role also supports troubleshooting, testing, supplier engagement, and technology development initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field. Advanced degree preferred.
Direct, hands-on experience designing, fabricating, or manufacturing UHV systems and components.
Extensive experience in UHV system management, including design, maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
Strong familiarity with vacuum equipment, pumps, gauges, controllers, and related hardware.
Experience repairing and troubleshooting vacuum and plasma processing tools.
Familiarity with metrology tools and in situ vacuum processes.
Extensive experience working with robotic systems in a technical or manufacturing environment.
Ability to perform physical tasks associated with working in and around UHV systems for extended periods.
Clean room experience, including equipment operation and contamination control procedures.
Working knowledge of semiconductors, device structures, and common applications.
Semiconductor fab or clean room manufacturing experience is strongly preferred.
Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Strong understanding of UHV physics, vacuum conductance, gas loads, and system performance modeling.
Familiarity with motion systems, robotics, or automation inside vacuum environments is a plus.
Proficiency with vacuum instrumentation (RGA, leak detectors, pressure gauges, thermocouples).
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and precision assembly requirements.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem solving capabilities.
Ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate with cross functional teams, and lead technical decision making.
Skilled in supplier engagement, component evaluation, and technical risk assessment.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement UHV systems, components, and assemblies, ensuring compliance with stringent vacuum-performance requirements.
Lead or support fabrication and manufacturing activities related to UHV chambers, feedthroughs, manipulators, and in situ processing tools.
Perform installation, maintenance, leak detection, and troubleshooting of UHV and high vacuum equipment.
Work closely with cross functional teams, providing technical guidance and clear communication on system capabilities, design decisions, and operational impacts.
Repair, calibrate, and optimize vacuum pumps, gauges, valves, plasma systems, metrology tools, and other in situ process equipment.
Operate and maintain robotic systems used for wafer handling, sample manipulation, and tool automation within UHV or clean room environments.
Ensure safe and consistent operation of UHV systems during extended periods of work in the vacuum environment (up to 8 hours per day).
Work in clean room facilities, following contamination control protocols, gowning procedures, and best practices for semiconductor grade cleanliness.
Support process development and integration work requiring a detailed understanding of semiconductor materials, device structures, and fabrication principles.
Document procedures, maintenance records, troubleshooting findings, and design updates clearly for internal and external stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with relevant internal standards and industry best practices.
Mentor engineers and technicians in UHV principles, design approaches, contamination control, and troubleshooting methods.