UPW & Waste Commissioning Technician – Semiconductor Fab

LotusWorks•Albany, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The UPW & Waste Commissioning Technician supports the commissioning, startup, and validation of Ultra-Pure Water (UPW) and Industrial Waste Treatment systems within a semiconductor manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for executing commissioning activities in alignment with ASHRAE commissioning Levels 2–6, ensuring systems are installed correctly, operate as designed, and meet stringent process and environmental requirements prior to fab handover. This is a hands-on, field-based role working closely with engineers, contractors, vendors, and operations teams to ensure safe, compliant, and high-performance system delivery.

Requirements

Minimum 1+ year of experience commissioning UPW systems (semiconductor experience preferred but not required)
Experience with industrial water or wastewater treatment systems is highly desirable
Strong understanding of mechanical, chemical, and instrumentation systems
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, schematics, and technical documentation
Hands-on experience with testing, calibration, and system troubleshooting
Knowledge of safety procedures and environmental compliance standards
Strong communication and coordination skills in a fast-paced field environment
High school diploma or GED preferred. Proof of education, licenses, and certifications will be required where applicable

Nice To Haves

Semiconductor experience preferred

Responsibilities

Level 2 – Construction & Installation Verification: Perform field inspections to verify installation meets design specifications and industry standards (e.g., SEMI F57/F58). Validate UPW system installation including RO, EDI, mixed bed polishers, UV, ozone, and distribution loops. Inspect instrumentation such as TOC analyzers, resistivity monitors, and flow/pressure devices. Verify chemical dosing skids, accessibility, and maintainability. Confirm integrity of point-of-use (POU) connections and distribution systems. Inspect waste system piping, slope, support, and segregation compliance. Verify proper labeling, color coding, and identification of waste streams. Validate installation of chemical storage, containment systems, and leak detection. Inspect neutralization systems, tanks, and mixing chambers. Confirm emergency drainage, eyewash, and safety system connections.
Level 3 – Pre-Functional Testing (PFT): Execute component-level testing to confirm system readiness. Test RO membrane performance and rejection rates. Verify EDI electrical performance (voltage/current). Validate mixed bed resin capacity and conductivity performance. Confirm UV intensity and ozone system effectiveness. Calibrate chemical dosing systems and verify accuracy. Test pH/ORP instrumentation and response. Validate neutralization system mixing and residence time. Verify sludge handling, filtration, and dewatering systems. Test alarms, leak detection systems, and interlocks. Execute passivation and biofilm prevention procedures.
Level 4 – Functional Performance Testing (FPT): Demonstrate full system functionality against design requirements. Validate UPW quality standards and distribution performance. Verify flow, pressure, and temperature control across all POU locations. Optimize recirculation loops and system efficiency. Commission waste systems for stable pH control (HFW, AWN, BWN, IWN). Validate copper treatment, precipitation, and clarification processes. Confirm solvent waste segregation and handling. Perform system load testing at design capacity. Validate control systems including monitoring, trending, and chemical dosing.
Level 5 – Integrated Systems Testing (IST): Validate system performance under full operational and dynamic fab conditions. Simulate varying production demand and confirm UPW system response. Verify waste system capacity during full production scenarios. Execute emergency and upset condition testing (e.g., contamination, spills, overflow). Confirm system integration with BMS/FMS and fab control systems. Test redundancy, backup systems, and failover scenarios. Validate interlocks between chemical delivery and waste systems. Support environmental compliance verification and discharge requirements.
Any other duties or responsibilities that may be assigned to you in your role.