Senior Nanotechnology Process Engineer

Senior Nanotechnology Process Engineer
Research Support Specialist III
Cornell NanoScale Facility (CNF)

   

Who We Are

Research and Innovation (RI), led by the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI), enables, and advances the University’s research priorities as well as research activities of Cornell colleges, schools, and research centers, institutes, and laboratories. 

The Cornell NanoScale Facility (CNF) is a world-class facility for micro and nanofabrication. Operating as an open user facility we assist users from across the country and around the world. Over 500 different individuals use CNF facilities every year. They include undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and professionals, both those experienced in nanotechnology as well as novices. Projects range from pure university research to product development for small and large companies. Our flexible equipment and policies allow us to undertake projects that would not be possible in many other nanofabrication environments.

What You Will Do

The thin film deposition, etching and integration engineer will be a member of the technical staff at CNF, responsible for both user support and for leadership in thin film deposition and etching and associated process integration. As part of his/her duties, the incumbent will support advanced instrumentation including thin film deposition, etching, resist processing, advanced data preparation, and process flow development. The incumbent will be part of a team consisting of CNF users and CNF tool & user support staff. This person will be responsible for both instruction and user process support. The incumbent must be able to interact effectively with a broad group of constituents, exercise a customer service demeanor, and exhibit excellent personal communication skills.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Responsibilities of this position include:

• Supervise, maintain, repair, and provide instruction for the users of assigned CNF equipment, predominantly RIE and deposition tools, assure quality and safety of new and existing processes, and support users in various applications in the thin film processing area.  This position is also responsible for conducting and supporting of remote user processing involving the operation and integration of all CNF equipment.  Furthermore, the position involves characterization of thin film deposition and etching equipment on a monthly basis and making the information available to staff and users.

• Development and documentation of thin film processes related to nanotechnology, as well as the integration of these processes into higher level modules. Processes supported will include, photolithography, wet and dry etching, and both physical and chemical vapor deposition. Document and/or publish results as appropriate.

• Prepare training materials for correct operation of these advanced tools; Train users at all experience levels in the operation.

• Develop and document leading edge processes in photolithography, thin film deposition and etching. Optimize both performance and reproducibility.  Maintain process control charts as necessary. Instruct users in documented processes and troubleshoot process issues with users.

• Work with specific CNF users to design and implement appropriate process flows to meet the user’s needs. This will include instruction in specific instruments and processes.

• Maintain specific film processing systems in an operational and productive state.   Provide backup to several other facilities as required.  Document operational issues and repair as necessary. Provide documentation on the operation of the equipment to accomplish a desired result.

• Work with specific CNF users to design and implement appropriate process flows to meet the user’s needs.

This is a hands-on process, equipment, and user support position. At least 20 hours per week will be spent in the cleanroom, with regular handling of hazardous chemicals. The successful candidate should have experience and familiarity with basic troubleshooting of complex tools. Familiar with compressed gas handling, high purity compressed gas components, hazardous research gas systems, vacuum systems, and related components. Basic electronic an