Equipment Engineer, Plasma Etching and Ion Milling, Microelectronics Research Center

Job Posting Title:

Equipment Engineer, Plasma Etching and Ion Milling, Microelectronics Research Center

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Hiring Department:

Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

General Notes

The Microelectronics Research Center (MRC) laboratories serve users from both universities and corporations across many different fields: electronics, optics, physics, chemistry and astronomy, as well as chemical, mechanical and petroleum engineering. The MRC is more than a clean room with a comprehensive set of advanced nano-fabrication equipment; it is a community of scientists who work together to build advanced technology products and knowledge.
 

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:  

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage  
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays

Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

Purpose

The Etch Engineer leads development, optimization, and sustainment of advanced etch processes in a shared-user research cleanroom and is responsible for the performance, reliability, and sustainment of dry etching equipment, including plasma etching systems (RIE, ICP), atomic layer etching (ALE) tools, and ion milling systems, in a shared‑user cleanroom environment. This role is expected to work as part of a team to ensure optimal tool performance by maintaining tool stability, uptime, safety, and repeatability through calibration, diagnostics, preventive maintenance support, and hardware troubleshooting. The engineer supports advanced microfabrication research and prototyping by ensuring etch tools operate within defined performance specifications and safety requirements, while working closely with process engineers, technicians, vendors, and users for recipe development, experimental design, data analysis, user training, and equipment diagnostics.

Responsibilities

Equipment Performance and Sustainment 

• Maintain and optimize the performance and availability of plasma etching, ALE, and ion milling tools to meet facility uptime and capability targets.

• Troubleshoot process deviations and tool-related issues using structured root cause analysis.

•  Monitor and control key equipment performance metrics, including plasma stability, RF power delivery, pressure control, gas flow accuracy, temperature control, and endpoint system performance. 

• Perform routine equipment calibration, matching, and performance verification to ensure repeatable and stable operation.

• Perform diagnostic testing and hardware troubleshooting in coordination with maintenance staff and vendors.

• Support tool qualification, calibration, acceptance testing, and preventive maintenance activities.

Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, and Repair 

• Diagnose and resolve equipment-related issues impacting etch performance using structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis.

• Perform hands-on hardware diagnostics and repairs, including replacement of boards, RF components, sensors, valves, vacuum hardware, and mechanical assemblies.

• Coordinate with vendors and service providers on advanced repairs, corrective maintenance, upgrades, and system modifications.

• Support planning and execution of preventive maintenance activities to minimize downtime and performance drift.

Process Development and Optimization 

• Assist users to develop, optimize, and document etch processes for a wide range of device structures and materials as needed.

• Assist users in designing and executing experiments to push tool and process limits in resolution, sidewall quality, and pattern fidelity.

• Assist users in etch optimization through systematic experimentation and modeling.

Process Awareness and Metrology Support 

• Support process engineers and users by ensuring tools are properly configured and capable of meeting process requirements

• Utilize metrology data (e.g., SEM, profilometry, ellipsometry, endpoint signals) to validate equipment performance and identify hardware-related trends