Equipment Technician, Physical Deposition Focus, Microelectronics Research Center

Job Posting Title:

Equipment Technician, Physical Deposition Focus, 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:

Non-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 Equipment Technician supports physical deposition operations, including sputtering, reactive sputtering, thermal evaporation, electron-beam evaporation, and atomic layer deposition (ALD). The technician assists in process execution, tool operation, and maintenance, with emphasis on metrology, diagnostics, and hardware troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor physical deposition tools (e.g., sputter systems, e-beam evaporators, ALD reactors).

• Train users in equipment operation, tool limitations, and safe use practices. 

• Perform routine deposition runs and collect metrology data using tools such as ellipsometers, profilometers, and thickness monitors.

• Assist researchers in process development and optimization.

• Conduct diagnostic testing and perform mechanical/electrical troubleshooting, including replacement of boards, vacuum components, and thermal sources.

• Maintain accurate logs of tool performance, process parameters, and maintenance activities.

• Support tool qualification, calibration, and preventive maintenance schedules.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma/GED.

• Minimum of 4 years of skilled construction and maintenance of equipment that includes 2 years of experience in semiconductor or thin-film processing environments.

• Familiarity with vacuum systems, thermal sources, and cleanroom protocols.

• Basic understanding of metrology tools and thin-film characterization.

• PECVD and/or MOCVD experience is not required but desirable. 

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in electronics, materials science, or related technical field.

• Prior hands‑on experience with preventive maintenance execution and component replacement.

• Experience in a shared‑user academic or national laboratory facility.

Salary

$48,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished)

• May work around chemical fumes

• May work around standard office conditions

• May work around chemicals

• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards

• Use of manual dexterity

• Climbing of stairs

• Climbing of ladders

• Lifting and moving

• Occasional weekend, overtime and evening work to meet deadlines

• Field work as necessary

• Cleanroom Environment 

• Yellow lighting in Lithography areas

• Noisy environment

Required Materials

Please mark "yes" on the application for required materials. Failure to attach all additional materials listed may affect candidates being considered for the position.

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.

• Letter of interest