Equipment Technician, Plasma Etching, ALE & Ion Milling, Microelectronics Research Center

Job Posting Title:

Equipment Technician, Plasma Etching, ALE & 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:

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 dry etching operations, including plasma etching, atomic layer etching (ALE), and ion milling systems. The technician assists with equipment operation, routine maintenance, and safety monitoring, with emphasis on tool readiness, diagnostics, metrology support, and hardware troubleshooting in a shared‑user cleanroom environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor dry etching equipment (e.g., RIE systems, ICP reactors, ALE modules, and ion milling tools).

• Train users in equipment operation, tool limitations, and safe use practices in accordance with approved procedures.

• Support routine etching and milling runs and collect basic metrology or performance data using tools such as profilometers, ellipsometers, SEM, and endpoint diagnostics.

• Assist engineers and researchers by ensuring tools are properly configured and operational.

• Conduct diagnostic testing and perform mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, including replacement of RF components, vacuum hardware, gas delivery components, and ion sources.

• Maintain accurate logs of equipment status, alarms, maintenance actions, and usage.

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

• Safely handle toxic and corrosive process gases, including cylinder exchanges, leak checks, and alarm response, following standard operating procedures.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED

• Minimum of 4 years of skilled construction and maintenance of equipment that includes 2 years of experience in semiconductor, plasma, or ion beam processing environments.

• Familiarity with vacuum systems, RF power supplies, gas delivery systems, and cleanroom protocols.

• Basic understanding of dry etching or ion milling equipment operation and performance indicators.

• Experience working with toxic gas systems, safety interlocks, and emergency response procedures.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

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

• Experience supporting RIE, ICP, ALE, or ion milling tools in a research or pilot‑line cleanroom environment.

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

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

Salary Range

$48,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• 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