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UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 05/18/21 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 05/27/21. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
Job posting will remain open until position is filled.
DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the Facility Director, the Principal Equipment Engineer utilizes advanced engineering concepts and aligned with campus objectives to lead the work of an engineering team in charge of the integration of micro/nanofabrication processes and advanced equipment, with a particular focus on setting up and optimizing fabrication and characterization tools to meet the stringent requirements for cutting-edge device applications. Works closely with the facility's equipment engineering and process engineering teams and serves as the go-to person for challenging cleanroom equipment problems.
The incumbent plays an instrumental role in the success and growth of the overall operation, works in close coordination with and advises the facility technical director and faculty director to establish the operation's core capabilities. Primary responsibilities include inspecting, testing, installing, troubleshooting, repairing, maintaining, and upgrading highly sophisticated, high-value equipment for micro- and nanofabrication for the Nano 3 micro- and nanofabrication cleanroom facility, a major, centralized campus recharge at the Qualcomm Institute, currently serving over 600 individual users from over 150 campus research groups and over 120 industrial companies. Regularly works on highly complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises independent judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
The engineer collaborates with Principal Investigators (PIs) and other researchers in the design of experiments to maximize the full design capabilities of the instruments. Provides engineering services to PIs and design and instrument modification to meet the experimental research needs of the PIs. Leads members of the equipment/processing teams and provides recommendations for organizational planning of the teams to higher-level management.
QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced degree in Engineering or a related field and typically seven (7) years experience working with semiconductor device fabrication and analysis processes, including industry experience in a research and development environment and/or pilot manufacturing, and/or equivalent experience/training.
Advanced knowledge associated with the planning, development, and fabrication of engineering systems.
Thorough knowledge of specialized design work as well as the overall field.
Strong creativity and problem solving abilities to apply principles, practices and procedures within discipline to complete difficult assignments.
Strong project management skills needed to assume responsibility for accomplishment of research objectives.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner. Advanced interpersonal and presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and influence others. Experience in providing work direction, supervising and training to staff.
Knowledge in power system and power electronics to set up and keep cool various types of processing equipment with specific voltage and current requirements (equipment may consume a significant amount of power (e.g. >20KW for a furnace). Advanced knowledge and experience in handling plasma and RF systems.
Knowledge in UV optics to install, calibrate, diagnose, maintain, and repair contact mask aligners for photolithography which operate at different UV wavelengths and have different optical designs.
Vacuum electronics. Knowledge in vacuum electronics to maintain both SEM and E-beam lithography machines, field emitters and electronic lenses, which are used to generate, direct, and focus electron beams.
Advanced knowledge of highly sophisticated etching systems. Extensive practical knowledge to handle all types of toxic, corrosive, and explosive gases such as silane, chlorine, phosphine, arsine, etc. used in various dry etching and plasma systems.
Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to install and maintain sophisticated automatic or robotic mechanic sample transfer and loading systems of etching and vacuum equipment.
Detailed theoretical knowledge and extensive experience with electronics and sensors to monitor and control equipment.
Advanced technical knowledge with the ability to set up, maintain, and leak detect HV systems operating at a background pressure of 10E-6 to 1E-9 torr and advanced systems such as ESEM and EBL that operate in UHV condition.
Proven understanding of the principles of electrochemistry to properly set up the computer-controlled electro-plating system, design the sample holder, and condition the system for desirable results.
Knowledge of methods used to evaluate and purchase major scientific equipment.
Working knowledge of operation of Atomic Layer Deposition, Deep-Silicon Etching and Nanoimprinting system.
Knowledge in optics and optomechanics to maintain multiple units of microscopes and optical inspection systems in the laboratory.
Proven skills in precision mechanics to assemble numerous pieces of equipment, including AFMs, wire bonders and surface profilers, contain very small and precisely machined parts.
Extensive knowledge of organic and inorganic chemistry as related to electronic materials and chemical hygiene, including handling of flammable and pyrophoric materials in glove boxes.
Detailed knowledge of equipment safety and lab safety requirements for power electronics, chemicals, gases, and mechanics. Knowledge of EH&S protocols and equipment safety and ability to teach users how to operate equipment safely.
Extensive experience and demonstrated ability to fabricate, troubleshoot, operate, repair and maintain a wide variety of complex and highly specialized technical electronic equipment.
Proficient computer skills. Ability to generate excel files and word files for the records of equipment maintenance, inventory of spare parts, and parts sent out for service or repair.
Comprehensive understanding of electrical and mechanical schematics and skilled at diagnosing and repairing electromechanical systems and instrumentation.
Thorough understanding of vacuum (incl. ultra-high) systems and technology.
Thorough understanding of semiconductor-quality, ultra-high-purity installations (gases, DI water).
SPECIAL CONDITIONS Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted UC San Diego Campus hiring. UCSD Campus will continue to recruit for essential positions and we ask for your understanding and patience with our application process during this unprecedented time. For more information regarding steps we are taking to keep applicants and staff safe during this time, please view: https://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/services/covid-19/Video-Interview-Tips-for-Candidates.-April4-2020.pdf Additional information about UC San Diego’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic: https://returntolearn.ucsd.edu/ and https://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/services/covid-19/index.html.
Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html
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