CLAWS Manufacturing Systems Engineer

About the role

The CLAWS Manufacturing Systems Engineer will support and develop the digital infrastructure of our advanced semiconductor research foundry. The position focuses on enhancing MES workflows and managing Oracle-based backend systems to improve process traceability, data integrity, and operational efficiency in an R&D fabrication environment.

Responsibilities

• MES Workflow Development & Support (40%): Create and implement MES workflows to support custom semiconductor fabrication process flows. Support foundry users in establishing new fabrication process flows. Build and maintain digital traveler systems for lot tracking, process documentation, and process monitoring. Integrate MES with process tools and data acquisition systems. Develop intuitive user interfaces and dashboards for tracking materials, fabrication lots, and operating metrics, including process controls (SPC). Ensure data consistency and traceability throughout fabrication process flows.
• Database Architecture & Management (30%): Administer databases storing process metadata, experiment logs, and tool usage history. Design and maintain scalable schemas and optimize query performance for large datasets. Ensure data security, backup protocols, and system uptime. Support analytics and reporting needs from internal teams and external partners.
• Data Integration & Automation (20%): Automate data collection pipelines from lab equipment, process logs, and measurement tools. Support integration with homegrown and third-party web-based applications. Develop and maintain APIs, ETL processes, and scheduled jobs to support workflows. Enable clean data delivery for analytics, visualization, and AI/ML use cases.
• Collaboration & Support (10%): Work with process engineers, cleanroom staff, and IT to gather requirements and implement MES/database updates. Support continuous improvement through data accessibility and system enhancements. Implement and maintain document control protocols within MES. Document workflows, user guides, and SOPs for MES and data systems. Provide training and troubleshooting for end users.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: Master’s Degree in a relevant field with demonstrated experience in MES/database systems. Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Industrial Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of experience.
• Other Required Qualifications: Proficiency in SQL and relational database architecture. Experience developing and maintaining MES systems or digital workflows in a laboratory or manufacturing setting. Familiarity with Python, JavaScript, or similar scripting languages for data automation. Ability to work in a fast-paced R&D environment with evolving needs and technologies. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Eligibility to obtain clearance upon request of the US government.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience in a semiconductor R&D or university research cleanroom environment. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or lightweight MES tools. Understanding of wafer fabrication workflows and experimental process tracking. Experience building web-based dashboards or UIs (e.g., Flask, Django, Node.js). Exposure to cloud-based data solutions or virtualized database systems.

Benefits

North Carolina State University offers a comprehensive range of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement programs, disability plans, life insurance, accident plans, paid time off and other leave programs, 12 holidays each year, and more. Additionally, we offer child care benefits, wellness & recreation membership, and wellness programs to help you achieve a balanced work-life balance.