Cleanroom Manager

The Utah Nanofab is seeking an experienced, hands-on Cleanroom Manager to provide engineering, scientific, and operational leadership for its world-class micro- and nanofabrication facility. This position plays a pivotal role in enabling leading-edge research and development in microelectronics, sensors, materials, micro optics, and nanotechnology. The successful candidate will demonstrate technical depth, leadership experience, and a passion for fostering a collaborative research environment.

About the Role

Direct, manage, and supervise engineers and technicians performing research, design, and development across multiple engineering disciplines. Develop processes, policies, and procedures to ensure all engineering projects align with the organization's objectives. Collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines, management, sales and marketing, and related departments to determine engineering feasibility, cost effectiveness, and demand for engineering products and services. Manage engineering verification activities to ensure deliverables are met on-time and conform to specifications. Advise leadership on product or design changes that may impact profit, schedule, cost, or client relationships. May be required to approve designs impacting health, safety, and welfare of the public.

The department may hire at the Senior Supervisor, Manager, or Senior Manager level based on business need and budget.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Strategy
  • Provide engineering, scientific, and operational leadership for the Utah Nanofab cleanroom.
  • Maintain and advance the Nanofab's reputation as a world-class user facility supporting academic, industrial, and government research.
  • Collaborate with faculty and leadership to develop and execute strategic plans for equipment acquisition, facility upgrades, and research initiatives.
  • Represent the Nanofab to the broader scientific community, including coordinating tours, outreach, and development efforts.
  • Prepare for and lead external reviews and assessments of the Nanofab program.
• Facility and Equipment Management
  • Oversee all aspects of cleanroom infrastructure, including HVAC, process gases, DI water, vacuum, and safety systems.
  • Supervise equipment maintenance, installation, and process development across thin-film, etch, lithography, and packaging tools.
  • Establish repair and preventative maintenance priorities to ensure minimal downtime.
  • Coordinate with campus facilities, safety, and vendors for service, repairs, and upgrades.
• User Support, Training, and Safety
  • Direct user training programs, ensuring safe and effective operation of tools and adherence to protocols.
  • Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), online training modules, and safety documentation.
  • Conduct user group meetings, annual safety town halls, and individual process consultations.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, cleanliness, and respect among users and staff.
• Staff Management and Mentorship
  • Supervise and mentor engineers, technicians, and student assistants.
  • Assign roles and responsibilities, conduct annual performance reviews, and coordinate team development.
  • Promote collaboration and communication between cleanroom, surface analysis, and administrative teams.
  • Support recruitment, retention, and advancement of staff from all backgrounds.
• Budgeting and Administration
  • Develop and manage cleanroom budgets, user billing rates, and cost recovery models.
  • Provide financial analysis and operational metrics to the Price College of Engineering and the Vice President for Research.
  • Oversee procurement, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations.
• Research and Technical Expertise
  • Provide micro/nanofabrication services and process guidance for internal and external projects.
  • Collaborate with faculty and students to develop and optimize fabrication process flows.
  • Support advanced research activities including e-beam and UV lithography, PVD, CVD, RIE/DRIE, wet etch, 3D microprinting, and metrology.

Working Conditions

• Work performed primarily in a cleanroom environment.
• Frequent standing, walking, and working in protective garments.
• Occasional handling of chemicals, hazardous gases, and use of safety equipment.

Requirements

Equivalency statement: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (e.g., bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

• Senior Supervisor, Multi-Discipline Engineering Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
• Manager, Multi-Discipline Engineering Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
• Senior Manager, Multi-Discipline Engineering Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering or physical science discipline.
• 7-10 years of experience managing a shared cleanroom facility or equivalent industrial environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in process integration and multi-tool fabrication workflows.
• E-beam lithography experience and expertise.
• Experience with cost recovery models, billing systems, and rate development.
• Hands-on experience with facility infrastructure (air handling, process gases, DI water, vacuum, exhaust).

Pay

$90,000 - $130,000

Schedule

Full-time, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM