Cleanroom Manager
About the role
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.
Responsibilities
Direct/Manage/Supervise engineers and technicians performing research, design, and development across multiple engineering disciplines.
Develop processes, policies, and procedures and ensure all engineering projects align with the organization's objectives.
Collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines, management, sales and marketing, and related departments as necessary to determine engineering feasibility, cost effectiveness, and demand for engineering products and services.
Manage engineering verification activities to ensure product or service deliverables are met on-time and conform to the organization's and/or client's specifications.
Advise leadership and other impacted departments on product or design changes which may affect profit, schedule, cost, or client relationships.
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
Work with facilities and staff safety engineer to 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 and 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.
Minimum Qualifications
- EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
- Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels: Senior Supervisor, Manager, and Senior Manager.
Preferences
- 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).