Equipment Engineer, Dry Etch

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do.

About the role

The Quantum Photonics Group (led by Principal Investigator (PI) Oskar Painter) is seeking an Equipment Engineer, Dry Etch to assist in the day-to-day technical operations of its cleanroom facilities on the Caltech campus. The QPG Equipment Engineer will take an important role in maintaining peak performance of state-of-the-art nanofabrication equipment, including material deposition systems (e.g., plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, physical vapor deposition), material etching systems (e.g., reactive ion etchers, vapor HF), a scanning electron microscope, fume hoods for wet chemistry, and other supporting tools. Responsibilities will be shared with other technicians and a process engineer.

The QPG Equipment Engineer will be expected to take ownership of equipment by learning how to operate it at peak performance, administering maintenance and alignments, and troubleshooting issues. The role involves documenting solutions for future reference, carrying out test protocols, and executing preventative maintenance plans to maximize equipment uptime for the lab’s quantum device researchers. The successful candidate will also train lab users to expertly operate the equipment and contribute to a world-class research operation.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine inspection, preventive maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and vacuum systems for semiconductor nanofabrication equipment, along with other integrated systems for gas delivery, motion control, etc.
• Monitor equipment performance and operating parameters, including performing daily checklists and routine process qualifying runs to ensure peak performance.
• Respond quickly to equipment failures, system alarms, downtime, and operational issues. Establish response procedures to reduce downtime and improve efficiency.
• Perform repairs and diagnosis by reading equipment and utility schematics, soliciting advice from vendors, and communicating with team members. Coordinate vendor service visits when needed and document outcomes.
• Develop and execute preventative maintenance plans to maintain high equipment performance standards and monitor performance indicators to improve reliability while reducing costs.
• Create, update, and maintain equipment troubleshooting documents for commonly encountered problems.
• Maintain, upgrade, and back up computer systems in the lab (e.g., computers for individual instruments, login terminals, and networking projects).
• Participate in the planning, installation, commissioning, testing, and acceptance of new equipment, then establish operational protocols and maintenance plans.
• Maintain organized data records to verify performance and indicate when maintenance or alignments are necessary.
• Develop standard operating procedures, maintenance documentation, and emergency response procedures.
• Provide technical training and guidance to operations and maintenance personnel on proper equipment operation and maintenance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related scientific discipline.
• 2+ years of technical hands-on experience in semiconductor equipment operation, maintenance, repair, and installation.
• High level of craftsmanship and thorough knowledge of mechanical design, materials, tools, units, and basic measurement techniques.
• Attention to detail and excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Willingness to maintain highly organized data records.
• Ability to learn quickly and transfer knowledge to others through teaching and documentation.
• Desire to meet and set high standards.
• Ability to work independently with a high level of responsibility.
• Strong communication skills with supervisors, vendors, and lab users.
• Teamwork skills and ability to collaborate with coworkers having diverse skills and backgrounds.
• On-site during peak hours (8am-5pm, Monday through Friday), with flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Basic computer maintenance and troubleshooting skills (e.g., hardware installs, networking, hard drive backups).
• Ability to work in a cleanroom setting, following all established protocols for gowning, PPE, and safety.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years in Dry etch (strongly preferred), Metrology, Lithography, and/or Wet Process experience.
• Experience working with Autocad or Solidworks.
• Experience with UHV vacuum systems and leak detection.
• Project engineering or project management experience.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $75,000 to $110,000 per year. The salary of the finalist(s) selected will be set based on factors including internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

Benefits

Caltech offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees and their dependents, including:

• Competitive compensation.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.).
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time.