Microfabrication Technician and Facility Support Specialist

About the role

The College of Engineering is seeking a Microfabrication Technician and Facility Support Specialist to join the team. The incumbent will support and enhance capabilities and user experience in the Microscale Process Engineering Laboratory (MPEL) in the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering at San José State University, ensuring the facility can effectively serve the needs of education and research that depend on hands-on microfabrication capabilities. The role also includes maintaining the MC2 facility, repairing equipment, and coordinating technical support operations in the Engineering Building. The work schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and requires on-site presence.

Responsibilities

• Ensures safe and clean equipment stations and work areas.
• Plans, manages, and/or performs regular preventive maintenance.
• Manages utilization and expenditures, including maintenance and consumables.
• Evaluates new projects and non-standard chemicals and materials.
• Recruits, trains, and supervises lab assistants.
• Develops, maintains, and disseminates documentation (e.g., standard operating procedures).
• Interfaces with Facilities Development & Operations (FD&O) to ensure laboratory project approvals and completion.
• Coordinates processes such as omnilock access and package deliveries.
• Maintains the Materials Characterization and Metrology Center (MC2 lab).
• Serves as the work lead for the equipment technician focusing on BME and CME and student assistants.

Skills

• Knowledge of microfabrication processes and equipment, especially safe use of chemicals (e.g., acids and solvents) and associated hardware typically used in microfabrication.
• Knowledge of chemical waste handling and the paperwork involved.
• Working knowledge of software applications: word processing, spreadsheets, cloud-based documents, database management.
• Ability to plan, organize, and schedule work.
• Ability to operate and repair technical and scientific equipment.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and forklift (with training).
• Ability to pass CSU Defensive Driving in order to drive automobile, mid-size truck, and/or forklift.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple work priorities.
• Excellent customer service and public relations skills.
• Ability to provide instruction to unskilled and semi-skilled assistants.
• General awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and a willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices.

Qualifications

Required

• Equivalent to three years of progressively responsible journey-level or skilled experience in the maintenance, repair, and operation of scientific or technical equipment in the specialty area to which assigned, including one year involving design modifications and fabrication of complex and highly technical equipment.
• Or equivalent to two years of semi-skilled experience maintaining and repairing scientific or technical equipment.
• Or related equipment experience as part of instructional support activities may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
• Or equivalent to two years of trade school or technical arts training with specialization in the type of equipment repair to which assigned.
• Completion of an apprenticeship program or completion of a full military specialization in the required type of equipment maintenance and repair may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
• A Federal Communications Commission license is required for some positions.

Preferred

• B.S. with semiconductor manufacturing experience.
• Hands-on experience with microfabrication/lithography, such as PVD, oxidation/diffusion, photolithography, vacuum pump maintenance, and metrology, or the ability to learn these technologies.
• Experience developing new processes using online tools.
• Experience repairing equipment.

License

A valid driver's license is required. Out-of-state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations. Once hired, the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Compensation

Classification: Equipment Technician III, Specialized Equipment. Anticipated hiring range: $6,287/month – $7,513/month (Step 11 – Step 20). CSU salary range: $5,157/month – $7,513/month (Step 1 – Step 20).

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., on-site presence required.

Benefits

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30–35% of base salary. For more information on programs available, see the Employee Benefits Summary.