Semiconductor Research Engineer

Semiconductor Research Engineer

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references. 

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194956EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Semiconductor Research Engineer
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with education and experience
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	Electrical and Computer Engineering
About the Department	The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) has as its mission the accumulation, generation, and dissemination of knowledge in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Central to the mission is a high quality research and educational program that benefits our students, the State of North Carolina, the nation and the world. The Department acts as a focal point for development, growth and entrepreneurship. The national and international reputation of the Department facilitates future growth in areas of fundamental economic importance to the State. The department is also home to the NC State Nanofabrication Facility (NNF), which is a 7400 ft. 2 Class 100 cleanroom that provides semiconductor-processing capabilities to a variety of science and engineering disciplines. The facility possesses a full range of micro- and nano-fabrication capabilities including photo and electron beam lithography, wet and dry etch, chemical vapor deposition (including atomic layer deposition), vacuum metallization, rapid thermal anneal, and various characterization tools.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	NC State’s Nanofabrication Facility (NNF) is seeking a skilled and motivated Semiconductor Research Engineer to support the performance, reliability, and safe operation of its advanced fabrication equipment and processes. In this role, you will help maintain critical cleanroom infrastructure, troubleshoot complex equipment issues, optimize semiconductor fabrication processes, and support researchers in achieving their technical goals. Working closely with facility staff, equipment vendors, and research users, you will play an essential role in maintaining reliable operations, advancing process capabilities, and providing a safe, efficient environment for semiconductor research. Key Responsibilities: Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair Perform preventive maintenance on semiconductor fabrication equipment to minimize downtime and maintain reliable cleanroom operations. Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and process-related equipment issues to restore functionality and support consistent performance. Coordinate with hardware engineers, technicians, and external service vendors to complete equipment repairs and routine maintenance. Schedule and oversee vendor service visits, major equipment repairs, and maintenance agreements. Process Development and Optimization Develop, test, characterize, and document standard fabrication processes for core semiconductor equipment, including photolithography, dry etching, and thin-film metal deposition. Evaluate process results against established quality standards and technical specifications to maintain consistent, repeatable outcomes. Partner with internal and remote research users to develop, refine, and implement custom fabrication processes that meet project requirements. User Training and Technical Support Deliver hands-on training to internal and remote users on semiconductor fabrication tools, preparing them to operate equipment independently and safely. Instruct users on equipment operating procedures, cleanroom protocols, and applicable safety requirements. Provide ongoing technical guidance and operational support to help users troubleshoot challenges and complete fabrication activities successfully. Cleanroom Operations and Administrative Support Work regularly in the cleanroom while following required gowning procedures, safety protocols, and facility operating standards. Maintain accurate process logs, baseline data, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and equipment performance records. Track inventory levels for cleanroom consumables, chemicals, and equipment spare parts to support uninterrupted facility operations. This role offers the opportunity to apply your engineering expertise, solve technical challenges, and work directly with researchers to support innovative projects. If you enjoy hands-on problem-solving, equipment optimization, and helping others succeed in a highly technical environment, we encourage you to apply.
Other Responsibilities	In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	B.S. or higher degree in a science or engineering discipline. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Other Required Qualifications	Hands-on experience in semiconductor processing and device fabrication in a university, industry, or government-owned clean-room. This experience may be an M.S. thesis project on a relevant topic in a semiconductor fab setting Must be able to operate tools in the facility and train users to use the equipment independently. Experience in clean-room safety operations Must be comfortable working with semiconductor fabrication equipment such as metrology equipment, and plasma etch tools Must be comfortable working with students Must be comfortable working safely with chemicals and toxic gases Must be able to work independently as well as make positive team contributions Must be able to operate tools in the facility and train users to use the equipment independently.
Preferred Qualifications	M.S. or Ph.D. in a science and engineering discipline Five or more years of experience working with semiconductor fabrication in a university, government, or industry cleanroom
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required	No
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	10/14/2026
Anticipated Close Date	Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.  This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Position Details

Position Number	00109885
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.00
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Mandatory - Fire/Explosions, Mandatory - Hazardous Material Incidents, Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure
Department ID	140401 - Electrical & Computer Engineering
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or [email protected]. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you learn of this opportunity?
   • NCSU Website
   • NCSU Executive Search Services
   • Monster.com
   • CareerBuilder.com
   • InsideHigherEd.com
   • Other Online Job Board
   • Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
   • Job / Career Fair
   • The Chronicle of Higher Education
   • HERC
   • Professional Journal
   • Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
   • Professional Organization
   • Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
   • NCSU Employee Referral
   • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
   • Other
2. If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.

   (Open Ended Question)

Application Materials Required

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Contact Information for References

Optional Documents