The Engineer is part of the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE) at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor who works in VINSE’s Class 100/1000 cleanroom and associated core labs. The Engineer will play a critical role in VINSE’s mission to enable high-impact research across a broad range of technical disciplines and interests, including micro/nanoelectronics, optics, and biomedicine. Reporting directly to the Cleanroom Manager, the Engineer will work closely with the director, deputy director, and technical staff.

VINSE is a multidisciplinary research institute dedicated to advancing the boundaries of nanoscale science and to enabling new materials and technologies related to medicine, energy, optics and electronics. Occupying world-class user facilities located in Vanderbilt’s Engineering and Science Building (ESB), VINSE supports faculty, researchers and students across 13 academic departments as well as a variety of outside users from private industry and other universities. VINSE also supports Vanderbilt’s education and outreach missions through course offerings and multiple STEM outreach events organized throughout the year.

VINSE operations occupy cleanroom and advanced imaging facilities on the main and basement levels, respectively, of Vanderbilt University’s 230,000 sf Engineering and Science Building (ESB), which opened in 2017. VINSE facilities are focal points at the ESB with the cleanroom totaling approximately 10,000 total sf of floor space. VINSE is recruiting a cleanroom-focused facilities and maintenance engineer. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant technical background supported by strong communication, teamwork, personal management, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will play a critical role in VINSE’s efforts to enable research, education, and outreach across a broad range of technical disciplines and interests. This person must have a strong technical background to meet the following performance expectations with minimal oversight: Maintain continued operation of various pieces of semiconductor processing equipment, including main tool and associated support equipment. Requires understanding the facility needs of the equipment (e.g., power, plumbing, exhaust, CDA, nitrogen, etc.) as well as the ability to troubleshoot and address issues that arise, often through hands-on disassembly of components. Interface with equipment vendors, VINSE staff, and University facilities staff to find root cause of equipment problems and provide solutions. Assess and prioritize unscheduled maintenance needs to reduce equipment downtime. Communicate with other VINSE staff and equipment users on repair and maintenance scheduling. Develop and perform scheduled maintenance plans for tools and support equipment. Maintain inventories of maintenance supplies for tools and support equipment. Work with VINSE and University staff to coordinate maintenance of general VINSE cleanroom facilities and support infrastructure (chilled water, HVAC, electrical, toxic gas monitoring system, fire safety systems, particle counters). Work with University Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for proper training and assistance during maintenance involving hazardous materials. Prepare shipments of equipment for repairs.

Opportunities for personal and professional growth exist for the motivated candidate.

Qualifications

An associate’s or bachelor’s degree is required. A degree in a STEM field is preferred. In lieu of degree, four years of experience related to facilities support will be accepted. Previous cleanroom experience is preferred. Hands-on experience with maintenance and troubleshooting in one or more of the following areas required: Vacuum systems, vacuum pumps, water chillers, toxic gas monitoring system, pneumatic systems, mass flow controllers, RF power supplies, PLC modules, electrical sensors.