CLAWS Semiconductor Equipment Engineer

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with education and experience

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Oct 22, 2025

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194219EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	CLAWS Semiconductor Equipment Engineer
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with education and experience
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	CLAWS (Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors)
About the Department	North Carolina State University is leading the charge as the recipient of a $39.4 million award from the Department of Defense to establish the regional Microelectronics Commons regional innovation hub, Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors ( CLAWS ). This initiative, part of the larger $238 million investment through the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors ( CHIPS) and Science Act, aims to revolutionize the field of wide bandgap semiconductors. Hub leadership, Distinguished Professors John Muth and Fred Kish, are dedicated to the "lab to fab" journey-translating laboratory advancements into fabrication capabilities for wide bandgap semiconductors. The hub brings together a dynamic partnership with N.C. A&T State University and industry leaders, including MACOM, Coherent Corp., General Electric, Bluglass, Adroit Materials, and Kyma Technologies, Inc. This collaborative effort will propel the development of semiconductors crucial for national defense, electric vehicles, power grid technologies, 5G/6G, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence applications. Based on this huge initiative, we will be looking to create and fill several critical roles for the Hub (see attached org chart). The cleanroom facility associated with the CLAWS program is the NC State Nanofabrication Facility ( NNF). The NNF is comprised of >7500 ft.2 Class 100/Class 1000 cleanroom space located in the Monteith Research ( MRC) on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University.
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. 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	Core Equipment Maintenance & Repair (45%) Work with NNF process engineers to maintain/troubleshoot/repair semiconductor fabrication tools, with an emphasis on plasma etch and vacuum deposition tools. Work with NNF process engineers to install new semiconductor fabrication tools, with an emphasis on plasma etch and vacuum deposition tools. Coordinate with tool vendors to arrange service visits for preventative maintenance and/or major repairs Keep clear records of all repair/maintenance work done on tools Work primarily in a Class 100 cleanroom environment Facilities Management & Emergency Response (30%) Monitor the facilities (including but not limited to power, exhaust, chilled water, compressed air, nitrogen, deionized water) in the building which houses the NNF (Monteith Research Center) Work with NNF staff, University Facilities & Maintenance staff, and/or equipment vendors to carry out minor repairs on NNF-owned building equipment, such as air compressors and deionized water systems Coordinate with University Facilities & Maintenance, College of Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety, and/or the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department to address facilities issues relevant to NNF. Operational Support, Project Management & Safety (25%) Lead projects focused on the improvement of NNF facilities and/or infrastructure Coordinate with tool vendors and NNF staff to create and maintain facilities-related documentation for the MRC building and all NNF tools. Quickly respond to any facilities-related shutdowns or emergencies Participate in and document safety audits to help ensure the NNF is being operated in safe manner
Other Responsibilities	Perform all necessary day to day tasks required to operate a multi-user facility such as ordering and maintaining consumables inventory, contributing to housecleaning/lab organization, maintaining documentation, etc. This role will occasionally involve addressing building emergencies after-hours

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor's degree in science or engineering discipline; or equivalent combination of training and experience Five or more years of experience working in a university, government, or industry laboratory Significant experience in maintaining/repairing semiconductor vacuum deposition and plasma etch tools
Other Required Qualifications	Excellent hands-on skill with troubleshooting and repairing lab equipment Must be comfortable working in a class 100 cleanroom environment Ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of personnel Ability to troubleshoot systems at the component level using equipment schematics Must be able to work independently as well as make positive team contributions Familiarity with electrical, exhaust, and plumbing operation in industrial buildings Familiarity with environmental health and safety protocols. Must be comfortable working safely with chemicals and compressed gases Must be willing and able to acquire SCBA certificationEligibility to obtain clearance upon request of the US government.
Preferred Qualifications	B.S. or M.S. in Science or Engineering discipline Two or more years working in an R1 University setting Two or more years working in a cleanroom Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication facility operation and design
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	09/04/2025
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.

Position Details

Position Number	00111567
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.0
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure
Department ID	140110 - CLAWS
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 workatncstate@ncsu.edu. 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.