Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement
Photonics Equipment Engineer
Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement, Bozeman, Montana, us, 59772
Position Overview
The Montana Microfabrication Facility (MMF), an open‑access Core Facility located on Montana State University’s campus, is seeking a full‑time technical professional to work with new photonics equipment purchased with funding from the Headwaters Tech Hub. The role is part of the Integrated Photonics Ecosystem (IPE) project, led by the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance, and involves purchasing, installing, and maintaining photonics packaging and test equipment, developing standard processes, and training new users.
Position Details Classification Title: Research Scientist and/or Research Engineer Working Title: Photonics Equipment Engineer Appointment Type: Research Professional (Contract Term, Fiscal Year Semester) FTE: 1.0 Benefits: Eligible Salary: $70,000 – $85,000, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
For questions regarding this position, please contact: Andrew Lingley (406) 994-2518 andrew.lingley@montana.edu
Duties and Responsibilities
Help purchase, install, and operate integrated photonics packaging and test equipment (e.g., dual 6‑axis fiber optic alignment and bonding equipment, laser sources, spectrum analyzers, power meters, vector network analyzers, a flip‑chip bonder, facet polishers, wire bonders, reflow ovens, a laser scanning confocal microscope).
Assist in operating and maintaining related MMF cleanroom equipment, including lithography, etch, and deposition equipment.
Assist with MMF‑related operational tasks such as purchasing supplies and general laboratory operation and maintenance.
Assist with managing undergraduate student employees.
Communicate with lab users (students, faculty, external corporate users).
Ensure the lab is well‑organized, clean, and welcoming to all users.
Required Qualifications
B.S. in physics or electrical engineering, or a combination of education and/or applicable experience.
Coursework or experience with electromagnetics and wave propagation.
Coursework or experience with circuits.
Preferred Qualifications
Coursework or experience in photonics and waveguides.
Coursework or experience in radio frequency electronics.
Demonstrated written and oral communication skills with internal and external users and private‑sector individuals.
Experience troubleshooting a variety of hardware and software problems.
Skills in tracking and diagnosing instrument problems and arranging for their repair.
The Successful Candidate Will
Possess dedication and commitment to consistently deliver high‑quality service to MMF and IPE users.
Be highly curious and motivated to learn new technical and professional skills.
Be willing to learn and adapt to new organizational and managerial systems.
Have extremely good attention to detail.
Special Requirements/Additional Information This job description is a general description of the position and is not exhaustive. Montana State University may assign or reassign duties at any time.
Physical Demands
Repetitive gowning and de‑gowning, wearing full cleanroom attire including coveralls, hoods, gloves, booties, and safety glasses.
Must be able to ascend and descend ladders.
Must be able to work in confined spaces and in proximity to loud equipment.
Must be able to move 50 pounds occasionally.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position or transverse for extended periods.
Must be able to work with small, delicate parts requiring fine motor skills.
Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies: 1 Desired Start Date: Upon Completion of a Successful Search Position End Date: Open Applications will be screened starting September 22, 2025, and will continue until an adequate applicant pool is established.
Optional Sponsorship This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Applicant Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Additional Information Applicant documents are required. Optional supplemental questions and materials may be submitted at the applicant’s discretion.
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Position Details Classification Title: Research Scientist and/or Research Engineer Working Title: Photonics Equipment Engineer Appointment Type: Research Professional (Contract Term, Fiscal Year Semester) FTE: 1.0 Benefits: Eligible Salary: $70,000 – $85,000, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
For questions regarding this position, please contact: Andrew Lingley (406) 994-2518 andrew.lingley@montana.edu
Duties and Responsibilities
Help purchase, install, and operate integrated photonics packaging and test equipment (e.g., dual 6‑axis fiber optic alignment and bonding equipment, laser sources, spectrum analyzers, power meters, vector network analyzers, a flip‑chip bonder, facet polishers, wire bonders, reflow ovens, a laser scanning confocal microscope).
Assist in operating and maintaining related MMF cleanroom equipment, including lithography, etch, and deposition equipment.
Assist with MMF‑related operational tasks such as purchasing supplies and general laboratory operation and maintenance.
Assist with managing undergraduate student employees.
Communicate with lab users (students, faculty, external corporate users).
Ensure the lab is well‑organized, clean, and welcoming to all users.
Required Qualifications
B.S. in physics or electrical engineering, or a combination of education and/or applicable experience.
Coursework or experience with electromagnetics and wave propagation.
Coursework or experience with circuits.
Preferred Qualifications
Coursework or experience in photonics and waveguides.
Coursework or experience in radio frequency electronics.
Demonstrated written and oral communication skills with internal and external users and private‑sector individuals.
Experience troubleshooting a variety of hardware and software problems.
Skills in tracking and diagnosing instrument problems and arranging for their repair.
The Successful Candidate Will
Possess dedication and commitment to consistently deliver high‑quality service to MMF and IPE users.
Be highly curious and motivated to learn new technical and professional skills.
Be willing to learn and adapt to new organizational and managerial systems.
Have extremely good attention to detail.
Special Requirements/Additional Information This job description is a general description of the position and is not exhaustive. Montana State University may assign or reassign duties at any time.
Physical Demands
Repetitive gowning and de‑gowning, wearing full cleanroom attire including coveralls, hoods, gloves, booties, and safety glasses.
Must be able to ascend and descend ladders.
Must be able to work in confined spaces and in proximity to loud equipment.
Must be able to move 50 pounds occasionally.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position or transverse for extended periods.
Must be able to work with small, delicate parts requiring fine motor skills.
Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies: 1 Desired Start Date: Upon Completion of a Successful Search Position End Date: Open Applications will be screened starting September 22, 2025, and will continue until an adequate applicant pool is established.
Optional Sponsorship This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Applicant Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Additional Information Applicant documents are required. Optional supplemental questions and materials may be submitted at the applicant’s discretion.
#J-18808-Ljbffr