University of Utah
Cleanroom Manager
University of Utah – Utah Nanofab
Job Summary The Utah Nanofab is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Cleanroom Manager to provide engineering, scientific, and operational leadership for its world‑class micro‑ and nanofabrication facility. The manager oversees day‑to‑day cleanroom operations, equipment and infrastructure maintenance, user training, safety, budgeting, and strategic planning. This position plays a pivotal role in enabling leading‑edge research and development in microelectronics, sensors, materials, micro optics, and nanotechnology. The successful candidate will demonstrate technical depth, leadership experience, and a passion for fostering a collaborative research environment.
Multi‑Discipline Engineering Management: Direct, manage, and supervise engineers and technicians performing research, design, and development across multiple engineering disciplines. Develop processes, policies, and procedures and ensure all engineering projects align with the organization’s objectives. Collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines, management, sales and marketing, and related departments as necessary to determine engineering feasibility, cost effectiveness, and demand for engineering products and services. Manage engineering verification activities to ensure product or service deliverables are met on‑time and conform to the organization’s and/or client’s specifications. Advise leadership and other impacted departments on product or design changes which may affect profit, schedule, cost, or client relationships.
Responsibilities
Provide engineering, scientific, and operational leadership for the Utah Nanofab cleanroom.
Maintain and advance the Nanofab’s reputation as a world‑class user facility supporting academic, industrial, and government research.
Collaborate with faculty and leadership to develop and execute strategic plans for equipment acquisition, facility upgrades, and research initiatives.
Represent the Nanofab to the broader scientific community, including coordinating tours, outreach, and development efforts.
Prepare for and lead external reviews and assessments of the Nanofab program.
Work with facilities and staff safety engineer to oversee all aspects of cleanroom infrastructure, including HVAC, process gases, DI water, vacuum, and safety systems.
Supervise equipment maintenance, installation, and process development across thin‑film, etch, lithography, and packaging tools.
Establish repair and preventative maintenance priorities and ensure minimal downtime.
Coordinate with campus facilities, safety, and vendors for service, repairs, and upgrades.
Direct user training programs, ensuring safe and effective operation of tools and adherence to protocols.
Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), online training modules, and safety documentation.
Conduct user group meetings, annual safety town halls, and individual process consultations.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, cleanliness, and respect among users and staff.
Supervise and mentor engineers, technicians, and student assistants.
Assign roles and responsibilities, conduct annual performance reviews, and coordinate team development.
Promote collaboration and communication between cleanroom, surface analysis, and administrative teams.
Support recruitment, retention, and advancement of staff from all backgrounds.
Develop and manage cleanroom budgets, user billing rates, and cost recovery models.
Provide financial analysis and operational metrics to the Price College of Engineering and the Vice President for Research.
Oversee procurement, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations.
Provide micro/nanofabrication services and process guidance for internal and external projects.
Collaborate with faculty and students to develop and optimize fabrication process flows.
Support advanced research activities including e‑beam and UV lithography, PVD, CVD, RIE/DRIE, wet etch, 3D micro‑printing, and metrology.
Work performed primarily in a cleanroom environment.
Frequent standing, walking, and working in protective garments.
Occasional handling of chemicals, hazardous gases, and use of safety equipment.
Working Conditions
Work performed primarily in a cleanroom environment.
Frequent standing, walking, and working in protective garments.
Occasional handling of chemicals, hazardous gases, and use of safety equipment.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in nanofabrication processes and cleanroom operations.
Demonstrated experience in supervising staff, managing budgets, and maintaining complex laboratory facilities.
Strong technical knowledge of micro/nanofabrication tools and safety protocols.
Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with researchers, staff, and students from all backgrounds.
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Job Levels
Manager: Requires a bachelor’s in a related field (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
Senior Manager: Requires a bachelor’s in a related field (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering or physical science discipline.
7–10 years of experience managing a shared cleanroom facility or equivalent industrial environment.
Demonstrated expertise in process integration and multi‑tool fabrication workflows.
E‑beam lithography experience and expertise.
Experience with cost recovery models, billing systems, and rate development.
Hands‑on experience with facility infrastructure (air handling, process gases, DI water, vacuum, exhaust).
Additional Information
Requisition Number: PRN43830B
Full‑time position
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Department: 00052 – UTAH NANOFAB
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $90,000–$130,000
Close Date: 2/28/2026 (Open until filled)
To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/193762
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Summary The Utah Nanofab is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Cleanroom Manager to provide engineering, scientific, and operational leadership for its world‑class micro‑ and nanofabrication facility. The manager oversees day‑to‑day cleanroom operations, equipment and infrastructure maintenance, user training, safety, budgeting, and strategic planning. This position plays a pivotal role in enabling leading‑edge research and development in microelectronics, sensors, materials, micro optics, and nanotechnology. The successful candidate will demonstrate technical depth, leadership experience, and a passion for fostering a collaborative research environment.
Multi‑Discipline Engineering Management: Direct, manage, and supervise engineers and technicians performing research, design, and development across multiple engineering disciplines. Develop processes, policies, and procedures and ensure all engineering projects align with the organization’s objectives. Collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines, management, sales and marketing, and related departments as necessary to determine engineering feasibility, cost effectiveness, and demand for engineering products and services. Manage engineering verification activities to ensure product or service deliverables are met on‑time and conform to the organization’s and/or client’s specifications. Advise leadership and other impacted departments on product or design changes which may affect profit, schedule, cost, or client relationships.
Responsibilities
Provide engineering, scientific, and operational leadership for the Utah Nanofab cleanroom.
Maintain and advance the Nanofab’s reputation as a world‑class user facility supporting academic, industrial, and government research.
Collaborate with faculty and leadership to develop and execute strategic plans for equipment acquisition, facility upgrades, and research initiatives.
Represent the Nanofab to the broader scientific community, including coordinating tours, outreach, and development efforts.
Prepare for and lead external reviews and assessments of the Nanofab program.
Work with facilities and staff safety engineer to oversee all aspects of cleanroom infrastructure, including HVAC, process gases, DI water, vacuum, and safety systems.
Supervise equipment maintenance, installation, and process development across thin‑film, etch, lithography, and packaging tools.
Establish repair and preventative maintenance priorities and ensure minimal downtime.
Coordinate with campus facilities, safety, and vendors for service, repairs, and upgrades.
Direct user training programs, ensuring safe and effective operation of tools and adherence to protocols.
Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), online training modules, and safety documentation.
Conduct user group meetings, annual safety town halls, and individual process consultations.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, cleanliness, and respect among users and staff.
Supervise and mentor engineers, technicians, and student assistants.
Assign roles and responsibilities, conduct annual performance reviews, and coordinate team development.
Promote collaboration and communication between cleanroom, surface analysis, and administrative teams.
Support recruitment, retention, and advancement of staff from all backgrounds.
Develop and manage cleanroom budgets, user billing rates, and cost recovery models.
Provide financial analysis and operational metrics to the Price College of Engineering and the Vice President for Research.
Oversee procurement, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations.
Provide micro/nanofabrication services and process guidance for internal and external projects.
Collaborate with faculty and students to develop and optimize fabrication process flows.
Support advanced research activities including e‑beam and UV lithography, PVD, CVD, RIE/DRIE, wet etch, 3D micro‑printing, and metrology.
Work performed primarily in a cleanroom environment.
Frequent standing, walking, and working in protective garments.
Occasional handling of chemicals, hazardous gases, and use of safety equipment.
Working Conditions
Work performed primarily in a cleanroom environment.
Frequent standing, walking, and working in protective garments.
Occasional handling of chemicals, hazardous gases, and use of safety equipment.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in nanofabrication processes and cleanroom operations.
Demonstrated experience in supervising staff, managing budgets, and maintaining complex laboratory facilities.
Strong technical knowledge of micro/nanofabrication tools and safety protocols.
Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with researchers, staff, and students from all backgrounds.
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Job Levels
Manager: Requires a bachelor’s in a related field (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
Senior Manager: Requires a bachelor’s in a related field (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering or physical science discipline.
7–10 years of experience managing a shared cleanroom facility or equivalent industrial environment.
Demonstrated expertise in process integration and multi‑tool fabrication workflows.
E‑beam lithography experience and expertise.
Experience with cost recovery models, billing systems, and rate development.
Hands‑on experience with facility infrastructure (air handling, process gases, DI water, vacuum, exhaust).
Additional Information
Requisition Number: PRN43830B
Full‑time position
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Department: 00052 – UTAH NANOFAB
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $90,000–$130,000
Close Date: 2/28/2026 (Open until filled)
To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/193762
#J-18808-Ljbffr