Cleanroom Mechanical Systems Engineer - Senior Technician

Job Description

The successful candidate will join a dynamic team to maintain and enhance our state-of-the-art cleanroom facility, directly supporting leading-edge research in micro- and nanofabrication. This role provides advanced, hands-on technical expertise in servicing, repairing, and maintaining the complex mechanical, vacuum, and gas delivery systems used within the Bradley Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE). This position requires independent diagnosis and troubleshooting to resolve complex equipment issues, including adapting tools and techniques to meet specialized research needs. In addition to repair and preventive maintenance, key responsibilities include maintaining detailed service records, ensuring strict compliance with all safety protocols, and serving as a key technical resource for faculty, staff, and students by providing expert guidance and training on equipment. The role may also involve providing oversight for junior technicians or student workers to ensure the safe and effective operation of laboratory equipment.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a closely related field is required.
• Considerable hands-on experience working within a cleanroom environment, with a demonstrated focus on the maintenance and repair of semiconductor process tools and associated mechanical systems. This must include direct, demonstrable experience in the following areas: Gas Delivery Systems: Working with high-purity, toxic, flammable, and inert gas delivery infrastructure; Vacuum Systems: Maintaining and troubleshooting a wide array of vacuum pumps, including dry, wet, turbo, cryo, and roots blowers; Cleanroom Infrastructure: Supporting cleanroom-specific Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and ultrapure water systems.
• Robust understanding of fundamental cleanroom principles, including:
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) classifications and contamination control protocols.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills for diagnosing complex equipment malfunctions.
• Practical experience with electrical and plumbing systems is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the mechanical aspects of semiconductor processing equipment is a significant advantage.
• Comprehensive knowledge of cleanroom safety protocols and best practices for the safe handling of hazardous materials, including chemicals, compressed gases, and vacuum hazards. Familiarity with relevant safety regulations and standards is expected.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork abilities to interact effectively with researchers, faculty, and staff from diverse technical backgrounds.
• Proficiency in documenting procedures and providing clear guidance to users is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a closely related field.
• Direct experience in a university research facility or a similar multi-user Research and Development (R&D) environment.
• Experience providing technical training, serving as a lead worker, or supervising junior technicians and students.
• Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) or similar equipment inventory and service tracking software.
• Experience with Building Management Systems (BMS) for monitoring and controlling cleanroom environmental conditions.
• Project management experience related to facility upgrades or the installation of complex capital equipment.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and service contracts.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Hours per week

40

Review Date

December 8, 2025

Additional Information

Required Application Materials: Resume/CV; Cover Letter; Contact information for 3 professional references

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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