Details
Posted: 30-Apr-26
Location: Ithaca, New York
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 3-105822
Nanotechnology Equipment and Process Technician
The Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility (CNF) has an immediate opening for a Nanotechnology Equipment and Process Technician (job class Equipment Tech IV). This is a hands-on technical support position. The position is fixed-term with an expected appointment term of three years.
The successful candidate will demonstrate electronics, vacuum, and mechanical troubleshooting skills and enjoy collaborating with others to solve problems. A customer service demeanor and strong organizational skills will be critical to success in this role.
As Equipment and Process Technician, you will provide technical support and assistance with general cleanroom laboratory operations and perform a wide range of maintenance, installation, and upkeep tasks to assure the quality and safety of processes. You will interact with other CNF technical staff and CNF users and will spend at least 30 hours per week in the cleanroom, regularly handling hazardous chemicals.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Taking primary responsibility for proper operation of certain fabrication instruments
- Maintaining and repairing advanced nanotechnology equipment, including vacuum and electronic control systems
- Interacting with vendors and field service engineers for advanced maintenance functions
- Assisting with the installation and qualification of new nanofabrication tools
- Providing instruction for the users of assigned CNF equipment, predominantly reactive ion etching and thin film deposition tools
- Assisting in the characterization of thin film deposition and etching equipment and sharing the information available to staff and users
- Preparing training materials for correct operation of advanced nanotechnology tools
- Assisting in the design, implementation, and documentation of effective process flows that align with user requirements and operational needs
- Under the direction of senior technical staff, processing and characterizing samples for CNF users utilizing standard process recipes
As part of the Cornell community, you will help foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
When evaluating your candidacy, we will look for evidence of the following:
- Trade, vocational or technical school (formal training beyond a HS Diploma), preferably in engineering technology or related field or equivalent
- 2-4 years of relevant experience
- Ability to lift >50 pounds and move heavy equipment with assistance
- Ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and gases
- High degree of mechanical and organizational skills
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities, situations, and demands
- Ability to work in cleanroom environment
- Ability to work independently and cooperatively without direct supervision
- Demonstrated use of a collaborative approach to problem-solving
- Demonstrated electronics, vacuum, and mechanical trouble-shooting skills
- Standard office computer skills required (email, spreadsheets, word processing)
- Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members
Additionally, although not required, we would like to see evidence of:
- Mechanical experience
- Compressed gas experience
- Vacuum technology experience
- Electricity, electronics, and control system experience
- Quality control experience
Rewards and Benefits
University Job Title:
Equipment Tech IV
Job Family:
Technical
Level:
D
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
$28.64 - $33.28
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Endowed
Contact Name:
Kathy McKee
Contact Email:
kem342@cornell.edu
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
Union Positions
Current Employees:
Online Submission Guidelines:
Employment Assistance:
Notice to Applicants:
EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
2026-04-28