Cleanroom Specialist (Contract)

About Our Lab

We are a premier nanotech research facility dedicated to driving innovation at low-to-mid Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) across Quantum, Semiconductors, and Space technologies. As a Regional Leader in Lithography, we specialize in cutting-edge techniques such as Two-Photon Polymerization Lithography (TPL) and Electron-Beam Lithography (EBL) to lead Singapore's advanced fabrication capabilities.

Our mission balances two critical ecosystems: acting as a launchpad and incubator for next-generation deep-tech startups originating from SUTD research, while simultaneously providing a world-class, hands-on cleanroom educational experience for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students. In particular,  this role serves as a foundational pillar supporting the experimental curriculum and student-led fabrication initiatives within the Master of Science in Technology and Design (Optics and Photonics) program.

About the Role

Provide engineering leadership and technical support to ensure the optimal performance, reliability, and continuous operation of the Cleanroom, Metrology Lab, and supporting facility systems. The ideal candidate will look beyond routine maintenance to actively enable advanced semiconductor research, support student innovation, and accelerate deep-tech commercialization. Key systems include BMS, ACMV (HRU, AHU, FFU), Cleanroom infrastructure, Air Compressors, DI Water, Process Exhaust Systems (Scrubber, Solvent, and General), FM200, Fire Protection, Chillers, Vacuum Pumps, Gas Yards, and Sprinkler Systems.

What You Will Do

• Advance Regional Lithography Leadership: Provide hands-on operation, baseline optimization, recipe creation, and technical support for advanced lithography platforms.
• Support Academic & MSc Programs: Serve as a core technical coordinator and mentor for postgraduate students enrolled in the Master of Science in Technology and Design (Optics and Photonics) program. Provide technical guidance during their intensive, hands-on cleanroom laboratory courses and capstone prototyping projects.
• Support Deep-Tech Startups: Partner closely with cleanroom users, including SUTD researchers and spin-off deep-tech startups, to troubleshoot fabrication processes, facilitate rapid prototyping, and resolve technical issues efficiently.
• Maintain Operational Excellence: Plan and execute preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs for critical facility systems (BMS, HVAC, chillers, compressors, process gases, and water treatment) to maximize equipment reliability and environment stability.
• Foster Culture & Safety: Enforce strict compliance with cleanroom safety standards to drive a zero-incident workplace while maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Leverage Analytical Tools: Utilize advanced characterization tools such as FESEM, XRD, Raman, XRF, Ellipsometry, and AFM to support research validation.

Who We Are Looking For

• Education: Degree or Diploma in Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, or Nano-Engineering / Photonics.

• Experience: At least 3 years of relevant experience in semiconductor, academic research, or advanced manufacturing cleanroom facilities.

• Technical Expertise:

  • Proven experience in cleanroom facility operations, equipment maintenance, and semiconductor fabrication processes (Electron Beam Lithography, Etch, PVD, Evaporation, and ALD).
  • Direct hands-on experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting high-end lithography tools (specifically Nanoscribe, Raith/Elionix EBL, or EVG/Nanonex systems) is highly preferred.
  • Practical familiarity with characterization tools (e.g., FESEM, AFM, Raman, XRD, Ellipsometry) and thin-film systems.

• Mindset & Alignment:

  • Passionate about mentoring students within advanced design frameworks like the MSc in Technology and Design (Optics and Photonics) program.
  • Self-motivated team player with excellent organizational and communication skills, capable of adapting quickly to the dynamic needs of a low-mid TRL research environment.