Nanofabrication R&D Engineer

Job description

The Binnig and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center (BRNC) at ETH Zurich is a state-of-the-art research facility providing advanced technology, infrastructure, and expertise for nanoscience and nanotechnology. Our operations team manages more than 1,000 m² of semiconductor cleanroom and laboratory space and supports cutting-edge R&D projects involving ETH Zurich researchers and partners from academia, industry, and the start-up community.

We are looking for a hands-on and service-oriented Nanofabrication R&D Engineer to join our dynamic cleanroom operations team immediately or by mutual agreement. Working alongside researchers and technical colleagues, you will develop and improve fabrication processes, take responsibility for selected equipment, and support the safe introduction of new materials and experimental approaches.

The position brings together scientific understanding and practical facility work. Your activities will range from process development and technical troubleshooting to user training, safety responsibilities, and routine cleanroom operations. Through this combination, you will help maintain an environment in which ambitious academic and industrial projects can progress efficiently and safely.

This role is well suited to someone who values technical variety, enjoys learning about new scientific developments, and approaches both complex problems and everyday operational tasks with curiosity, initiative, and a strong sense of responsibility.

• Process Engineering & R&D Support: Design, develop, optimize, and document nanofabrication processes. Support cutting-edge academic and industrial R&D projects through process evaluation, troubleshooting, and statistical process control.
• Equipment Ownership & Maintenance: Take technical ownership of selected semiconductor cleanroom systems including deposition (e.g. atomic layer deposition), characterization, and wet-processing. Coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, upgrades, vendor interactions, and the evaluation, commissioning, and installation of new equipment.
• Safety Ownership: Act as a key point of contact for safety within the BRNC and contribute to the development and continuous improvement of its safety protocols. Assume hands-on and administrative responsibilities related to chemicals, gases, safety equipment, and cleanroom operations.
• User Training & Knowledge Exchange: Train and support researchers, advising on tool usage, process development and optimization. Contribute to introductory courses, technical seminars, and facility tours.
• Documentation & Digital Workflows: Maintain accurate operating manuals and records of processes, equipment, workflows, and maintenance activities. Drive the integration of modern IT tools, process databases, and digital platforms.
• Continuous Improvement & Adaptive Teamwork: Stay up to date with emerging nanofabrication trends to proactively improve process capabilities and facility reliability. Embrace new challenges and evolving responsibilities as operational and scientific needs develop.

Profile

• A university degree or equivalent qualification in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, nanotechnology, microengineering, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 5 years of hands-on professional experience in nanofabrication, semiconductor processing, wet chemistry, and vacuum-based techniques.
• Understanding of materials, chemical hazards, compatibility, and contamination risks. Experience in the evaluation or introduction of new chemicals, materials, or processes into a complex technical environment is an advantage.
• High comfort level with modern IT tools, process databases, software platforms, and a proactive drive to learn and introduce new digital solutions.
• Highly self-motivated, creative, eager to learn and to look for solutions to technical problems and organize work with a great sense of responsibility.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills with a desire to contribute and help proactively.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and cutting-edge research environment, contributing to innovative projects and collaborations.
• Good command of German and English.

We offer

• World-Class Environment: Work at one of the world’s leading universities in science and engineering, with state-of-the-art nanofabrication infrastructure. 
• Impactful Work: Contribute directly to cutting-edge academic and industrial R&D in nanoscience and technology.
• Variety & Autonomy: Take ownership of equipment and processes and help shape the future development of the facility.
• Continuous Development: Expand your expertise across different technologies and benefit from professional development opportunities.
• International Network: Collaborate with researchers, start-ups, and companies in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.
• Benefits: Access attractive employment conditions and a range of benefits in areas such as mobility, sports, childcare, continuing education, attractive pension schemes, and social security benefits.