U.S. Citizens and Status Candidates (this includes Merit Promotion, Status Candidates, Former Overseas Employees, CTAP, ICTAP, VRA, VEOA, 30% or More Disabled, EVHO, Schedule A, Military Spouses, Americorps, Peace Corps, Vista, Interchange Agreement Eligibles, and National Guard).
The Nanofabrication Process Engineer is responsible for process support and development, user training, equipment troubleshooting, and repair of nanofabrication and semiconductor processing systems in a state-of-the-art nanofabrication user facility with researchers from academia, government, and private industry. This position requires extensive work in a class 100 cleanroom environment, with the selectee wearing full-body cleanroom attire, including gown, boots, hood, facemask, safety glasses, and gloves. Duties include:
Serve as Nanofabrication Engineer, performing duties in support of the CNST NanoFab multi-user facility mission.
Develop, optimize and document advanced micro- and nano-fabrication processes and techniques.
Provide facility users with equipment training, semiconductor processing and nanoscale device process integration support.
CAD design, layout, and optimization of device architectures.
Troubleshoot, repair, install, operate and assist users with a wide variety of NanoFab equipment technologies and processes including: reactive ion etching; vapor phase etching; ion milling; wet chemical etching and cleaning of substrates using acids, bases, and solvents; atomic layer deposition; plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition; low-pressure chemical vapor deposition; oxidation and diffusion furnaces; physical vapor deposition; multi-level lithography using optical (contact and stepper-projection) and hybrid electron-beam lithography; wire bonding; chemical mechanical polishing; rapid thermal processing; wafer bonding and dicing; nanoscale metrology using scanning electron microscopy, optical and stylus profilometry, optical deflection-based thin-film stress measurement, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and atomic force microscopy; and high purity gas cabinets, valve manifold boxes, and gas distribution systems.
Develop standard operating procedures for the CNST NanoFab equipment.
Develop user training documents and presentations in areas of thin film deposition, reactive ion etching, lithography, and nanoscale metrology.
Develop, perform, and document equipment qualification processes, measurements, and analysis using nanofabrication equipment and metrology tools.
Maintain gas distributing equipment and process gasses, including toxic gasses and toxic gas monitoring systems.
Performing toxic and non-toxic process gas bottles changes using SCBA.
Work with the NanoFab equipment team to ensure timely repairs and having a sufficient spare parts inventory.
Work with facilities to coordinate outages to minimize impact on NanoFab operations.
Support of NanoFab daily operations by supervising NanoFab interns.
Perform NanoFab remote project using nanoscale device fabrication and characterization techniques including thin film deposition, reactive ion etching, optical and e-beam hybrid lithography, and nanoscale metrology techniques.
Assist with procurement, installation, start-up and processing development of new equipment.
Provide support for equipment acquisition, installation, facilitization, troubleshooting and maintenance activities. This involves, working with purchasing and facilities teams to coordinate new equipment purchase, delivery, facility planning and implementation, and installation.
Formulate procurement packages and work orders.
Represent the CNST NanoFab at regional and national conferences.
Attending and presenting at nanoscale device fabrication-based conferences and workshops.
Coordinating workshops, conference sessions, and short-courses.
Keep abreast of emerging technologies to ensure program development will not prematurely become obsolete.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Suitable for Federal employment
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
A. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must also have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 (ZP-III at NIST) level. Specialized Experience is defined as significant hands on equipment and processing experience in: process integration of nanoscale devices in areas of thin film deposition, etching, lithography and nanoscale metrology; and training researchers across a wide range of skill levels. The selectee shall have demonstrated hands-on: operation, installation, facilitization, troubleshooting, and maintenance of equipment; maintenance of high vacuum systems; and process integration and development experience in multiple process technologies such as reactive ion etching, ion beam milling, vapor phase etching, atomic layer deposition, low pressure and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, diffusion/oxidation, physical vapor deposition, multi level optical and electron beam lithography, chemical mechanical polishing, rapid thermal processing, wafer bonding and dicing, and nanoscale characterization.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done. We will credit all qualifying volunteer experience in your application.
The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.
This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required prior to a final offer of employment.
Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course by course listing) is required with your application.
Additional information
The physical worksite for this position is located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. However, the Physical Measurement Laboratory is currently under a maximum telework posture due to the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, this position is currently under a 100 percent telework schedule. The position's telework schedule will likely change in the future when Physical Measurement Laboratory moves away from its maximum telework posture. At that time, the incumbent will be expected to report to the physical work site in accordance with the updated status requirements of their supervisor. The nature and scope of future telework opportunities will be subject to the unit's telework policy, any applicable bargaining unit agreements, and supervisory approval. Payment of relocation expenses, as applicable, will be paid in accordance with this Job Opportunity Announcement. Non-compliance with the supervisor's telework-schedule requirement could result in adverse action, including separation.
This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS). The APMS is a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Find out more about the APMS here!
A probationary period may be required.
We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documents to assess your qualifications for this position.
All applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Under Direct Hire Authority, applicants are not rated and ranked and veteran's preference does not apply.
CTAP and ICTAP Eligibility: To be eligible for CTAP or ICTAP consideration, you must submit the required documents to establish eligibility (see required documents) and meet the minimum qualification requirements. You may be contacted to provide a response to assessment questions related to the position. To be considered CTAP or ICTAP eligible, you must receive a well-qualified score of at least 85 of out 100 on your assessment responses. Additional information may be found at: CTAP/ICTAP.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
In addition to your resume, transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required prior to a final offer of employment.
Failure to submit required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Click 'Apply' and we'll walk you through a four-step process on how to attach a resume and any required documents. While working an application, you may review, edit, delete and update information. We'll automatically save progress made as you go, so any changes won't be lost.
- If experiencing any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button): please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement between normal business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET). If receiving any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or at a minimum, the error message text and number. If necessary, we will provide you with a technical support number for further assistance.
- If having trouble with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder): please visit the USAJOBS Resource Center. We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the NIST.
- If experiencing a significant hardship which hinders your ability to apply on-line, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement prior to the vacancy closing date and during normal business hours to discuss your situation.
Physical Measurement Laboratory
100 Bureau Drive
Building 220/Room B262
Mail Stop 8400
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
US
Next steps
To check the status of this vacancy, log into USAJOBS account and select the 'Application Status' link. We will update applicant statuses when:
- A qualification determination is made. If found not qualified/eligible, no additional updates will be provided.
- Applications are referred to the selecting official.
- A selection decision has been made.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
In addition to your resume, transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required prior to a final offer of employment.
Failure to submit required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Click 'Apply' and we'll walk you through a four-step process on how to attach a resume and any required documents. While working an application, you may review, edit, delete and update information. We'll automatically save progress made as you go, so any changes won't be lost.
- If experiencing any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button): please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement between normal business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET). If receiving any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or at a minimum, the error message text and number. If necessary, we will provide you with a technical support number for further assistance.
- If having trouble with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder): please visit the USAJOBS Resource Center. We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the NIST.
- If experiencing a significant hardship which hinders your ability to apply on-line, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement prior to the vacancy closing date and during normal business hours to discuss your situation.
Physical Measurement Laboratory
100 Bureau Drive
Building 220/Room B262
Mail Stop 8400
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
US
Next steps
To check the status of this vacancy, log into USAJOBS account and select the 'Application Status' link. We will update applicant statuses when:
- A qualification determination is made. If found not qualified/eligible, no additional updates will be provided.
- Applications are referred to the selecting official.
- A selection decision has been made.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
