Job Summary

The Kavli Nanoscience Institute (KNI) is seeking a Laboratory Technician to assist in the day-to-day technical maintenance operations of its 7,500 sq. ft. cleanroom facility and affiliated lab spaces on the Caltech campus. The Laboratory Technician will assist the lab’s technical staff in the upkeep and repair of state-of-the-art nanofabrication equipment (e.g. material etching and deposition systems, lithographic tools, and electron microscopes) by servicing vacuum systems, mechanical components, and other laboratory infrastructure such as the electrical, gas, and water lines that connect to the equipment. When repairs are needed, the successful applicant will be able to combine problem solving skills with mechanical and electrical knowhow to return equipment to optimal working order, then document the solutions to make future repairs more efficient. The Laboratory Technician will also establish effective test protocols and preventative maintenance plans that minimize the chance of equipment failure, thereby maximizing its uptime for the KNI Lab’s 100+ researchers. The Laboratory Technician will have the opportunity to learn basic operation of advanced equipment so that he/she may run common maintenance routines, and will assume primary responsibility for certain tools (e.g. wire bonder, tube furnaces), which will include training lab members – graduate students, post-docs, and industrial users – to operate them.

Job Duties

• Administer preventative maintenance and repairs of equipment (e.g. material etching and deposition systems, lithographic tools, electron microscopes) to ensure proper working conditions, and coordinate maintenance and repairs done by external entities (e.g. vendors, Caltech facilities workers) when needed.
• Create, update, and maintain equipment troubleshooting documents for use by both lab members and other KNI technical staff.
• Assist in reviewing, revising, and implementing quality control practices, such as lab walkthrough checklists.
• Create standard operating procedures for lab equipment for which the Laboratory Technician is the primary manager (e.g. wire bonder, tube furnaces).
• Assist KNI technical staff with the day-to-day, routine operations of various pieces of equipment in the lab.
• Communicate progress and problems to supervisors via email/phone, in meetings, and in reports, depending on the urgency and scope.
• In response to new technical challenges, research and reference – and then implement – established scientific/technical practices, standards, and/or policies.
• Contribute to the planning, installation, and commissioning of new equipment in the laboratory, then establish operational protocols and maintenance plans for such equipment.
• Help to maintain, upgrade, and back up computer systems in the lab (e.g. computers for individual instruments, login terminals, and new computer networking projects).
• Participate in the discussion of laboratory protocols and objectives with other staff members.
• Maintain awareness of laws and regulations affecting the management of the laboratory; ensure compliance with Institute policies, scientific protocols, regulatory agencies, and safety practices.  
• Assist in the maintenance of stock levels/inventory of lab supplies such as solvents, wet etchants, personal protective equipment, and other general supplies, as needed. May assist in the purchase of equipment and supplies, contact vendors, conduct product comparisons or assist in forecasting/planning future equipment and resource needs.  
• Promote lab safety by assisting the KNI safety officer in the training of lab members on safety procedures and communicating with the campus safety office; document and communicate laboratory and facility safety procedures.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or sciences or equivalent education and experience.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience in equipment maintenance, repair, installation, and/or the fabrication industry.
• A high level of craftsmanship and a thorough knowledge of mechanical design, materials, tools, units, and basic measurement techniques.
• Attention to detail and excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• An ability to learn quickly and adequately transfer that knowledge to others through teaching/documentation.
• Ability to work independently and with a high level of responsibility and organization.
• Teamwork skills and an ability to collaborate with coworkers who have diverse skills and backgrounds.
• Strong communication skills.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed; though flexible working hours may be available.
• Must be able to work in a cleanroom setting, following all established protocols for gowning and safety.
• Must be able to occasionally lift 20-50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with the following software: Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Basic computer maintenance and troubleshooting skills, e.g. new hardware installs, networking, performing hard drive back ups.

Required Documents

• Resume