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Nanotechnology Equipment and Process Technician
Cornell University
IT
Ithaca, NY, USA
USD 28.64-33.28 / hour
Posted on Apr 29, 2026
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.
About Us
The Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility (CNF) mission is to enable rapid advancements in science, engineering, and technology at the nanoscale by providing efficient access to nanotechnology infrastructure and expertise. CNF operates as a flexible open user facility and is proud to be a member of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI).
What We Need
Send us a cover letter and resume outlining your interest in this position and explaining how your experience and qualifications match the position requirements. Your letter is an important component of your application. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
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
This position is located in Ithaca, New York on the campus of Cornell University. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions, we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.
Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell.
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
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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:
Prior relevant work or industry experience
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
Unique applicable skills
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2026-04-28