Facility Engineer – Spintronics Pilot Production

Facility Engineer – Spintronics Pilot Production

The Micro and Nanofabrication Facility (MNF) is an open-access user facility that provides training and support throughout the development chain in cleanroom processes: device modelling and design, process integration and device fabrication, packaging and testing.

INL is seeking four new positions of highly-qualified and motivated Facility Engineers to reinforce the pilot production team in the MNF, that focuses on the activities with private contracts and industrial partners.

These positions are full-time positions that include 40 hours/week under a non-standard work schedule to be discussed at the interview stage. The working hours may extend beyond the conventional 9:00–18:00 timeframe needs, which may include early mornings, evenings and one weekend day coverage, based on operational needs. Working schedules may be adjusted by INL in response to operational requirements. Shift-related compensation or time-off arrangements will be applied in accordance to INL's internal rules.

Job Duties

The candidates will have the following main job duties:

• Production of Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) sensor wafers (200mm) integrated in running industrial contracts.
• Participation in a continuous effort to improve the existing microfabrication processes, namely by running process development aiming at improving key process metrics, either by reducing the dispersion of parameters extracted at device level or improving the key figure of merit (FOM) of devices optimized for specific applications.
• Execution of process control monitoring (PCM) of specific tools and processes.
• Collection and analysis of throughput and performance.
• Eventual involvement in other activities carried by MNF, in the framework of national, European and Industrial projects and as well as training of users in the operation of the tools under their responsibility.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• MSc degree in Physics or Chemistry, Physical Mechanical - Electronic - or Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electronics, or other relevant subject.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Previous hands-on experience depositing magnetic tunnel junction stacks.
• Previous hands-on experience performing ion milling of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) micro-pillars or nano-pillars.
• Previous hands-on experience in the operation of mask aligners to produce critical dimensions (CD) of features down to ~1-5 µm.
• Previous hands-on experience using SINGULUS deposition systems and/or NORDIKO Ion Milling systems from a service/engineering perspective.
• Previous experience in the full microfabrication process of MTJ devices (in particular, magnetoresistive sensors).
• Previous experience in production in a cleanroom facility in an industrial environment.

Other Valued Skills and Education

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical - Chemical - Engineering, or a related field.
• Thesis degree based on the hands-on microfabrication of devices based on magnetic tunnel junctions.

Personal Skills

• Availability to work under dynamic and flexible schedules, potentially encompassing night shifts or weekends.
• Accurate and organised.
• Dedicated to a high standard of quality and work.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical mindset with attention to detail;
• Resilient and able to work independently.
• Flexible to take on tasks in function of project needs.
• Proactive to learn and contribute with new technology challenges.
• Excellent in verbal and written communication skills in English for effective collaboration.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary;
• Tax benefits and other diplomatic privileges;
• Private health insurance;
• Family allowances (according to family situation);
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability);
• Support for education fees of dependent children;
• Relocation support;
• 30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

a) Cover letter

b) Curriculum Vitae

c) Academic and/or Professional diplomas

d) At least one reference letter

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the "Apply" button;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format by including them in the "Additional files" section using the "Add portfolio" button.

Important note: Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite. The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate's profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions.

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The INL is an intergovernmental organisation established by its Member States, Portugal and Spain, under international law. As such, INL enjoys a privileged diplomatic and legal status, comparable to that of other international organisations. This unique status is governed by the INL Statute and the Headquarters Agreement with the Portuguese Republic, which provide both INL and its employees with specific rights and obligations, including: exemption from certain national laws and taxes, as outlined in the Headquarters Agreement, specifically in relation to work-related matters; eligibility for a diplomatic ID card issued by the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which serves as the only residency document required in Portugal for the duration of the employment contract; protocol obligations, including the duty to respect local regulations while exercising privileges with responsibility and discretion; non-application of national labour laws, as INL operates under its own legal framework and Staff Rules, approved by INL Council. INL's legal framework is designed to support a diverse and international workforce, enabling the organisation to operate independently from its Member States, drive cutting-edge research, and foster international scientific cooperation.