Photonics Equipment Engineer

Photonics Equipment Engineer

The Montana Microfabrication Facility, an open-access Core Facility located on Montana State University's campus, is a vibrant, growing community serving students, academic researchers, small businesses, and large companies. We plan to fill a full-time technical position working with new photonics equipment that will be purchased with funding from the Headwaters Tech Hub through the Economic Development Administration. As a member of the Integrated Photonics Ecosystem (IPE) project, led by the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance, you will help to purchase, install, and maintain photonics packaging and test equipment, develop standard processes and procedures, and train new users in our open-access facility.

Please consider this wonderful opportunity to develop technical and professional skills relevant to exciting industries expanding both locally and nationally, namely optics, photonics, quantum, and semiconductors. Working at a Core Facility is also a great way to expand your technical skills and knowledge, gain exposure to a variety of research fields and technical disciplines and learn about business and management. This position is hands-on, practical, and will surely set you up for future success. Finally, we work to create a strong, happy, and productive work environment with shared values and a commitment to excellence.

Position Number 4C5666 Department Electrical Engineering Division College of Engineering Appointment Type Research Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $70,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement Job responsibilities include the purchase, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment for testing and packaging photonic devices. It also includes training new users and working with academic and industrial customers of the MMF.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Help to purchase, install, and operate integrated photonics packaging and test equipment. Examples include: dual 6-axis fiber optic alignment and bonding equipment, laser sources, spectrum analyzers, power meters, vector network analyzers, a flip chip bonder, facet polishers, wire bonders, reflow ovens, a laser scanning confocal microscope, among others.
• Assist, when necessary, in operating and maintaining related MMF cleanroom equipment including lithography, etch, and deposition equipment.
• Assist, when necessary, with MMF-related operational issues such as purchasing, ordering supplies, and general laboratory operation and maintenance.
• Assist with managing undergraduate student employees.
• Communicate with lab users (e.g., students, faculty, external corporate users).
• Ensure the lab is kept well organized and clean.
• Ensure that the MMF is a welcoming facility that supports success for all users.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• B.S. in physics or electrical engineering, or a combination of education and/or applicable experience.
• Coursework or experience with electromagnetics and wave propagation.
• Coursework or experience with circuits.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Coursework or experience in photonics and waveguides.
• Coursework or experience in radio frequency electronics.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills with internal and external users and with private sector individuals.
• Experience in troubleshooting a variety of hardware and software problems.
• Skills in tracking and diagnosing instrument problems and undertaking or arranging for their repair.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Possess the dedication and commitment to consistently deliver high-quality service to MMF and IPE users.
• Be highly curious and motivated to learn new technical and professional skills.
• Be willing to learn and adapt to new organizational and managerial systems.
• Have extremely good attention to detail.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

• Repetitive gowning and de-gowning, wearing full cleanroom attire including coveralls, hoods, gloves, booties, and safety glasses.
• Must be able to ascend and descend ladders.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces and in proximity to loud equipment.
• Must be able to move 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position or transverse for extended periods.
• Must be able to work with small, delicate parts requiring fine motor skills.

This position has supervisory duties? Yes

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.

Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on September 22, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.