MNF Facility Engineer – Wet Process Engineer Braga

MNF Facility Engineer – Wet Process Engineer

Job Reference:Ref. 34. 25. 4102

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Micro and Nanofabrication Facility

Number of Vacancies:1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration:48months

Open Date for Applications:May 29th, 2025

Closing Date for Applications:June 18th, 2025, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words:#wetetchprocess #wetcleaningprocesses #chemicalsafety #electroplating #electrochemical #deposition #analyticalchemistry #labbestpractices #contamination

Overview

The Micro and Nanofabrication Facility is an
- 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.

We are looking for a qualified Engineer to reinforce our team and activities within device microfabrication and nanotechnology.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Operate, maintain, and optimise wet processing tools including etchers, wet benches, and electroplating stations;
• Prepare and manage chemical baths for etching, cleaning, and electroplating processes with attention to concentration, temperature, and lifespan;
• Handle and work with acids (e. g. , phosphoric, nitric, acetic), bases (e. g. , KOH), and solvents (e. g. , NMP alternatives) in a cleanroom environment;
• Monitor chemical usage and maintain accurate inventory records using tracking systems;
• Coordinate chemical ordering and restocking;
• Develop, document, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and chemical handling protocols;
• Conduct routine safety checks of chemical storage, handling, and disposal practices in accordance with local and federal regulations;
• Collaborate with HES team to ensure full compliance with safety and waste disposal guidelines (e. g. , RCRA, OSHA);
• Troubleshoot process deviations related to chemical performance or contamination;
• Implement corrective actions;
• Train users on safe and effective use of wet process tools and chemicals;
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts to reduce chemical consumption, extend bath life, and improve process reliability;
• Ensure process compliance with quality standards and safety protocols.

MandatoryQualifications

Education

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related field.

Experience and Technical Skills

Wet Process Expertise

• Hands-on experience in
  - and nanofabrication with emphasis on wet chemical processes, including etching,
  - off, and electroplating;

Acid-Based Etching

• Proficient in using phosphoric, nitric, and acetic acid mixtures for metal etching;
• Understanding of reaction kinetics, byproducts, and bath aging behaviour;

Alkaline Etching

• Skilled in working with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and other alkaline solutions for silicon etching;
• Knowledgeable in bath maintenance and anisotropic etch characteristics;

Solvent Handling

• Familiar with
  -
  - point solvents (e. g. , DMSO, NMP alternatives) used in resist stripping and
  - off;
• Understanding of material compatibility and process optimisation;

Electroplating

• Experience with copper electroplating systems;
• Knowledge of bath chemistry, additive management, and key electrochemical parameters such as current density and p
  H;

Chemical Safety

• Trained in safe handling of corrosive and hazardous chemicals;
• Proficient in PPE usage, fume hood operation, and SDS interpretation;

Chemical Inventory and Storage

• Experience managing chemical inventories, tracking usage and shelf life, and ensuring proper labelling and segregation of chemicals;

Waste Management

• Knowledge of hazardous waste handling, including collection, labelling, and disposal in compliance with safety and environmental regulations;

Process Monitoring and Control

• Skilled in maintaining stable process conditions by monitoring bath concentration, temperature, and p
  H for consistent and repeatable outcomes;

Other Value Skills and Education

• MSc degree preferred for candidates with less direct experience;
• Relevant coursework or lab experience in wet chemistry, electrochemistry, semiconductor processing, or microfabrication is highly desirable;
• Exposure to cleanroom environments and ISO standards.

Personal Skills

• Strong
  - solving and analytical skills with attention to detail;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaborations;
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks in a
  - paced environment;
• Adaptability and a proactive approach to learning and technology challenges.

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 thefollowingmandatory 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 inpdf 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
- 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 International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl. int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.