Technical Specialist for Nanofabrication Equipment and Infrastructure (m/f/d)

About the job

Technical Specialist for Nanofabrication Equipment and Infrastructure (m/f/d)

The Binnig and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center (BRNC) at ETH Zurich is a state-of-the-art research infrastructure for nanoscience and nanotechnology. We offer advanced technologies, infrastructure, and expertise for top-level research. Our operations team manages more than 1,000 m² of cleanroom and laboratory space for semiconductor and nanofabrication research and supports pioneering R&D projects from ETH Zurich researchers as well as partners from academia, industry, and the start-up community.

To strengthen our team, we are looking immediately or by arrangement for a practical and service-oriented individual as a Technical Specialist for Nanofabrication Equipment and Infrastructure. As the central technical contact for equipment maintenance, general cleanroom infrastructure, and operational systems, you will contribute significantly to the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the BRNC.

This varied position combines technical troubleshooting, maintenance, safety tasks, documentation, and digital processes with daily cleanroom operations. It is suitable for someone who enjoys understanding complex equipment, systematically solving practical challenges, and actively shaping the technical development of a versatile research infrastructure.

Job Description

• Technical Support & Troubleshooting: You are the central technical contact for the BRNC operations team. You analyse and resolve mechanical, electrical, vacuum, pneumatic, and other technical faults to minimise downtime and ensure reliable operation.
• Equipment Responsibility, Maintenance & Installation: You take technical responsibility for selected nanofabrication and measurement equipment and acquire the necessary knowledge of the associated processes. You plan and carry out preventive maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and technical optimisations and support the installation and commissioning of new systems in collaboration with suppliers and ETH specialists.
• Infrastructure: You support the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the shared cleanroom infrastructure, including vacuum and ultrapure water systems, technical equipment, laboratory installations, and other building-wide systems.
• Safety Strategy & Operations: You act as the central contact for safety matters within the BRNC and contribute to the continuous development of safety procedures. You take on operational and administrative tasks in the areas of chemicals, gases, safety equipment, and cleanroom operations.
• Documentation & Digital Processes: You maintain technical documentation, maintenance plans, spare parts inventory, equipment data, and operational databases. Additionally, you support the development, integration, and reliable data backup of digital tools and site-wide workflows.
• Team Support & Continuous Improvement: You assist researchers and colleagues in the safe and reliable operation of equipment and contribute to technical problem-solving and user training. You proactively improve the reliability of equipment, maintenance processes, and operational procedures and take on new responsibilities in line with the development of the research infrastructure.

 

Profile

• Completed technical vocational training; further education at a higher professional level is advantageous; university degree or comparable qualification in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, chemistry, microtechnology, or a related technical field.
• At least three years of practical professional experience in equipment maintenance, technical service, infrastructure operation, or a comparable technical environment. You have good broad mechanical, electrical, and general technical knowledge. You approach troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of complex equipment and infrastructure systematically and practically. Experience with cleanroom infrastructure, vacuum systems, or semiconductor manufacturing is an advantage.
• High safety awareness and willingness to take operational and administrative responsibility in handling chemicals, gases, and safety equipment.
• Confident use of modern IT tools and technical databases, as well as interest in learning about and implementing new digital solutions.
• High initiative, creativity, willingness to learn, and solution orientation, combined with a strong sense of responsibility.
• Strong team spirit and service orientation, as well as motivation to act as a reliable technical contact and proactively support colleagues and users of the infrastructure.
• Openness to new technologies, diverse tasks, and changing requirements in a dynamic research environment. Good German and English skills.

We Offer

• Work in a World-Class Environment: Work at one of the world’s leading universities for science and engineering with state-of-the-art nanofabrication infrastructure.
• Meaningful Activity: Make a direct contribution to pioneering research and development projects in science and industry.
• Variety & Responsibility: Take responsibility for equipment, infrastructure, and technical processes and actively shape the future development of the research infrastructure.
• Continuous Development: Expand your expertise across different technologies and benefit from attractive training opportunities.
• International Network: Work closely with researchers, start-ups, and industry partners in a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment.
• Attractive Employment Conditions: Benefit from attractive employment conditions and a wide range of offers in mobility, sports, childcare, training, pension, and social benefits.

Working, Teaching and Researching at ETH Zurich

Diversity and Sustainability are Important to Us

In line with our values , ETH Zurich supports an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunities, value diversity, and foster a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all employees and students are respected. On our Equal Opportunity and Diversity website , you can learn how we ensure a fair and open environment where everyone can develop and thrive. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas and work references
• A brief motivation letter explaining your interest in this position and your experience in the relevant field.

Further information about the BRNC can be found on our website . For questions about the position, please contact Dr Eva De Leo at eva.deleo@ethz.ch.

We look forward to your application!

Please apply exclusively via the online application portal. Applications by email or post will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

For recruitment agencies, the ETH Zurich Terms and Conditions apply.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the best technical and natural science universities in the world. We are known for our excellent teaching, pioneering fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. More than 30,000 people from over 120 countries find an environment here that promotes independent thinking and a climate that inspires top performance. Located in the heart of Europe and connected worldwide, we develop solutions together for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.