Job Description

Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location — employees join together to improve the world.

Explore what’s possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning “science fiction” into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.

Step into the future. SkyWater’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees — and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds.

Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!

Job Title: Equipment Maintenance Technician Senior – WESTECH/CMP

Company: SkyWater Technology

Department: Fab Maintenance / CMP Module

Shift: A Shift: Sunday - Tuesday, every other Wednesday 6:00 AM- 6:00 PM

Position Summary

SkyWater Technology is seeking an experienced Senior Equipment Maintenance Technician to support the Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) module. In this role, you will lead complex preventive maintenance (PM), corrective troubleshooting, tool installations, and sub-assembly rebuilds across critical fab equipment. Working closely with equipment, process, and R&D engineering teams, you will maximize tool availability, drive mean-time-between-failures (MTBF) improvements, and mentor junior technicians in a foundry manufacturing cleanroom environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead scheduled preventive maintenance and execute rapid-response corrective maintenance on CMP polishers, post-CMP cleaners, and slurry delivery loops.
• Troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical, pneumatic, and fluidic subsystems to root cause using schematics, wiring diagrams, diagnostic meters, and oscilloscopes.
• Dismantle, overhaul, calibrate, and reassemble critical sub-assemblies (e.g., polish heads, conditioner arms, platen drives, chemical delivery valves).
• Support engineering continuous improvement projects (CIP), tool modifications, and process qualification runs.
• Safely handle hazardous production materials, including slurry, corrosive chemicals, and chemical delivery line flushes, following all fab safety protocols.
• Maintain comprehensive tool logs, maintenance shift handoffs, and spare parts/consumable tracking via factory CMMS.
• Partner with equipment vendors and field service engineers on advanced tool escalations and retrofits.
• Champion 5S+ workplace organization, cleanroom protocol compliance, and contamination control standards.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Associate of Science / 2-Year Technical Degree in Electronics, Mechanical Technology, Semiconductor Manufacturing, or related discipline (equivalent military technical training or direct industry experience considered).
• Experience: Minimum 5+ years of hands-on equipment maintenance experience in a semiconductor manufacturing facility (or equivalent high-tech precision manufacturing environment).
• Demonstrated expertise in electro-mechanical, fluidic, and pneumatic troubleshooting, repair, and alignment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with precision tools (micrometers, dial indicators, torque wrenches, multi-meters).
• Proven track record of working effectively within cross-functional teams, managing maintenance priorities independently, and driving tool uptime metrics.
• Proficient computer skills (Windows OS, MS Office suite, and computerized maintenance management systems).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct, hands-on maintenance and rebuild experience on Applied Materials (AMAT) Mirra / Mirra Mesa / Desica CMP platforms.
• Working knowledge of multi-axis servo systems, precision robotics, peristaltic/bellows slurry pumps, and process chillers.
• Experience mentoring entry-level or intermediate maintenance technicians.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to work a 12-hour compressed work-week shift schedule (standing, walking, bending, reaching for extended periods).
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Must wear full cleanroom PPE (bunny suit, safety glasses, chemical aprons/face shields when required) and adhere to cleanroom contamination protocols.
• Ability to safely work with and around hazardous production chemicals and pressurized systems.

U.S. Person Requirement

SkyWater Technology Foundry, Inc. is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All accepted applicants must be a "U.S. Person" as defined by ITAR (U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident / Green Card holder, Political Asylee, or Refugee).

The hourly range for this role is $29.11 - $43.67 per hour. Pay offered is based on many factors, including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate.

SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well as other employee financial benefits, including 401k match, and life insurance.

Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site fitness facility, and an on-site self-serve market.

SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. To request reasonable accommodations, to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or Recruiting@SkyWatertechnology.com.

EOE, including disability/vets

We will never ask applicants to pay fees, purchase equipment or gift cards, or provide financial information before a formal offer of employment has been accepted. If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to represent our company, please verify its authenticity by contacting our recruitment team at recruiting@skywatertechnology.com before responding.