Operations Manager for Superconducting Device Fabrication Facility

You are invited to apply for the position of Operations Manager for the Detector Microfabrication Facility (DMF) in the Fundamental Physics Directorate (FPD) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The Operations Manager is responsible for directing the operation of the DMF cleanroom and supporting technical systems (e.g. deposition and fabrication tools, tool utilities, metrology laboratory) to enable the fabrication of state-of-the-art superconducting microelectronics devices in the DMF to support SLAC’s scientific mission.  To fulfill this responsibility the Operations Manager has the authority to: 

• Manage the DMF and associated external facilities.

• Hire and manage the DMF staff including engineers and technicians. 

• Implement the process controls, operations procedures, and training standards for all DMF work.

• Manage the allocation of DMF resources.

• Work with the DMF Director and their team to ensure DMF serves the needs of its users

The Detector Microfabrication Facility (DMF) is an ISO-5 cleanroom with a dedicated toolset for the R&D and at-scale production of superconducting devices and sensors with high uniformity, complexity, yield, and reproducibility. In addition to a specialized toolset on 150mm wafers, the DMF also includes necessary capabilities for post-fabrication metrology, room-temperature and cryogenic characterization, and validation of functionality and performance of devices produced at the DMF. The facility is envisioned to support DOE mission science by enabling collaborative research across universities, labs and industry in quantum information science and fundamental physics.  The DMF is managed by the Fundamental Physics Directorate (FPD).   The FPD brings together scientists and technologies that support national priorities in particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology to explore the basic particles and forces that knit the cosmos together. As a key member of the DMF management team, you will report to the DMF Director. 

Your specific responsibilities will include: 

• Management of all operations in the Detector Microfabrication Facility; cleanroom, tool suite, and metrology lab.

• Support of the scientific user base in optimizing device fabrication, while maintaining stringent standards for core process stability and purity.

• Support of SLAC leadership in the strategic and financial planning for the DMF. 

• Scheduling and coordination all work in the DMF.

• Management of the online portal(s) for tool status and reserving/logging of tool usage and operator hours. 

• Hiring and management of the DMF core team (tool engineers, process engineers and technicians). Work with the Scientific Direction to help build a team of device scientists to complement the operations team.

• Building SLAC's values (excellence, integrity, collaboration, respect, and creativity), and safety into every aspect of the DMF core team’s work and culture. 

• Engagement of matrixed SLAC staff or external contracted resources where appropriate to augment DMF core staff.  

• Assuring that all DMF operations are performed safely and in compliance with SLAC, Stanford, and Government requirements and regulations, in collaboration with SLAC Environment, Safety & Health (ESH) staff.

• Establish and communicate to staff and users the safety protocols for use of the facility and its tools, coordinating with ESH as necessary.

• Establish the qualifications and training requirements for staff and users to access and work in the DMF facility. 

• Develop and manage the DMF-specific staff and user training.

• Plan tool acceptance activities and develop procedures for tool startup and commissioning when new tools are introduced to the facility. Maintain standard operating procedures for facility tools including deposition, etching, lithography and metrology tools and wet benches.

• Plan and manage the maintenance of DMF tools (e.g., lithography, etching, deposition, wet benches, SRDs) coordinating preventative maintenance schedules and servicing.  Procure maintenance contracts for the major fabrication tools.

• Plan and manage the maintenance of DMF subsystems (e.g., ultra-pure water, process vacuum, utility nitrogen, acid waste neutralization) coordinating preventative maintenance schedules and servicing. Coordinate with Facilities & Operations (F&O) on the development and execution of regular cleanroom maintenance of F&O-managed systems and utilities.  Procure maintenance contracts where appropriate.

• Plan and manage the maintenance of DMF metrology tools (e.g., dilution refrigerator) coordinating preventative maintenance schedules and servicing.  Procure maintenance contracts where appropriate.

• Maintain cleanroom materials catalogs and documentation and establish protocols for safe handling of materials and waste; maintain stock of common cleanroom supplies and consumables.

To be successful in this position you will bring: 

• Demonstrated excellence in leading disciplined operations at a research cleanroom facility. 

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of relevant experience in a science or engineering discipline relevant to the DMF’s mission in performing the above listed duties.

• Experience fostering an environment that cultivates innovation and groundbreaking R&D while simultaneously ensuring delivery to sponsors and projects. 

• Experience working in an environment dedicated to quality, safety and customer service. 

• Ability to negotiate mutually beneficial outcomes, manage conflict, and motivate others to action. 

• Verbal and written communication skills to effectively build and maintain working partnerships with internal and external stakeholders – including Stanford University, the Department of Energy, the DOE National Lab complex, and private industry leaders. 

• Ability to interact at the highest level of management, both internally and externally, in a constructive and collaborative manner and in a way that appropriately represents SLAC. 

• Propensity to take action, persevere through challenges, solve problems, and drive for on-time results within costs without sacrificing safety, quality, and core values. 

About SLAC:

SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science and is one of 17 DOE national laboratories – the most comprehensive research system of its kind in the world - providing strategic scientific and technological capabilities and expertise that cannot be found elsewhere. A major part of the Office of Science mission is supporting the development, construction, and operation of unique, open-access scientific user facilities. The laboratory is home to three Office of Science user facilities: the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) and the Facility for Advanced Accelerator Experimental Tests (FACET-II).

SLAC sits on 426 acres of Stanford land, located two miles from the main university campus. The lab’s ties with Stanford have grown over the years to include several joint institutes and facilities and many collaborative research efforts. Stanford has made numerous investments in the laboratory and provides key services that make its operations more efficient. SLAC also plays a key role for Stanford, which benefits from the lab’s deep expertise in key areas and its ability to develop and run large-scale research facilities. Together with Stanford, SLAC educates and develops the U.S. scientific workforce in key technological areas. 

SLAC Manager Competencies: 

• Results Through Others (drives results & directs work): Achieves expected results by effectively delegating and managing the work of others. 

• Aligns Priorities (plans & aligns): Ensures planning and prioritization of resources and work efforts; ensures alignment of direct and matrix reports to support organizational goals and business plans. 

• Applies Lab Acumen (business insight): Maintains understanding of lab efforts and direction as well as current research and trends, considers technology and customer impacts, and contributes relevant, informed ideas to lab growth. 

• Navigates Complexity (managing complexity): Manages a multitude of information and complex circumstances to discern what is most important; demonstrates effective problem-solving, decision-making, and takes appropriate action, even in difficult situations or with conflicting data. 

• Builds Trust (instills trust): Earns trust and credibility from team members, peers and stakeholders; demonstrates SLAC values of respect and integrity. 

• Relationships (interpersonal savvy, collaborates, manages conflict, builds networks): Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve team, department/directorate and lab goals. 

• Communication (communicates effectively): Ensures effective information flow to various audiences; delivers clear and appropriate written and verbal communications; makes clear and impactful presentations to a variety of internal and external audiences. 

• Self-Awareness (demonstrates self-awareness): Seeks feedback from others and takes ownership of, and actions to address what is learned; recognizes impact on others and adjusts as needed; pursues continuous learning opportunities; implements a meaningful development plan. 

• Team Effectiveness (builds effective teams): Effectively motivates team members and fosters a diverse and collaborative team environment; leverages team members’ strengths for overall team effectiveness; incorporates insights to improve team operations. 

• Purpose & Vision (drives vision & purpose): Articulates a clear vision of expected outcomes; inspires others to execute work plans and feel a sense of purpose and ownership for the mission. 

Physical requirements and Working conditions: 

• Daily work in an ISO-5 cleanroom.

WORK STANDARDS: 

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations. 

• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1—General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www- group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf 

   

Summary:

Leader who has consistently demonstrated establishing or leading research programs, projects, groups, or mission critical systems that are essential to meeting the scientific and operational goals of the laboratory.

Scope of Impact:

Provides leadership identifying, promoting, and developing core laboratory capabilities, influencing future scientific or technicaldirection of the laboratory.
Delivers research or technology objectives with high distinction.
 

Knowledge and Expertise:

Generates and develops advanced scientific or technical capabilities in a broad field of knowledge for several applications and has fully demonstrated grasp of related disciplines.
Consistently leads focused research, technologies, design, or facility operations with creativity and innovation.
Demonstrated excellence in communicating research progress to both internal and external audiences.
 

Directing Others/Supervision:

Demonstrated ability to build and lead effective teams and to actively mentor staff.

Program Development:

Generates new applications, programs or proposals and leads their development.
Generates solutions to key technical or scientific challenges critical to program/project success.

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

BS in applicable engineering or scientific discipline and 8 years of relevant experience