Facility Engineer – Spintronics Pilot Production

Facility Engineer - Spintronics Pilot Production

International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Contract Duration:Indefinite contract with a 1-year probationary period

Group/Unit: Micro and Nanofabrication Facility (MNF)

Supervisor:Paulo Coelho

Employment Type: Full time

Number of Vacancies:4 (2 already filled)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Job Reference:Ref.43.25.4102

Open Date for Applications:August 21st, 2025

Close Date for Applications: Open until suitable candidates are selected

Profile

The Micro and Nanofabrication Facility(MNF) is an open-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.

INL is seeking four new positions of highly-qualified and motivated Facility Engineers to reinforce the pilot production team in the MNF, that focuses on the activities with private contracts and industrial partners.

These positions are full-time positions that include 40 hours/week under a non-standard work schedule to be discussed at the interview stage. The working hours may extend beyond the conventional 9:00-18:00 timeframe needs, which may include early mornings, evenings and one weekend day coverage, based on operational needs. Working schedules may be adjusted by INL in response to operational requirements. Shift-related compensation or time-off arrangements will be applied in accordance to INL's internal rules.

Job Duties

The main responsibilities will include:

• Production of Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) sensor wafers (200mm) integrated in running industrial contracts.
• Participation in a continuous effort to improve the existing microfabrication processes, namely by running process development aiming at improving key process metrics, either by reducing the dispersion of parameters extracted at device level or improving the key figure of merit (FOM) of devices optimized for specific applications.
• Execution of process control monitoring (PCM) of specific tools and processes.
• Collection and analysis of throughput and performance.
• Eventual involvement in other activities carried by MNF, in the framework of national, European and Industrial projects and as well as training of users in the operation of the tools under their responsibility.

Academic Qualifications

Mandatory:

• Master Degree in Physics or Chemistry, Physical Mechanical - Electronic - or Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electronics, or other relevant subject.

Valued:

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical- Chemical- Engineering, or a related field.
• Thesis degree based on the hands-on microfabrication of devices based on magnetic tunnel junctions.

Key Experience and Technical Skills:

• Previous hands-on experience depositing magnetic tunnel junction stacks.
• Previous hands-on experience performing ion milling of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) micro-pillars or nano-pillars.
• Previous hands-on experience in the operation of mask aligners to produce critical dimensions (CD) of features down to ~1-5 µm.
• Previous hands-on experience using SINGULUS deposition systems and/or NORDIKO Ion Milling systems from a service/engineering perspective.
• Previous experience in the full microfabrication process of MTJ devices (in particular, magnetoresistive sensors).
• Previous experience in production in a cleanroom facility in an industrial environment.

Personal Skills

• Excellence
• Inclusion and Diversity
• Sustainability and Social Responsibility
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Innovation
• Growth Mindset

OurBenefits

• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges[1]
• Relocation support(travel expenses included)
• Guest House on-site included for the 1st month
• Private health insurance
• 30 working days of annual leave, plus 13officialholidays
• 9 days of paid sick leave per year
• Family allowance (160€/month according to family situation)
• Child allowance (200€/month for each dependent child)
• Nursery service onsite (subject to availability)
• Support for education fees of dependent children
• Support for fitness and sport expenses
• And more.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the followingmandatory documents:

a) Cover letter

b) Curriculum Vitaewith References information

c) Academic and/or Professional diplomas

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made by clicking the "Apply" button;
2. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above inpdf format. Academic Certificates must beincluded in the "Additional files" section using the "Add portfolio" button.

Incomplete applications or applications providing inaccurate information will not be considered.

Additional Information

Application Feedback

It is important for INL to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Background Check Disclaimer

The selected candidate may be required to complete background checks as part of our R&S process. This may include criminal, educational, employment history, and other background information relevant to the employment qualifications.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics.

[1]About INL's Diplomatic and Legal Status:

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is an Intergovernmental Organisation established by its Member States, Portugal and Spain, under international law. As such, INL enjoys a privileged diplomatic and legal status, comparable to that of other international organisations.

This unique status is governed by the INL Statute and the Headquarters Agreement with the Portuguese Republic, which provide both INL and its employees with specific rights and obligations, including:

• Exemption from certain national laws and taxes, as outlined in the Headquarters Agreement, specifically in relation to work-related matters
• Eligibility for a diplomatic ID card issued by the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which serves as the only residency document required in Portugal for the duration of the employment contract
• Protocol obligations, including the duty to respect local regulations while exercising privileges with responsibility and discretion
• Non-application of national labour laws, as INL operates under its own legal framework and Staff Rules, approved by INL Council

INL's legal framework is designed to support a diverse and international workforce, enabling the organisation to operate independently from its Member States, drive cutting-edge research, and foster international scientific cooperation.