University of Notre Dame

Job Description

Be part of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to advance microelectronics and semiconductor technology and accelerate the transition of technical innovations to prototypes and manufacturing. The University of Notre Dame is supporting the Microelectronics Commons, a new federal program, launched in the fall of 2023. The Commons is a national network of universities and industries, coordinated to enable lab-to-fab chip prototypes for defense and commercial applications and bridge the technical divide between proof-of-concept demonstrations and manufacturing. The Microelectronics Commons is creating on-shore capabilities to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign microelectronics and safeguard the nation from supply chain risks.

The University of Notre Dame has been engaged for decades in collaborative pathfinding research with the semiconductor industry. Notre Dame led three national Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) centers, from 2008 through 2023. Notre Dame has state-of-the-art facilities for semiconductor devices and integrated circuit fabrication and characterization, including the Notre Dame Nanofabrication Facility and the Notre Dame Integrated Imaging Facility. Campus centers and institutes, like Notre Dame Nanoscience and Technology and the Center for Sustainable Energy, aid in building a versatile and collaborative research enterprise supporting larger research efforts.

The Senior Engineering Director will lead the University of Notre Dame’s Microelectronics Commons program operations and coordinate the Notre Dame effort with the entire Commons’ network. The Director plays the lead role and will guide a four-member core team to meet project goals. The Director will work closely with faculty, industry, government program managers, visitors, and in close collaboration with Notre Dame leadership. This will include setting vision and directions, meeting obligations, and providing strategic management of the effort.

The successful candidate will:

• Be self-motivated
• Understand the semiconductor / microelectronics industry, the defense industry, and government programs
• Have demonstrated communication skills, verbal and written
• Have leadership and management experience
• Ability to serve the needs of users with strict timelines and milestone-driven schedules

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Facilitate network operations and respond to external requests
• Support the development of new projects
• Meet proposal and reporting requirements
• Manage employees and external users
• Financial oversight and transition to sustainable operations
• Facilitate non-disclosure, intellectual property, and other types of agreements
• Ensure security requirements
• Respond to requests for information, both internal and external
• Communicate progress to state, regional, and national audiences and the media.

This is a limited-term position ending January 2029. While this position is contingent on funding, the aim is to move to a sustainable cost model by the end of the term.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Master’s Degree in electrical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, physics, or related fields.
• 5-6 years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience with the semiconductor and defense industries.
  • Experience managing direct reports.
• Ability to work well with people at all levels of an organization and across organizations.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a highly technical environment.
• Must be willing to undergo the process for security clearance in the future, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong technical background in semiconductors and microelectronics and/or nanoscience and nanotechnology.
• Experience engaging with defense industry programs.
• Experience with developing and managing budgets.
• Experience managing a technical lab or facility.
• Doctorate Degree in electrical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, physics, or related fields.