Chemical Lab Equipment Technician

Job description

Chemical Lab Equipment Technician Statement about position/company

A job at TSMC Arizona offers an opportunity to work at the most advanced semiconductor fab in the United States. TSMC Arizona’s first fab will operate it’s leading-edge semiconductor process technology (N4 process), starting production in the first half of 2025. The second fab will utilize its leading edge N3 and N2 process technology and be operational in 2028. The recently announced third fab will manufacture chips using 2nm or even more advanced process technology, with production starting by the end of the decade.

America’s leading technology companies are ready to rely on TSMC Arizona for the next generations of chips that will power the digital future. As a Chemical Lab Equipment Technician, you will demonstrate a strong sense of reliability and enthusiasm and will possess an attitude that embodies our core values – Integrity, Commitment, Innovation and Customer Trust. Job Title - Brief description As an Chemical Lab Equipment technician, you will play a critical role in ensuring the continuous operation and high precision of our state-of-the-art analytical chemical laboratories.

In this specialized role, you will perform hands-on preventive maintenance, first-line troubleshooting, and calibration on advanced analytical instruments (such as ICP-MS, GC-MS, and chromatography systems). You will serve as the technical anchor for lab equipment stability, collaborating closely with instrument vendors and internal Facilities teams to minimize analytical downtime and support TSMC Arizona’s world-class quality standards.

Responsibilities

Your core responsibilities include: Preventive Maintenance (PM) & Calibration: Perform scheduled PMs, routine cleaning, and precision calibrations on analytical instruments (e.g., ICP-MS, GC-MS, Ion Chromatography) to ensure baseline stability and ppt-level (parts-per-trillion) detection sensitivity.

First-Line Troubleshooting & Escalation

Act as the first line of defense to minimize equipment downtime by diagnosing and resolving basic to intermediate technical issues on analytical laboratory instruments according to safety guidelines and SOPs. Perform standard troubleshooting; if unresolved, efficiently document failure details (such as error logs and symptoms) to escalate and coordinate with instrument vendors for advanced repairs. Lab Construction Coordination & Field Inspection (New Lab Startup): Execute and support new laboratory setup projects based on engineering designs and specifications.

Inspect the field construction site to monitor progress, ensuring that the physical layout, floor load-bearing setup, and clearances align with the engineering blueprint and equipment specs. Coordinate directly with Facilities (FAC) teams and third-party contractors on-site to facilitate the accurate routing and installation of utilities (power, exhaust, drainage, and specialty gases). Act as the eyes and ears on the construction field: perform safety walks, monitor contractor compliance with TSMC safety standards, and immediately escalate any deviations or utility installation bottlenecks to QR Engineers.

Equipment Hook-up Support & Commissioning

Assist in the setup of new laboratory instruments and new lab startup, including unboxing, precision positioning, and aligning machine-side interfaces. Coordinate closely with the Facilities (FAC) team for utility connections (such as power, gases, drainage) and assist vendor with Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).

Consumables & Chemical Inventory Tracking

Manage and track laboratory consumables (e.g., columns, nebulizers, tubing, reagents) and spare parts, maintaining accurate records using our Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and computerized maintenance systems.

Safety, Chemical Hygiene & Compliance

Adhere strictly to OSHA standards, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols, Chemical Hygiene Plans (CHP), and hazardous waste/chemical handling safety guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

Education: (one of following required) Associate’s degree (A.A.S.) or Bachelor’s (BS) degree in Science (Mechanic, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical, or Electrical Technology, Electronics, Vacuum Technology, Materials Science or a related scientific field. (Fresh graduates with strong equipment experience are welcome).

Technical Skills

Required Qualifications: Strong familiarity with chemical hygiene, chemical safety (OSHA standards), and pressurized utility safety. Familiarity with computerized systems (e.g., CMMS, LIMS, or Manufacturing Execution Systems) for maintenance and inventory tracking.

Preferred Qualifications

Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin. Hands-on experience in a semiconductor cleanroom, high-tech manufacturing, or chemical laboratory environment. On-site construction monitoring, tool hook-up coordination, or field inspection experience. Experience with wet chemistry setups (chemical hoods, automatic pipettes, chemical handling/sampling kits) and gas/liquid delivery lines. Hands-on experience operating or maintaining analytical instruments such as ICP-MS, GC-MS, HPLC, IC, or DSC (academic thesis research or industrial experience are both valued).

Ability to read, interpret, and follow technical drawings, blueprints, instrument specifications, and P&ID diagrams.

Interpersonal Skills

Resilience Under Pressure: Ability to maintain a clear mind, composure, and a positive attitude in a high-stress, fast-paced environment where quick technical decisions and prompt safety escalations are critical.

Strong Ownership & Proactivity

Highly self-motivated, quick to learn new analytical technologies, and capable of working and troubleshooting independently following initial training.

Effective Liaison & Communication

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong active listening and negotiation abilities to effectively coordinate with diverse teams, including Facilities, ESH, external construction contractors, and instrument OEMs.

Collaborative Team Player

Ability to work cohesively within a multi-cultural team environment, fostering trust and positive collaborative relationships.

Physical Requirements

Weight Handling: Ability to safely lift, push, pull, or carry up to 35 lbs (such as gas cylinders, laboratory pumps, and liquid reagents) with or without reasonable accommodation.

Mobility & Posture

Ability to stand or walk for extended periods, bend, kneel, and safely climb ladders/platforms to access elevated instrument interfaces.

Gowning & PPE Compliance

Ability to wear full cleanroom garments (bunny suits, hoods, gloves, and safety glasses) and specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for chemical handling, including medically qualifying to wear a respirator if required.

Sensory & Environment

Comfort working in a controlled laboratory, cleanroom, and chemical handling environment with potential exposure to laboratory-grade chemicals, gases, and moderate equipment noise.

Training

Ability to travel to Taiwan for training for up to 12 months (if needed). Shift expectations verbiage (Choose appropriate option below) May be required to work a Compressed Work Week (4-day on, 3-day off, 3-day on, 4-day off) on a rotational basis.

Application Consideration Consent

By applying to this position, I acknowledge and agree that my application and qualifications may be considered for other roles within the company. However, I reserve the right to withdraw my consent for future consideration of other roles within the company at any time. Candidates must be willing and able to work on-site at our Phoenix Arizona facility. As a valued member of the TSMC family, we place a significant focus on your health and well-being.

When you are at your best—physically, mentally, and financially—our company thrives. TSMC offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits program that includes: Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans: Choose the options that best fit your and your family’s needs.

Income-Protection Programs

Financial assistance during injury or illness. 401(k)

Retirement Savings Plan

Secure your financial future with competitive employer contributions.

Paid Time-Off Programs and Holidays

Recharge and spend quality time with loved ones.

Work Location

5088 W. Innovation Circle, Phoenix, AZ 85083 TSMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If you need an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact [email protected]. TSMC Arizona maintains the right to change or assign other duties to this position All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of TSMC Arizona’s pre-employment screening process. This process may include verifying the candidate’s identity, confirming legal authorization to work in the offered position's location, educational background and a comprehensive background check, where permitted by local regulations. #LI-Onsite