UPW & Waste Commissioning Technician – Semiconductor Fab

LotusWorks

Salary: $93k - $114k
Experience: 1+ yrs
Location: Albany, New York, United States
Job type: Full-time

Required skills

P&IDs
Instrumentation
Calibration tools
Field testing equipment
UPW systems
RO
EDI
POU

About the role

LotusWorks is an Engineering Services provider specializing in managing Commissioning, Construction Services, Calibration, Operations & Maintenance scopes of work within global manufacturing facilities. LotusWorks operates globally across EMEA and North America partnering with the world's leading manufacturers across the Semiconductor, Pharmaceutical & Biologics, Medical Device and Data Centre sectors. Our team of Engineering and Technical professionals is immersed in cutting-edge technologies and innovations. LotusWorks is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, integral to our people-first approach.

The UPW & Waste Commissioning Technician supports the commissioning, startup, and validation of Ultra-Pure Water (UPW) and Industrial Waste Treatment systems within a semiconductor manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for executing commissioning activities in alignment with ASHRAE commissioning Levels 2–6, ensuring systems are installed correctly, operate as designed, and meet stringent process and environmental requirements prior to fab handover.

This is a hands-on, field-based role working closely with engineers, contractors, vendors, and operations teams to ensure safe, compliant, and high-performance system delivery.

Responsibilities:

Level 2 – Construction & Installation Verification

Perform field inspections to verify installation meets design specifications and industry standards (e.g., SEMI F57/F58)
Validate UPW system installation including RO, EDI, mixed bed polishers, UV, ozone, and distribution loops
Inspect instrumentation such as TOC analyzers, resistivity monitors, and flow/pressure devices
Verify chemical dosing skids, accessibility, and maintainability
Confirm integrity of point-of-use (POU) connections and distribution systems
Inspect waste system piping, slope, support, and segregation compliance
Verify proper labeling, color coding, and identification of waste streams
Validate installation of chemical storage, containment systems, and leak detection
Inspect neutralization systems, tanks, and mixing chambers
Confirm emergency drainage, eyewash, and safety system connections

Level 3 – Pre-Functional Testing (PFT)

Execute component-level testing to confirm system readiness
Test RO membrane performance and rejection rates
Verify EDI electrical performance (voltage/current)
Validate mixed bed resin capacity and conductivity performance
Confirm UV intensity and ozone system effectiveness
Calibrate chemical dosing systems and verify accuracy
Test pH/ORP instrumentation and response
Validate neutralization system mixing and residence time
Verify sludge handling, filtration, and dewatering systems
Test alarms, leak detection systems, and interlocks
Execute passivation and biofilm prevention procedures

Level 4 – Functional Performance Testing (FPT)

Demonstrate full system functionality against design requirements
Validate UPW quality standards and distribution performance
Verify flow, pressure, and temperature control across all POU locations
Optimize recirculation loops and system efficiency
Commission waste systems for stable pH control (HFW, AWN, BWN, IWN)
Validate copper treatment, precipitation, and clarification processes
Confirm solvent waste segregation and handling
Perform system load testing at design capacity
Validate control systems including monitoring, trending, and chemical dosing

Level 5 – Integrated Systems Testing (IST)

Validate system performance under full operational and dynamic fab conditions
Simulate varying production demand and confirm UPW system response
Verify waste system capacity during full production scenarios
Execute emergency and upset condition testing (e.g., contamination, spills, overflow)
Confirm system integration with BMS/FMS and fab control systems
Test redundancy, backup systems, and failover scenarios
Validate interlocks between chemical delivery and waste systems
Support environmental compliance verification and discharge requirements
Any other duties or responsibilities that may be assigned to you in your role.

Systems in Scope

Ultra-Pure Water (UPW) Systems

Reverse Osmosis (RO), Electrodeionization (EDI), Mixed Bed Polishers
UV Sterilization & Ozone Systems
Ultrafiltration, Carbon Filters, Degasification Units
UPW Distribution Loops & Point-of-Use (POU) Filters
TOC Analyzers, Resistivity Monitoring, Particle Counters
Flow, Pressure, and Temperature control systems

Industrial Waste Treatment Systems

HFW, AWN, BWN, IWN Neutralization Systems
Copper, CMP Slurry, Fluoride, and Ammonia Waste Treatment
Solvent Waste Collection Systems
Oil/Water Separation & Activated Sludge Systems
Filter Press & Dewatering Equipment
Chemical Storage, Dosing, and Containment Systems
pH/ORP Monitoring and Control Systems

Skills Required:

Minimum 1+ year of experience commissioning UPW systems (semiconductor experience preferred but not required)
Experience with industrial water or wastewater treatment systems is highly desirable
Strong understanding of mechanical, chemical, and instrumentation systems
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, schematics, and technical documentation
Hands-on experience with testing, calibration, and system troubleshooting
Knowledge of safety procedures and environmental compliance standards
Strong communication and coordination skills in a fast-paced field environment

Education / Licenses / Certifications

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Proof of education, licenses, and certifications will be required where applicable

Benefits:

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Life, Short-Term, Long-Term Disability Insurance
Training and Education Assistance
401k Retirement Plan
Extra Annual Leave with Years of Service
Maternity/Paternity Leave
Recognition Rewards

#INDHP

The pay range shown reflects the minimum and maximum hourly rates the company may offer for this position. The final rate will depend on factors such as skills, experience, and qualifications.

Hourly Rate

$45—$55 USD

LotusWorks is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.

About LotusWorks

Provides technical engineering and commissioning for global manufacturing facilities.

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