Semiconductor Equipment Engineer

About Atomic Semi

Atomic Semi is building a small, fast semiconductor fab.

It’s already possible to build this with today’s technology and a few simplifications. We’ll build the tools ourselves so we can quickly iterate and improve.

We’re building a small team of exceptional, hands‑on engineers to make this happen. Mechanical, electrical, hardware, computer, and process. We’ll own the stack from atoms to architecture. Our team is optimistic about the future and we want to continue pushing the limits of technology.

Smaller is better. Faster is better. Building it ourselves is better.

We believe our team and lab can build anything. We’ve set up 3D printers, a wide array of microscopes, e‑beam writers, general fabrication equipment - and whatever is missing, we’ll just invent along the way.

Atomic was founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller. Sam is best known for making chips in his garage, and Jim has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for the past 40 years.

About the role

We are looking for an Equipment Engineer with experience in equipment engineering and a demonstrated record of equipment design & equipment sustaining knowledge. The ideal candidate will be highly curious, have exceptional electro‑mechanical troubleshooting abilities, and the ability to work independently from technical documentation.

The Equipment Engineer is responsible for performing preventative and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, upgrades, and calibrations on a diverse array of novel, complex, and evolving equipment used in process development and in R&D. They will work closely with both hardware engineers and process engineers to ensure maximum up‑time for tools, to document common failure modes, and to improve equipment reliability, throughput, and process capability.

Responsibilities

Generate accurate and detailed documentation for facility, maintenance, and process owners : Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical reports, corrective and preventive maintenance plans, and other critical documentation.

Respond to tool maintenance calls and take the lead role in bringing tools up efficiently and effectively.

Collaborate with engineering or other cross functional groups to investigate and resolve maintenance issues, improve equipment reliability, review procedures, and minimize equipment downtime.

Establish, review regularly, and respond to SPC alerts for equipment parameters. Monitor tool alarm logs regularly and follow through for proactive actions and continuous improvement opportunities. Drive tool matching and yield improvement through design and engineering improvements.

Actively contribute to continuous improvement programs to improve equipment performance and reliability; maximize Mean Productive Time Between Failure (MTBF).

Define and review regularly the minimum (reorder) and maximum spares quantities on critical and long lead items to ensure inventories are at the correct level to support equipment maintenance and repair effort.

Support and train maintenance personnel.

Required Experience

Bachelors degree and 3+ years of applicable experience.

Strong understanding of wafer fabrication processes (etch, deposition, lithography, metrology, etc.).

Familiarity with equipment control systems vacuum systems, robotics, and cleanroom protocols.

Proficiency in data analysis, SPC, and root cause methodologies.

Demonstrated technical capability and prior experience with lithography, etch, deposition, & anneal systems from OEMs manufacturers.

Nice‑to‑have

Comfortable with Onshape, SolidWorks, or similar software.

Knowledge of vacuum systems, including helium leak detection.

Familiarity with endpoint detection tools (SEM, ellipsometry, spectroscopy).

Experience with OEMs like ASML, Applied Materials, Lam Research, Tokyo Electron.

Working at Atomic Semi

We’re an early‑stage hardware startup with solid funding, world‑class advisors, and a lab / office in San Francisco, CA.

Compensation

Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $115,000 – $150,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in Atomic Semi.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Generous Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time

Visa Sponsorship

Life and Disability Insurance

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) retirement plan

Weekly Learning & Development opportunities

Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office

Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or other legally protected statuses.

Export Control Analysis

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

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