Process Development Engineer, Etch
fab2Job Title
Process Development Engineer, Etch
Role Summary
Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize semiconductor etch and thin-film fabrication methods. Work within a small in-house process team that supports device R&D and tool design, with direct responsibility for recipe development, tool operation, and process transfer.
This is a high-ownership, hands-on role in a fast-moving hardware startup environment.
Experience Level
Mid-level. The posting expects practical cleanroom and process development experience but does not specify years of experience.
Responsibilities
Primary day-to-day responsibilities include lab work, experiment design, and process optimization.
- Design and run etch and thin-film experiments; iterate on process recipes.
- Review academic and technical literature to inform experimental plans.
- Operate a range of semiconductor tools including etch, deposition, lithography, and metrology systems.
- Develop, transfer, and optimize process recipes with a focus on consistency, yield, and throughput.
- Analyze process data, troubleshoot equipment or recipe issues, and document results clearly for the team.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and competencies.
- Hands-on cleanroom experience with multi-step fabrication flows.
- Experience operating dry etch, thin film deposition, and lithography tools.
- Proven recipe development and optimization experience for dry etch, thin film deposition, or lithography.
- Familiarity with metrology such as ellipsometry, profilometry, and SEM.
- Ability to digest technical literature and apply it to experimental design.
- Strong experimental documentation and data-analysis skills.
- Ability to work autonomously in a startup environment.
- Employment contingent on compliance with U.S. export control regulations.
Nice-to-have:
- Mechanical or maintenance experience with fabrication tools.
- Experience across full device fabrication flows.
Education Requirements
BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
About the Company
Company: fab2
Headquarters: Austin, TX, United States
Early-stage hardware startup that designs and builds semiconductor fabrication equipment, tools, and the hardware/software needed to make fabs. Works on lithography, metrology, motion systems and related components; founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller with offices in Austin and San Francisco.
