Atomic Layer Deposition Engineer II

Blue Origin LLC; Washington; On-site; USD 99,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC in Washington state is seeking an Atomic Layer Deposition Engineer to execute ALD processes, characterize films, and optimize thin-film layers used in advanced solar cell devices. This role combines hands-on reactor operation with systematic experimentation and data analysis to drive process improvements.

You will work in a safety-conscious environment, maintain records, and support DOE campaigns while coordinating with internal teams and external labs as needed.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in a relevant science/engineering field with hands-on ALD/CVD experience.
• Experience operating ALD/CVD reactors and related maintenance tasks.
• Familiarity with thin-film characterization techniques and data logging.
• Ability to handle chemical precursors safely and follow PPE protocols.

Responsibilities

• Operate ALD reactors to deposit metal oxide and barrier films per recipes and DOE plans.
• Prepare substrates, load/unload reactors, manage precursor delivery and maintenance.
• Characterize ALD films using ellipsometry, profilometry, and spectroscopy methods.
• Prepare samples for advanced characterization and coordinate external labs as needed.
• Record detailed process logs including temperatures, timing, pressure, and temps.
• Analyze film uniformity and thickness maps; track batch-to-batch reproducibility.

Skills

ALD techniques

CVD techniques

Data logging

Chemical handling

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics

Tools

ALD reactors

CVD reactors

Ellipsometry

Job description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed. At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

Mission

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

About the Role

As an Atomic Layer Deposition Engineer, you will execute ALD's, characterize resulting films, and contribute to process optimization for thin-film layers used in advanced solar cell devices. You will have the chance to bring your hands‑on expertise to one of the most precise deposition techniques available. This role combines daily equipment operation with systematic experimentation and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Operate ALD reactors to deposit metal oxide and barrier films per established recipes and DOE plans


• Prepare substrates, load/unload reactors, manage precursor delivery, and perform routine system maintenance


• Characterize ALD films using ellipsometry, profilometry, contact angle measurement, and optical spectroscopy


• Prepare samples for advanced characterization (XPS, TEM cross‑section, WVTR testing) and coordinate with external labs as needed


• Record detailed process logs including precursor temperatures, pulse/purge timing, chamber pressure, and substrate temperature


• Analyze film uniformity and thickness maps across substrate areas; track batch‑to‑batch reproducibility


• Support DOE campaigns by executing recipe variations and compiling parameter‑property datasets


• Maintain ALD precursor inventory, track usage rates, and coordinate refills and waste disposal


• Assist with reactor qualification, in‑situ QCM calibration, and chamber conditioning procedures


• Contribute to safety documentation for precursor handling (pyrophoric, toxic, or corrosive chemicals)


• Perform routine laboratory and equipment maintenance: reactor chamber cleaning, precursor line purging, pump oil changes, seal replacements, and exhaust system checks


• Manage precursor and consumables inventory (bubblers, O‑rings, substrates, carrier gases) and coordinate reorders to prevent supply interruptions


• Maintain lab cleanliness, chemical storage compliance, and waste disposal schedules for spent precursors and byproducts


• Troubleshoot equipment issues (precursor delivery anomalies, pressure transients, heating zone failures) and coordinate vendor service when required

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or related field


• 0‑5 years of experience with atomic layer deposition or chemical vapor deposition (academic or industry)


• Hands‑on experience operating ALD or CVD reactors (loading, recipe execution, basic maintenance)


• Understanding of ALD fundamentals: self‑limiting surface reactions, saturation curves, growth per cycle


• Familiarity with thin‑film characterization techniques


• Ability to work safely with chemical precursors including proper PPE use and emergency procedures


• Detail‑oriented with strong data recording and experimental documentation habits


• Preferred: M.S. with thesis work involving ALD process development or thin‑film deposition


• Preferred: Experience with metal oxide ALD (Al2O3, TiO2, SnO2, ZnO, or HfO2)


• Preferred: Familiarity with spatial or plasma‑enhanced ALD processes


• Preferred: Experience with in‑situ monitoring techniques


• Preferred: Knowledge of photovoltaic device architectures and where ALD layers function in the stack


• Preferred: Experience handling pyrophoric or air‑sensitive precursors

Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $99,201.00 - $138,880.35

Other site ranges may differ.

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check Required for all positions

Blue’s Standard Background Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training. Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre‑employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.


• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)


• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company‑paid holidays.


• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company’s intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company’s results, or other factors at the company’s sole discretion.


• Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

Mission Statement

We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission‑driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves.

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