Field Service Engineer Plasma Technology West Coast Region

Oxford Instruments; Concord (MA); Remote; USD 73,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Instruments is seeking a Field Service Engineer to support customers across North America, focusing on West Coast deployments. You will install, troubleshoot, and optimize advanced plasma etch and deposition systems, traveling extensively to field sites and working closely with customers and engineering teams.

The role emphasizes hands-on problem solving, strong customer service, and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly while maintaining rigorous service documentation and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent field.
• 3+ years of field service experience in semiconductor equipment.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize plasma etch and deposition systems.
• Provide on-site and remote support; travel 90% across North America.
• Train customers and act as technical advisor.
• Document service activities and share knowledge across teams.

Skills

Field service experience

RF power systems

ICP technology

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Vacuum measurement tools

RF power meters

Job description

Field Service Engineer - West Coast

Date: Oct 19, 2026

Location: CA, US; Concord, MA, US

Job Function: Technical

Business Unit: Plasma Technology

Are you passionate about solving complex technical challenges and working with some of the most advanced semiconductor technologies in the world? Join Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology as a Field Service Engineer and play a pivotal role in supporting customers who are developing next‑generation devices and breakthrough innovations.

As a Field Service Engineer, you'll be the face of Oxford Instruments, delivering exceptional technical expertise, world‑class customer service, and hands‑on support for our industry‑leading plasma etch and deposition systems. This is a unique opportunity to combine cutting‑edge technology, customer interaction, and extensive travel while helping customers maximize the performance of their equipment.

This is a remote role supporting our customers in the San Francisco Bay area, open to candidates across North America willing to travel to the West Coast region. Must be located within approximately 60 minutes of a major airport to support frequent travel to customer sites in the Bay Area.

Why Join Oxford Instruments?

At Oxford Instruments, we enable the world’s leading researchers and manufacturers to push the boundaries of science and technology. You'll work with innovative products, collaborate with highly skilled colleagues, and make a direct impact on customer success within the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry.

The Opportunity

In this highly visible customer‑facing role, you will install, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize advanced plasma etch and deposition systems. You'll work closely with customers, engineering teams, and technical specialists to ensure exceptional system performance and customer satisfaction.

If you thrive in a hands‑on environment, enjoy solving challenging technical problems, and are energized by travel and customer interaction, we'd love to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing

Install and Commission Advanced Systems

• Lead the installation and commissioning of plasma etch and deposition systems, including RIE, ICP, CVD, ALD, ALE, and ICP‑CVD technologies.
• Ensure systems meet customer specifications, process requirements, and cleanroom standards.
• Verify system readiness and support successful customer acceptance.

Deliver Exceptional Service & Maintenance

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on sophisticated semiconductor equipment.
• Diagnose root causes of technical issues and implement effective long‑term solutions.
• Validate repairs against vacuum, process, and performance specifications.

Build Strong Customer Relationships

• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to customers.
• Provide operator training and technical guidance to maximize system uptime and performance.
• Deliver responsive support and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.

Troubleshoot Complex Technical Challenges

• Investigate and resolve hardware, electrical, vacuum, RF, pneumatic, and software‑related issues.
• Utilize advanced diagnostic equipment including vacuum leak detectors, RF power meters, DVMs, LCR meters, and multimeters.
• Provide remote support when necessary to minimize customer downtime.

Drive Continuous Improvement

• Perform system calibrations, upgrades, and performance enhancements.
• Support installation of new components, including pumps, RF generators, APCs, MFCs, PLCs, and control systems.
• Maintain accurate service documentation and share knowledge across teams.

What We’re Looking For

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or 8 years of hands on field service engineering experience in semiconductor equipment service experience will also be considered.

Required Experience

• 3 plus years of field service experience within the semiconductor industry.
• Strong experience supporting plasma etch and/or deposition equipment.
• Familiarity with cleanroom environments and semiconductor manufacturing processes.
• Hands‑on experience with vacuum systems including turbo, cryo, and roughing pumps.
• Experience troubleshooting 208V electrical systems and 24V control circuits.

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of RF power systems and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) technology.
• Working knowledge of semiconductor processes including RIE, PECVD, ICP, and ALD.
• Ability to interpret electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and process schematics.
• Experience using diagnostic and calibration tools in a semiconductor environment.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with other similar platforms, vacuum systems, and components.
• Experience calibrating and optimizing APCs and MFCs.
• Knowledge of advanced vacuum and process control technologies.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Enjoys solving challenging technical problems and finding lasting solutions.
• Takes pride in delivering outstanding customer service.
• Communicates clearly and builds strong customer relationships.
• Thrives in both independent and team‑based environments.
• Is adaptable, proactive, and committed to continuous learning.
• Maintains high standards of organization, safety, and professionalism.

Travel & Physical Requirements

• Valid driver’s license, passport, and ability to travel independently.
• Ability to travel extensively (90%) Monday through Friday across North America.
• Comfortable working in cleanroom environments and confined spaces.
• Able to safely lift and handle equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Strong manual dexterity and attention to detail.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected salary for this full‑time, benefited position is between$52.88/hr - $60.096/hr. The actual compensation will be determined considering factors such as relevant skills and experience and other factors permitted by law. Oxford Instruments offers a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits. Actual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, skills, and other factors permitted by law.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.

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