Field Service Engineer Plasma Technology West Coast Region

Oxford Instruments; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Instruments in Pleasanton, CA seeks a hands‑on Field Service Engineer to install, commission, and service plasma etch and deposition systems across North America, ensuring customer acceptance and system readiness.

You’ll diagnose complex hardware, vacuum, RF, and electrical issues, perform preventative maintenance, provide operator training, and document service activity to drive improvements and uptime.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent field.
• 3+ years of field service experience in the semiconductor equipment industry.
• Strong understanding of RF power systems and ICP technology.
• Experience troubleshooting vacuum systems and 208V/24V control circuits.

Responsibilities

• Install and commission plasma etch and deposition systems (RIE, ICP, CVD, ALD, ALE, ICP-CVD).
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on semiconductor equipment.
• Diagnose hardware, electrical, vacuum, RF, pneumatic, and software issues and implement lasting solutions.
• Provide operator training and technical guidance to customers to maximize uptime and performance.
• Document service activity and share knowledge across teams.

Skills

Field service experience

RF power systems

ICP technology

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Physics or related field

Tools

Vacuum leak detectors

RF power meters

DVMs

LCR meters

Multimeters

Job description

At Oxford Instruments, we enable the world's leading industrial companies and scientific research communities to image, analyse and manipulate materials down to the atomic and molecular level. At Plasma Technology, we provide tools for the engineering of micro- and nano-structures, with customers using our process solutions to research and produce materials and semiconductors vital for everything from medical devices and diagnostics, to electric cars and quantum computers.

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 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.

Be Part of What’s Next

At Oxford Instruments, you’ll do more than service equipment. You’ll help enable the technologies that shape the future. If you’re excited by advanced semiconductor technology, customer engagement, and solving complex engineering challenges, we invite you to apply and join our growing team.

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.