Field Service Engineer Plasma Technology West Coast Region

Oxford Instruments Plc; Sacramento (CA); Remote; USD 73,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology is seeking a Field Service Engineer for a remote role serving the San Francisco Bay Area with extensive travel across North America. You will install, calibrate, and maintain plasma etch and deposition systems, ensuring they meet specifications and operate at peak performance.

The role requires a strong background in RF/ICP technologies, vacuum systems, and semiconductor processes, with a passion for high-quality customer service and hands-on problem solving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics, or 8 years hands-on field service engineering experience.
• 3+ years of field service experience in semiconductor equipment.
• 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 in RF power systems and inductively coupled plasma (ICP).
• Working knowledge of semiconductor processes including RIE, PECVD, ICP, and ALD.

Responsibilities

• Install and commission advanced plasma systems.
• Lead installation and commissioning of RIE, ICP, CVD, ALD, ALE, and ICP-CVD techs.
• Ensure systems meet customer specs, process requirements, and cleanroom standards.
• Verify system readiness and support customer acceptance.
• Provide preventive and corrective maintenance on semiconductor equipment.
• Diagnose root causes and implement long-term solutions.
• Validate repairs against vacuum and process specs.
• Build strong relationships and provide operator training and technical guidance.
• Provide remote support to minimize downtime.
• Perform system calibrations, upgrades, and performance enhancements.
• Maintain installation documentation and share knowledge across teams.

Skills

RF power systems

ICP technology

Diagnostics experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics

Tools

Vacuum systems (turbo/cryo/roughing pumps)

Electrical systems troubleshooting (208V/24V)

Job description

Field Service Engineer – Remote (San Francisco Bay)

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.

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’re 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.

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.

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.

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.