Field Service Engineer Plasma Technology West Coast Region

Oxford Instruments plc; United States; Remote; USD 73,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology seeks a Field Service Engineer to install, commission and maintain plasma etch and deposition systems across North America. You will train operators, troubleshoot complex issues, and build strong customer relationships while traveling up to 90% of the time.

Applicants should have 3+ years of semiconductor field service experience, strong RF/ICP knowledge, and familiarity with cleanroom environments. A B.S. in EE or equivalent hands-on experience is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or 8 years of semiconductor field service experience.
• 3+ years of field service in semiconductor equipment, with plasma etch/deposition experience.
• Experience with vacuum systems including turbo, cryo and roughing pumps.
• Knowledge of RF power systems and ICP technology; ability to read electrical/mechanical/process schematics.

Responsibilities

• Install and commission plasma etch and deposition systems (RIE, ICP, CVD, ALD, ALE, ICP-CVD).
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on semiconductor equipment.
• Train customers and provide technical guidance to maximize uptime.
• Troubleshoot hardware, electrical, vacuum, RF, pneumatic and software issues; remote support when needed.

Skills

Field service experience

Plasma equipment

Vacuum systems

RF power systems

Schematics interpretation

Cleanroom processes

Customer interaction

Education

B.S. Electrical Engineering

Hands-on field service experience (8y)

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.

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 maximise 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Note to recruitment agencies: Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not forward candidate details in response to this advert, or to any Oxford Instruments employees or other company locations. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.