Field Service Engineer - West Coast

Oxford Instruments; California; Remote; USD 73,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology is seeking a Field Service Engineer to install, service, and optimize advanced plasma etch and deposition systems across North America. You will lead on-site installations, perform preventive and corrective maintenance, and collaborate with customers and engineering teams to ensure peak system performance.

The role requires extensive travel (90%), excellent problem-solving skills, and a strong customer-service orientation, with readiness to work in cleanroom

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Physics, or 8 years hands-on field service in semiconductors.
• 3+ years of field service in the semiconductor industry.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize plasma etch and deposition systems.
• Lead installation and commissioning including RIE, ICP, CVD, ALD technologies.
• Provide operator training and technical guidance to maximize uptime and performance.
• Diagnose root causes of issues and implement long-term solutions.
• Maintain accurate service documentation and share knowledge across teams.

Skills

Plasma etch

Deposition equipment

RF power systems

ICP technology

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Physics, or 8 years semiconductor field service

Tools

Vacuum systems (turbo, cryo, roughing pumps)

Job description

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.
• 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.

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.