Field Service Engineering Tech

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

Benefits offered by this job

Travel flexibility

Job summary

Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology is seeking a Field Service Engineer to install, maintain, troubleshoot and optimize advanced plasma etch and deposition systems for semiconductor customers across North America. You will work remotely, travel extensively (up to 90%) to customer sites and collaborate with engineering teams to maximize system uptime and performance.

The role requires strong electrical, mechanical and RF knowledge, experience with RIE/ICP/PECVD/ALD processes, and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or 8 years hands-on semiconductor field service experience.
• 3+ years of field service experience in the semiconductor equipment industry.
• Experience with plasma etch and/or deposition equipment.
• Familiarity with cleanroom environments and processes.
• Experience troubleshooting 208V electrical systems and 24V control circuits.
• Strong RF power systems knowledge and ICP technology.
• Ability to read electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and process schematics.
• Proficient with diagnostic and calibration tools in semiconductor environments.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems and components.
• Customer service mindset and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize plasma etch and deposition systems.
• Lead installation and commissioning of RIE, ICP, CVD, ALD, ALE, and ICP-CVD techs.
• Ensure systems meet specifications and cleanroom standards.
• Provide remote support to minimize customer downtime.
• Build strong customer relationships and act as technical advisor.
• Provide operator training and technical guidance.
• Document service activities and share knowledge across teams.
• Investigate and resolve hardware, electrical, vacuum, RF, pneumatic, and software issues.
• Support installation of new components (pumps, RF generators, MFCs, PLCs).

Skills

Travel readiness

Customer service

Communication

Problem solving

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

8 years field service experience considered

Tools

RF power meters

LCR meters

DVMs

Multimeters

Vacuum leak detectors

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 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.

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.

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.

• 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 & MaintenancePerform preventive and corrective maintenance on sophisticated semiconductor equipment.
• Validate repairs against vacuum, process, and performance specifications.
• Build Strong Customer RelationshipsServe 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.
• 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.

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,

• 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.
• 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.
• Experience troubleshooting 208V electrical systems and 24V control circuits.
• 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.
• Familiarity with other similar platforms, vacuum systems, and components.
• Knowledge of advanced vacuum and process control technologies.
• Takes pride in delivering outstanding customer service.
• Communicates clearly and builds strong customer relationships.

• Valid driver's license, passport, and ability to travel independently.
• Ability to travel extensively (90%) Monday through Friday across North America.
• Able to safely lift and handle equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

The expected salary for this full-time, benefited position is between$52.88/hr - $60.096/hr

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.