Field Services Engineer

Oxford Instruments plc; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Instruments plc is seeking a field service engineer in the Bay Area to deliver world‑class installation, maintenance, and support for plasma etch and deposition systems. This role requires hands‑on problem‑solving, strong communication, and travel across customer sites in North America.

You will calibrate AMUs and RF generators, troubleshoot hardware and software, and provide customer training. A 3–5 year semiconductor service background and a technical bachelor’s degree are required;

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with vacuum technologies (turbo pumps, cryo pumps, roughing pumps).
• Familiarity with RF theory and ICP systems.
• Ability to read mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical schematics.
• Experience diagnosing hardware and software issues in semiconductor equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead installation and commissioning of plasma etch and deposition systems per specifications.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance with attention to vacuum tolerances and process benchmarks.
• Provide customer engagement, training, and remote support to minimize downtime.
• Diagnose complex hardware/software issues using specialized tools and calibration equipment.
• Calibrate components and implement upgrades to improve system reliability and throughput.

Skills

Vacuum technologies

Diagnostics tools

RF theory

Reading schematics

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related

Tools

Brooks platforms

Pfeiffer/Edwards pumping systems

MKS components

Job description

Why Oxford Instruments?

Our purpose is to accelerate the breakthroughs that create a brighter future for our world. Our technology and scientific expertise enable our customers to discover and bring to market exciting new advances that drive human progress. We aim to be the scientific instrumentation partner in every significant lab and production facility across the world. Our people and culture are vital to our success. We strive to offer opportunities that will attract, engage, motivate and develop the very best talent. This involves creating an inclusive environment and culture where difference is valued and people are recognized for what they deliver and bring to the team.

We want to empower our employees so that they innovate, support our growth and improve our productivity. We support them to make the right decisions and reach their full potential as they develop their careers at OI. Our ways of working are lived every day and are as follows:

• We start with the customer
• We succeed by being focused
• We make and keep our promises
• We work together as one team
• We help and trust each other to succeed

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time.

Location

REMOTE – North America -based –California, USA (Bay Area). Candidates must reside within reasonable travel time (typically 60 minutes) of a major airport to support frequent weekday travel to customer sites.

The Role

Represent Oxford Instruments by delivering world-class technical support, installation, and maintenance for plasma etch and deposition systems (e.g., PlasmaPro, FlexAL, Estrelas etcher). This role demands a hands‑on problem solver with strong technical acumen, clear communication skills, and a proactive mindset. You’ll collaborate across teams, elevate issues when needed, and maintain detailed documentation to support continuous improvement. With extensive travel across customer sites, you’ll play a critical role in driving customer satisfaction and advancing cutting‑edge semiconductor technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• System Installation & Commissioning – Lead the installation and commissioning of advanced plasma etch and deposition systems (RIE, CVD, ICP, ICPCVD, ALE, ALD), ensuring full compliance with customer specifications, cleanroom standards, and process readiness.
• Preventive & Corrective Maintenance – Execute scheduled and emergency maintenance with precision. Diagnose root causes beyond surface‑level symptoms and validate repairs against stringent vacuum tolerances, leak‑up rates, and process benchmarks.
• Customer Engagement & Technical Training – Build trust and long‑term relationships through responsive communication and hands‑on training. Empower customers to operate and maintain systems confidently across key processes.
• Advanced Troubleshooting – Resolve complex hardware, and software issues using specialized tools (vacuum leak detectors, RF power meters, DVMs, LCR meters, multimeters). Provide remote support when needed to minimize downtime and maximize uptime.
• Calibration & System Upgrades – Calibrate critical components (AMUs, RF Generators, APCs, MFCs) and implement performance‑enhancing upgrades (turbo pumps, PLCs, breakers) to ensure optimal system reliability and throughput.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education & Industry Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Equivalent hands‑on experience in semiconductor equipment service may substitute.
• 3–5 years of field service experience in the semiconductor industry, with a focus on plasma etch and deposition systems.
• Familiarity with cleanroom operations and safety protocols.
• Hands‑on experience with vacuum technologies: turbo pumps, cryo pumps, roughing pumps.
• Skilled in troubleshooting 208V electrical systems and 24V control subsystems.

Experience with RF power components and pneumatically driven

• Diagnostics & Technical Tools – Proficient with diagnostic instruments.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical schematics and plumbing diagrams.
• Process Knowledge Strong understanding of RF theory and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) systems.
• Familiarity with semiconductor processes: RIE, PECVD, ICP, ALD.
• Physical & Travel Requirements Hold a valid driver’s license and safe driving record, passport, and ability to travel independently. Must be physically agile and comfortable working in confined or awkward spaces.
• Capable of independently lifting and handling equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Able to commit to extensive weekday travel to support customer installations and service needs, Monday through Friday.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Platform & Component Experience Experience with Brooks platforms, Pfeiffer/Edwards pumping systems, and MKS components’ Knowledge of calibration and optimization of APCs and MFCs.
• Work Ethic & Collaboration Strong manual dexterity and ability to maintain a clean, organized workspace in cleanroom attire. Proactive problem‑solving and openness to continuous learning. Effective communicator with strong listening skills.
• Adaptable to evolving technologies and customer needs.
• Comfortable working independently or as part of a team.

What Sets You Apart: Commitment to Service Excellence

• Passion for solving complex technical challenges with precision and care.
• Proactive in anticipating customer needs and delivering timely, high‑quality solutions.
• Builds trust through clear communication and confident issue resolution.
• Eager to learn, grow, and collaborate to uphold the highest standards of service.

Compensation

The expected salary for this full‑time, benefited position is between $52.88/hr - $60.10/hr. The actual compensation will be determined by factors such as relevant skills and experience and other factors permitted by law.