Materials Scientist

AttoTude inc.; Menlo Park, Berkeley (CA, CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AttoTude inc. seeks a highly motivated Materials Scientist specializing in semiconductor materials to lead the characterization, understanding, and improvement of advanced material systems.

The role blends fundamental science with hands-on experiments, translating observations into actionable performance enhancements in a start-up environment. The candidate will design experiments, work with internal and external facilities, and communicate findings to cross-functional teams to drive projects

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field is required.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor materials physics and electrical behavior.
• Experience designing and executing experiments on complex materials.
• Hands-on materials characterization expertise.
• Strong data analysis and scientific problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical expert for semiconductor materials and improve material properties.
• Design and execute experiments to test hypotheses and identify improvements.
• Apply characterization techniques to understand material properties and mechanisms.
• Collaborate with university and external labs for specialized analysis.
• Analyze results to link material properties to performance and guide improvements.
• Communicate findings to cross-functional teams and drive implementation.

Skills

Semiconductor materials physics

Experiment design

Data analysis

Materials characterization

Scientific problem solving

Education

PhD in Materials Science

PhD in related field

Tools

XPS

SIMS

AFM

SEM/TEM

Ellipsometry

Electrical characterization

Job description

Materials Scientist - Semiconductor Materials

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Materials Scientist with deep expertise in semiconductor materials to lead the characterization, understanding, and improvement of advanced material systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in semiconductor physics and materials science, with particular expertise in semiconductor surfaces, interfaces, and material properties.

This role will combine fundamental materials science with hands-on experimentation. The successful candidate will develop hypotheses, design and execute experiments, work with internal and external characterization facilities, and translate experimental observations into actionable improvements to material performance.

The ideal candidate is a scientifically curious, highly analytical individual who enjoys investigating complex material behavior and developing a fundamental understanding of why materials perform the way they do. The candidate should thrive in a start up environment, be self-motivated, be adaptable, and work well with teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical expert for semiconductor materials, with a focus on understanding and improving material properties and performance.
• Design and execute experiments to investigate material behavior, test hypotheses, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and apply appropriate characterization and analytical techniques to understand material properties and underlying mechanisms.
• Work with university labs and external laboratories or test facilities to conduct specialized materials analysis and experiments.
• Analyze experimental results to identify root causes, establish material-performance relationships, and guide material and process improvements.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to cross-functional teams and drive projects from investigation through implementation.

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor materials physics and the relationship between material properties and electrical behavior.
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing experiments to investigate complex materials phenomena.
• Hands-on experience with materials characterization and analytical techniques.
• Strong data analysis and scientific problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Familiarity with techniques such as XPS, SIMS, AFM, SEM/TEM, ellipsometry, contact potential measurements, electrical characterization, or related analytical methods.
• Experience connecting microscopic material properties to macroscopic electrical or device behavior.
• Experience working in semiconductor manufacturing, semiconductor research, or advanced materials development.
• A track record of publications, patents, or other demonstrated contributions to semiconductor materials research.

Annual Salary Range

$90,000 - $180,000 USD