R&D AI & Intelligent Tool Development Engineer, Joint Development Modules (7735)

TSMC - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited; California; On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

TSMC - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited is establishing a new engineering team in California. This role involves co-developing next-generation intelligent systems in collaboration with US-based semiconductor suppliers. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in a STEM field and extensive experience in AI/ML and closed-loop control.

The position offers a hybrid work schedule and a competitive salary ranging from $150,000 to $250,000, along with comprehensive benefits including allowances and bonuses.

Qualifications

• 2-10 years of experience in a relevant STEM field with specialization in AI/ML.
• Deep expertise in closed-loop control theory and sensor fusion.
• Practical knowledge of Agentic AI and LLM integration.

Responsibilities

• Partner with US tool suppliers for engineering and design.
• Lead development of in-situ sensor fusion and closed-loop control systems.
• Architect Agentic AI capabilities to automate engineering workflows.
• Interface with R&D teams for AI-driven modeling and control.
• Guide supplier teams as TSMC's technical expert.

Skills

AI/ML expertise

Closed-loop control theory

Sensor fusion

Predictive maintenance algorithms

Digital Twin architecture

Education

Ph.D. in a STEM field

Job description

TSMC’s Advanced Tool and Module Development Function in R&D is establishing a new engineering team in the US as a direct extension of its organization in Taiwan. This newly formed team will serve as the on-site technical bridge and represent headquarter R&D teams in working shoulder-to-shoulder with US-based semiconductor equipment suppliers to shorten the AI-driven intelligence and process control development cycle from prototype to process verification. In this role, you will do more than manage vendor relations—you will co-develop and co-design next-generation and pre-alpha intelligent systems from the ground up. Your mission is to accelerate the hardware-software verification and commercialization pipeline, directly influencing the future of global semiconductor fabrication through autonomous systems. Because this team covers the entire spectrum of process modules (Etch, EPI, Thin Film, Wet, CMP, Metrology, etc.), TSMC is seeking versatile, brilliant minds who understand how AI algorithms and intelligent control directly impact process physics and tool performance. You will join us in our San Jose office, operating on a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in-office.

Responsibilities

• Co-Design & Joint Development: Partner deeply with key US tool suppliers to drive the engineering, architecture, and design of pre-alpha and next-generation process chambers and hardware systems.
• Intelligent Control & Performance: Lead the development of in-situ sensor fusion and closed-loop control systems to optimize tool performance. Drive initiatives for tool-to-tool matching and predictive health monitoring to achieve superior cost efficiency and ESG targets.
• Agentic AI & Digital Twin: Architect Agentic AI capabilities via secure infrastructure to automate complex engineering workflows, enabling autonomous execution. Develop Digital Twin strategies to dramatically shorten the cycle from R&D to high-volume manufacturing (HVM).
• Cross-Module Collaboration: Interface with R&D headquarter module teams to deliver robust AI-driven modeling, intelligent control, and autonomous execution on supplier sites.
• Technical Leadership: Act as the on-site TSMC AI technical expert in California, guiding supplier software and data engineering teams to align with TSMC’s aggressive technology roadmap.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2–10 years of experience and a Ph.D. in a STEM field (such as EE, ME, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Data Science) with a specialization in AI/ML, Process Modeling, PIML, Reinforcement Learning, or LLM applications for industrial automation.
• Deep expertise in closed-loop control theory, sensor fusion, and predictive maintenance algorithms.
• Practical knowledge of Agentic AI, LLM integration, and building Copilot systems within secure engineering environments.
• Understanding of Digital Twin architecture and physics-based modeling for semiconductor process simulation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong cross-functional communication and negotiation skills to effectively collaborate with external supplier executives and internal TSMC R&D teams.
• A thriving mindset in an ambiguous, fast-paced, pre-alpha R&D environment.

Pay and Benefits

At TSMC, your base pay is only part of your overall total compensation package. At the time of this posting, this role typically pays a base salary between $150,000 and $250,000 per year. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hires. Actual pay may be more or less than the posted range. Factors that influence pay include the individual's skills, qualifications, education, experience and the position level and location. TSMC’s total compensation package consists of market competitive pay, allowances, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits. We also offer extensive development opportunities and programs.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

TSMC Technology, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

TSMC is an equal opportunity employer that prizes diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us at [e-mail]. TSMC confirms to all applicants its commitment to meet TSMC’s obligations under applicable employment law. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.