Senior Lithography Research Engineer

Fab2; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 105,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Paid time off (Holidays & Sick Time)

Visa sponsorship

Life and disability Insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Weekly learning & development

Job summary

Fab2 in Austin, TX is seeking a Senior Lithography Research Engineer to lead development of novel patterning hardware for chip fabrication. You will drive exploratory R&D, simulate and design advanced optics, and fabricate prototypes for integration with existing processes.

The role demands hands-on nanofabrication expertise, deep lithography knowledge, and the ability to deliver working prototypes autonomously within a growing hardware startup environment.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Hands-on expertise in nanofabrication and sub-micron patterning.
• Deep knowledge of lithography and patterning hardware design, with advanced resolution-enhancement techniques.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end development, simulation, and fabrication of novel patterning hardware.
• Drive exploratory R&D autonomously across optical design and nanofabrication.
• Simulate optical and nanophotonic behavior to guide hands-on physical experimentation.
• Interface closely with the process team to integrate patterning hardware with deposition, development, and etch steps.

Skills

Applied optics

Nanofabrication

Lithography hardware

Optical design

Experimentation

Autonomous R&D

Education

PhD or equivalent in Physics/Optics/EE/Materials

Job description

About Fab2

The fab2 team can build anything. We design all the hardware and software needed to make chips and we make the fabs, tools, and components ourselves.

About Fab2

We're looking for exceptional, hands‑on people who can iterate to the limits of what's possible. fab2 was founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller. Sam is best known for making chips in his garage, and Jim has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for the past 40 years.

About The Team

The Positioning Team operates on the nanometer scale. We build lithography, metrology, and motion systems that pattern, inspect, and characterize our chips to push our process to lower nodes.

About The Role

We are bringing on a Senior Lithography Research Engineer to lead our efforts in achieving precise geometry at lower node sizes. This is a highly autonomous, exploratory R&D role where you will drive the development of novel patterning approaches. You'll know you've succeeded in your first 6 months when you have successfully simulated, designed, and fabricated advanced patterning hardware that integrates into our existing processes.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end development, simulation, and fabrication of novel patterning hardware


• Drive exploratory R&D autonomously across optical design and nanofabrication


• Simulate optical and nanophotonic behavior to guide hands‑on physical experimentation


• Interface closely with the process team to seamlessly integrate patterning hardware with adjacent deposition, development, and etch steps

Requirements

• PhD, or equivalent, in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field


• Demonstrated command of applied optics (including sub-wavelength and nanophotonic regimes) and experimental optics/metrology


• Deep, hands‑on expertise in nanofabrication and sub‑micron patterning


• Strong background in lithography and patterning hardware design, including advanced resolution‑enhancement techniques


• Proven ability to plan and execute complex R&D work autonomously, taking generative ideas all the way to working physical prototypes

Nice‑to‑haves

• End‑to‑end fabrication experience with nanophotonic or sub‑wavelength optical devices


• Design experience with metasurfaces or metalenses

Working at fab2

We’re an early‑stage hardware startup with solid funding, world‑class advisors, and offices in Austin, TX and San Francisco, CA.

Compensation

fab2 is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $105,000 – $195,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in fab2.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance


• Generous Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time


• Visa Sponsorship


• Life and Disability Insurance


• Paid Parental Leave


• 401(k) retirement plan
  
• Weekly Learning & Development opportunities


• Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office


• Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or other legally protected statuses.

Export Control Analysis

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

fab2, formerly known as Atomic Semi

Compensation Range: $120K - $175K