Senior Process Engineer

Substrate; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering technology company is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to drive innovations in semiconductor technology. This role involves hands-on fabrication and characterization in cleanroom environments, focusing on advanced nanofabrication techniques. The successful candidate will lead the development of critical components and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team. A strong background in microfabrication and an advanced degree in a related field are essential. The position offers a competitive salary range of $200,000-$300,000 USD.

Qualifications

• 7 years of hands-on micro- or nanofabrication experience.
• Ability to lead work safely in a cleanroom facility.
• Demonstrated experience with cleanroom fabrication and characterization equipment.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualizing and prototyping components of the platform.
• Fabrication of MEMS/NEMS devices.
• Ownership of lithography and deposition processes.

Skills

Microfabrication techniques

Nanofabrication experience

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Education

M.S. or higher in relevant discipline

Tools

Electron microscopy

Scanning probe microscopy

Raith EBPG 5200

Job description

Senior Process Engineer

Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems facing the United States. At the intersection of advanced manufacturing and cutting‑edge physics, we are developing technologies that will reshape the semiconductor industry and strengthen America's technological leadership. We are a team of world‑class scientists, engineers, and technical experts building technology for the United States.

Summary

You will be responsible for conceptualizing and prototyping critical components of our platform through process development and materials characterization. This role will require you to work hands‑on in several cleanrooms and user facilities around the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as direct the work of others. You will own aspects of our fabrication process, conducting a mix of micro‑ and nanofabrication as well as characterization of the materials and structures that you create. This hands‑on work will include (but will not be limited to) many nanofabrication techniques including lithography, wet and dry deposition and etching.

You will also participate in the build‑up of Substrate’s own internal research facilities. You will be a key contributor to early‑stage development and testing which are critical to our challenging mission to shape the semiconductor industry for decades to come.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating closely with Substrate’s technical team to conceptualize, design, prototype, and characterize nanofabricated optical devices
• Hands‑on fabrication of MEMS/NEMS devices using techniques such as photo‑ and electron beam lithography, thin film deposition, and wet and dry etching. This work will be done in several user facilities (primarily around the San Francisco Bay Area, but with the possibility of travel beyond the Bay Area)
• Ownership of fabrication strategies in lithography, deposition, and etch, as well as designing process flows, material compatibility studies, and mask layout CAD
• Iterating through structural designs and tuning lithography, deposition, and etch parameters to optimize processes and improve performance
• Mechanical, optical, and chemical characterization of thin films using techniques such as profilometry, ellipsometry, and XPS
• Characterization of pattern fidelity and resolution using techniques such as SEM and AFM
• Select and scope bulk material, nanopatterned structures, and thin film characterization strategies to better study the mechanical, chemical, and optical properties that drive device performance
• Designing, coordinating, and conducting experiments in various user facilities
• Contribution to the build‑up and installation of Substrate’s own internal research facilities
• Recording, processing and interpreting data and results to the wider team

Required Qualifications

• 7 years of hands‑on micro‑ or nanofabrication experience in cleanroom user facilities
• Demonstrated ability to lead work safely and collaboratively in a cleanroom user facility
• Willingness and ability to work in several user facilities around the San Francisco Bay Area several days per week
• Demonstrated experience handling delicate samples and operating complex fabrication and characterization equipment
• Deep understanding of, and ability to design based on, micro‑ and nanofabrication considerations such as top‑down vs. bottom‑up, pattern transfer, material compatibilities, etch selectivity and directionality, and thin film and surface engineering
• Deep understanding of the mechanical, optical, and chemical properties of materials which typically determine the performance of nanofabricated devices
• Strong written and oral communication skills. High attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to solve complex design challenges both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to collaborate with a large and multidisciplinary technical group
• M.S. or higher degree in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related discipline in the physical or engineering sciences

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in characterization techniques such as electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy
• Experience operating a Raith EBPG 5200/5200+, including aligned exposures
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in inductively coupled plasma etching, with a strong understanding of the principles of plasma etching and recipe parameters
• 3+ years of experience in industrial R&D
• Experience with instrument scoping, procurement, installation, and commissioning
• Experience with safety procedures and best practices when working with potentially hazardous liquid chemicals

Salary Range

$200,000-$300,000 USD

Substrate is an equal opportunity employer. It provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Substrate will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please let your recruiter know.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.