Staff R&D Device Engineer

Socket.dev; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Visa Sponsorship

Life and Disability Insurance

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) retirement plan

Weekly Learning & Development

Commuter benefits (Parking & Uber)

Lunches daily, dinners 3x per week, Sn

Stocked office kitchen

Job summary

fab2, an early-stage hardware startup, seeks a Staff R&D Device Engineer to bridge process development, electrical test, and integration in Austin. You will define initial transistor architectures and drive deep diagnostic analysis.

In this hands-on role, you will extract core device parameters and build technology performance models, targeting improvements in device performance, scaling, power, cost and production time.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Solid State Physics, or a closely related field
• Rigorous understanding of advanced CMOS/MOSFET device physics and solid‑state electronics fundamentals
• Deep experience with semiconductor device measurement (I-V/C-V) and probe station operation
• Strong skills in data analysis and scripting to accelerate testing and learning cycles.
• A knack for translating complex device physics concepts clearly to cross‑functional partners.

Responsibilities

• Design device architectures and tailor novel transistor structures to meet device specifications
• Execute tape‑outs and test key designs
• Perform electrical characterization (I-V/C-V) on transistors and MOSCAPs across process splits to establish baseline device behavior
• Dissect complex electrical and physical data to pinpoint bottlenecks and inform material and flow improvements
• Extract core device parameters to construct foundational technology performance models

Skills

CMOS/MOSFET physics

I-V/C-V measurement

Data analysis

Scripting for testing

Education

PhD in EE or related field

Tools

TCAD

HSPICE

PDKs

Python

MATLAB

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.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 Process Team sits at the heart of our in‑house device development, driving the design of each new generation of tools. This is unlike any role at a traditional foundry—we simultaneously develop recipes, apply novel materials, test and characterize our chips, and troubleshoot tools.

About the role

As an Staff R&D Device Engineer at Fab2, you are the vital link bridging process development, electrical test, and integration. You will define initial transistor architectures and drive deep diagnostic analysis. In this hands‑on, high‑ownership role, your characterization and parameter extraction will contribute to achieving our targets in device performance, scaling, power, cost and production time.

Responsibilities

• Design device architectures and tailor novel transistor structures to meet device specifications

• Execute tape‑outs and test key designs

• Perform electrical characterization (I-V/C-V) on transistors and MOSCAPs across process splits to establish baseline device behavior

• Dissect complex electrical and physical data to pinpoint bottlenecks and inform material and flow improvements

• Extract core device parameters to construct foundational technology performance models

Required experience

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Solid State Physics, or a closely related field

• Rigorous understanding of advanced CMOS/MOSFET device physics and solid‑state electronics fundamentals

• Deep experience with semiconductor device measurement (I-V/C-V) and probe station operation

• Strong skills in data analysis and scripting to accelerate testing and learning cycles.

• A knack for translating complex device physics concepts clearly to cross‑functional partners.

Nice‑to‑have

• Familiarity with semiconductor simulation software (e.g., TCAD, HSPICE) and practical experience with Process Design Kits (PDKs) or test chip layout

• Proficiency in scripting languages (such as Python or MATLAB) to automate testing workflows and large‑scale data analysis

• Hands‑on experience within a cleanroom environment and a comprehensive understanding of the full CMOS manufacturing process flow

• Background in executing semiconductor reliability testing (e.g., HCI, NBTI/PBTI, TDDB) and incorporating degradation mechanisms into process feedback

Working at fab2

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

Compensation:

fab2 is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $150,000 – $210,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in fab2.

Benefits:

fab2 offers the following benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• 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