Process Development Engineer

About Atomic Semi

Atomic Semi is building a small, fast semiconductor fab.

It’s already possible to build this with today’s technology and a few simplifications. We’ll build the tools ourselves so we can quickly iterate and improve.

We’re building a small team of exceptional, hands‑on engineers to make this happen. Mechanical, electrical, hardware, computer, and process. We’ll own the stack from atoms to architecture. Our team is optimistic about the future and we want to continue pushing the limits of technology.

Smaller is better. Faster is better. Building it ourselves is better.

We believe our team and lab can build anything. We’ve set up 3D printers, a wide array of microscopes, e‑beam writers, general fabrication equipment - and whatever is missing, we’ll just invent along the way.

Atomic 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 role

As a Process Development Engineer at Atomic Semi, you’ll be responsible for experiment design and execution of new semiconductor and thin‑film fabrication methods. We're looking for someone with both a strong understanding of traditional semiconductor processing methods and an open‑mindedness to new techniques. It'll be helpful if you have the ability to digest and filter a large body of existing work (academic papers, books, etc.)

This is a high‑ownership role with lots of autonomy in a fast‑moving startup environment. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to novel R&D processes and influence tool design. Candidates should have hands‑on cleanroom experience and a track record of developing nanofabrication recipes from scratch, ideally across multiple process steps.

Responsibilities

• Work in the lab to design and run experiments alongside senior process engineers
• Read academic papers and technical literature to inform experimental design; whiteboard ideas and iterate quickly
• Learn and operate a range of semiconductor tools, including deposition, etch, lithography, and metrology systems
• Develop, transfer, and optimize process recipes across platforms with a focus on consistency, yield, and throughput
• Analyze process data, troubleshoot recipe or equipment issues, and clearly document findings and results for the team

Required Experience

• BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Hands‑on cleanroom experience with multi‑step fabrication flows.
• Hands‑on experience running multi step fabrication flows.
• Experience operating thin film deposition, dry etch, and lithography tools.
• Recipe development and optimization for some subset of thin film deposition, dry etch, or lithography.
• Familiarity with key metrology such as ellipsometry, profilometry, SEM, etc.

Nice‑to‑have

• Mechanical or maintenance experience with fab tools
• Full device‑flow experience

Working at Atomic Semi

We’re an early‑stage hardware startup with solid funding, world‑class advisors, and a lab/office in San Francisco, CA.

Compensation

Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $117,000 – $150,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in Atomic Semi.

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.