Equipment Technician, Plasma Processes

About the role

The Equipment Technician – Plasma Processes supports daily operations and maintenance of plasma etch and deposition tools within QCi’s thin-film lithium niobate wafer fab. This role focuses on ensuring safe, reliable, and continuous operation of systems such as PECVD, ICP, RIE, and IBE equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and calibrations on plasma etch and deposition systems (e.g., PECVD, ICP, RIE, IBE).
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and vacuum system issues, including RF power, robotics, pumps, and gas delivery components.
• Execute equipment startup, qualification, and recovery procedures with attention to safety and process control.
• Respond promptly to tool alarms, process deviations, and equipment malfunctions to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with equipment and process engineers to support experiments, hardware changes, and continuous improvement projects.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, fault records, and part replacement histories in equipment management systems.
• Support robot and wafer handling system alignment, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Manage spare parts usage, assist with parts ordering, and work with vendors for field service coordination.
• Follow all EHS and cleanroom protocols, including safe handling of high-voltage, vacuum, cryogenic, and hazardous gas systems.
• Contribute to documentation development for operating procedures, PM instructions, and troubleshooting guides.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or technical diploma in Electronics, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field; or equivalent military/industry training.
• 3+ years of hands-on maintenance experience in semiconductor, photonics, or precision manufacturing environments.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, and robotic subsystems.
• Experience maintaining or operating plasma process tools (PECVD, RIE, ICP, IBE, or similar).
• Working knowledge of RF systems, high vacuum (turbomolecular, cryo, roughing), gas delivery, and motion control.
• Familiarity with lock-out/tag-out procedures, cleanroom safety, and hazardous gas handling.
• Proficiency in using diagnostic tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, leak detectors, and endpoint monitors.
• Basic computer literacy with maintenance tracking or SPC software for logging and reporting.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills in a fast-paced production environment.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with wafer handling robotics, load lock systems, and vacuum transfer modules.
• Background in photonics, compound semiconductor, or thin-film device fabrication.
• Hands-on knowledge of PLCs, motion controllers, or automation interfaces.
• Familiarity with TPM, 5S, and structured troubleshooting methods such as 8D.
• Demonstrated experience assisting with equipment upgrades or continuous improvement projects.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings.

Benefits

Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) offers a competitive benefits package which includes:

• Health insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program
• Generous paid time off

Pay

$75,000 - $85,000 annually

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM