Process Engineer

Discovered at the University of Houston in 1987, high temperature superconducting (HTS) tape delivers dramatically higher current densities than copper and aluminum with near-zero resistance. AMPeers is a technology startup out of Houston, TX, developing next-generation REBCO high-temperature superconductor tapes and symmetric tape round (STAR®) superconducting wires. Spun out of the University of Houston, our technology enables the widespread adoption of superconductors in fusion magnets, power transmission, and next-generation energy systems. As we scale from pilot to commercial production, the Process Engineer/Technologist will be responsible for fabricating and testing superconductor tapes and wires day to day — running the tools, tuning the process, and generating the data that lets us produce consistent, high-performance product at increasing volume.

Responsibilities

• Operate pilot- and commercial-scale thin film deposition tools, reel-to-reel coating tools, cryogenic test systems, and electromechanical devices to manufacture and test superconducting tape and wire product.
• Implement production processes and optimize process parameters to improve quality, yield, and performance consistency of superconductor tapes and wires.
• Conduct testing and characterization of tape and wire product, including cryogenic performance testing.
• Identify and procure materials, components, and consumables needed to support production and testing.
• Repair and modify process and test equipment to maintain functionality and uptime.
• Maintain process and test databases; track and analyze data to support troubleshooting and process improvement.
• Prepare reports summarizing process performance, test results, and improvement recommendations.
• Collaborate with equipment engineering and manufacturing to resolve tool and process issues.

Requirements

• Curiosity and comfort with ambiguous process and equipment problems.
• Hands-on experience operating thin film deposition, coating, or comparable industrial or lab process equipment.
• Comfort working with cryogenic and electromechanical test systems.
• Strong attention to detail and data discipline in tracking process and test results.
• BS in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field, or hands-on industry/technician experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Experience with reel-to-reel or web-handling coating processes.
• Exposure to thin-film deposition techniques (CVD, PVD, sputtering, or evaporation).
• Experience with cryogenic testing or superconducting/electronic materials characterization.
• Familiarity with statistical process control or process data analysis tools.

Benefits

• Medical coverage (HMO and PPO plan options)
• Dental coverage with 100% no-deductible preventive care
• Vision coverage
• Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• 401(k) plan with company contribution