Staff Process Development Engineer

About Fab2: The fab2 team designs all hardware and software needed to manufacture chips and builds the fabs, tools, and components in-house. We're seeking exceptional, hands-on individuals who push the boundaries of what's possible. Founded by Sam Zeloof (known for making chips in his garage) and Jim Keller (a 40-year semiconductor industry leader), fab2 thrives on innovation.

About The Team

The Process Team drives in-house device development, designing each new generation of tools. This role differs from traditional foundries—we develop recipes, apply novel materials, test and characterize chips, and troubleshoot tools simultaneously.

About The Role

As a Process Development Engineer at fab2, you’ll design and execute experiments for new semiconductor and thin-film fabrication methods. We seek someone with a strong grasp of traditional semiconductor processes and an openness to novel techniques. The ideal candidate can digest and filter extensive technical literature (academic papers, books, etc.). This high-ownership role offers autonomy in a fast-moving startup, with opportunities to contribute to R&D processes and influence tool design. Hands-on cleanroom experience and a track record of developing nanofabrication recipes from scratch—ideally across multiple process steps—are essential.

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

Requirements

• PhD + 10 years of experience (or equivalent) developing nanofabrication processes, device flows, and mentoring technical teams
• Experience operating thin film deposition, dry etch, and lithography tools
• Hands-on cleanroom experience with multi-step fabrication flows
• Recipe development and optimization for 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 fab2

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

Pay

The annual salary range for this role is $165,000 – $220,000, determined by qualifications and experience. Total compensation includes generous equity in fab2.

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

This position involves access to technology subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer will be contingent upon the applicant’s compliance with these regulations. fab2 was formerly known as Atomic Semi.