Staff Process Development Engineer, Etch
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Sep 26, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 4, 2026.
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 a Staff Process Development Engineer at fab2, you’ll be responsible for experiment design and execution of new semiconductor, etching and thin-film fabrication methods. We're looking for someone with both a strong understanding of traditional semiconductor processing and etching methods along with 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 etch, deposition, 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
PhD + 10 years of experience (or equivalent) developing nanofabrication processes, device flows, and mentoring technical teams
Experience operating dry etch, thin film deposition, and lithography tools
Hands-on cleanroom experience with multi-step fabrication flows
Recipe development and optimization for some subset of dry etch, thin film deposition, 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 labs/offices in Austin, TX, Lockhart, TX, and San Francisco, CA.
Compensation: fab2 is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $165,000 - $220,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in fab2.
Benefits: fab2 Semi 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