Process Development Engineer

Job Description

About Atomic Semi

Atomic Semi is on a mission to rethink how semiconductors are built—by creating a compact, high-speed fabrication environment that emphasizes agility and innovation. Instead of relying on traditional large-scale fabs, the company focuses on building tools in-house, allowing rapid iteration and continuous improvement.

Founded by industry pioneers Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller, Atomic Semi blends unconventional experimentation with decades of semiconductor expertise. The team operates with a bold mindset: if a tool doesn’t exist, they build it.

The Team

The Process Development team plays a central role in advancing Atomic Semi’s technology. Unlike conventional foundries, the team doesn’t just follow established processes—they actively create and refine them.

Their work spans:

• Developing fabrication recipes
  Experimenting with advanced materials
  Characterizing devices
  Troubleshooting and improving equipment

This role offers a rare opportunity to influence both process design and hardware development simultaneously.

Role Overview

As a Process Development Engineer, you will design and execute experiments focused on semiconductor and thin-film fabrication. This position is ideal for someone who combines strong technical fundamentals with curiosity and adaptability.

You’ll be expected to interpret complex research, test new ideas, and contribute directly to building next-generation fabrication processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on lab experiments alongside experienced engineers
  Study academic and technical literature to guide experimental strategies
  Operate fabrication tools including deposition, etching, lithography, and metrology systems
  Develop and refine process recipes with a focus on performance and consistency
  Analyze results, identify issues, and propose improvements
  Maintain clear documentation of experiments and findings

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
  Practical cleanroom experience involving multi-step fabrication processes
  Experience working with thin-film deposition, dry etching, and lithography systems
  Demonstrated ability to develop or optimize fabrication recipes
  Familiarity with metrology tools such as SEM, ellipsometry, or profilometry

Preferred Skills

• Experience maintaining or repairing fabrication equipment
  Understanding of full device fabrication workflows

Work Environment & Benefits

Atomic Semi offers a fast-paced startup environment backed by strong funding and leadership. Employees benefit from:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  Paid time off, including holidays and sick leave
  Visa sponsorship opportunities
  Retirement savings plan (401k)
  Paid parental leave
  Learning and development programs
  Commuter support and late-night transportation
  Daily meals and stocked office facilities

Compliance & Equal Opportunity

Atomic Semi is committed to fair hiring practices and equal opportunity employment. This role may involve access to controlled technologies, and employment will comply with applicable U.S. export regulations.

Useful Government & External Resources

To better understand the industry, regulations, and career pathways related to this role, you may explore:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Semiconductor & Engineering Careers)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (Semiconductor Research)
U.S. Department of Commerce – Export Administration Regulations
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Lab & Cleanroom Safety)
National Science Foundation (Engineering & Materials Research)