Atomic Layer Deposition Engineer II

Blue Origin • Southgate, WA

2d

About The Position

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design. As an Atomic Layer Deposition Engineer, you will execute ALD's, characterize resulting films, and contribute to process optimization for thin-film layers used in advanced solar cell devices. You will have the chance to bring your hands-on expertise to one of the most precise deposition techniques available. This role combines daily equipment operation with systematic experimentation and data analysis.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or related field
• 0-5 years of experience with atomic layer deposition or chemical vapor deposition (academic or industry)
• Hands-on experience operating ALD or CVD reactors (loading, recipe execution, basic maintenance)
• Understanding of ALD fundamentals: self-limiting surface reactions, saturation curves, growth per cycle
• Familiarity with thin-film characterization techniques
• Ability to work safely with chemical precursors including proper PPE use and emergency procedures
• Detail-oriented with strong data recording and experimental documentation habits
• Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Nice To Haves

• M.S. with thesis work involving ALD process development or thin-film deposition
• Experience with metal oxide ALD (Al2O3, TiO2, SnO2, ZnO, or HfO2)
• Familiarity with spatial or plasma-enhanced ALD processes
• Experience with in-situ monitoring techniques
• Knowledge of photovoltaic device architectures and where ALD layers function in the stack
• Experience handling pyrophoric or air-sensitive precursors

Responsibilities

• Operate ALD reactors to deposit metal oxide and barrier films per established recipes and DOE plans
• Prepare substrates, load/unload reactors, manage precursor delivery, and perform routine system maintenance
• Characterize ALD films using ellipsometry, profilometry, contact angle measurement, and optical spectroscopy
• Prepare samples for advanced characterization (XPS, TEM cross-section, WVTR testing) and coordinate with external labs as needed
• Record detailed process logs including precursor temperatures, pulse/purge timing, chamber pressure, and substrate temperature
• Analyze film uniformity and thickness maps across substrate areas; track batch-to-batch reproducibility
• Support DOE campaigns by executing recipe variations and compiling parameter-property datasets
• Maintain ALD precursor inventory, track usage rates, and coordinate refills and waste disposal
• Assist with reactor qualification, in-situ QCM calibration, and chamber conditioning procedures
• Contribute to safety documentation for precursor handling (pyrophoric, toxic, or corrosive chemicals)
• Perform routine laboratory and equipment maintenance: reactor chamber cleaning, precursor line purging, pump oil changes, seal replacements, and exhaust system checks
• Manage precursor and consumables inventory (bubblers, O-rings, substrates, carrier gases) and coordinate reorders to prevent supply interruptions
• Maintain lab cleanliness, chemical storage compliance, and waste disposal schedules for spent precursors and byproducts
• Troubleshoot equipment issues (precursor delivery anomalies, pressure transients, heating zone failures) and coordinate vendor service when required

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree