Senior Lithography Research Engineer

Atomic Semi • Austin, TX

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Atomic Semi is building a small, fast semiconductor fab using today's technology with simplifications, and they will build their own tools for rapid iteration. They are assembling a small team of exceptional, hands-on engineers across various disciplines to own the entire stack from atoms to architecture. The company believes in the power of smaller, faster, and self-built technology. They have established facilities with 3D printers, microscopes, e-beam writers, and general fabrication equipment, and are prepared to invent any missing tools. Atomic was founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller, with Sam known for his garage chip fabrication and Jim being a long-time leader in the semiconductor industry. The Positioning Team, operating at the nanometer scale, develops lithography, metrology, and motion systems for chip patterning, inspection, and characterization to advance process nodes. This role is a highly autonomous, exploratory R&D position focused on achieving precise geometry at lower node sizes and driving the development of novel patterning approaches. Success in the first six months will be demonstrated by simulating, designing, and fabricating advanced patterning hardware that integrates into existing processes.

Requirements

• Demonstrated command of applied optics (including sub-wavelength and nanophotonic regimes) and experimental optics/metrology
• Deep, hands-on expertise in nanofabrication and sub-micron patterning
• Strong background in lithography and patterning hardware design, including advanced resolution-enhancement techniques
• Proven ability to plan and execute complex R&D work autonomously, taking generative ideas all the way to working physical prototypes
• PhD, or equivalent, in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field

Nice To Haves

• End-to-end fabrication experience with nanophotonic or sub-wavelength optical devices
• Design experience with metasurfaces or metalenses

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end development, simulation, and fabrication of novel patterning hardware
• Drive exploratory R&D autonomously across optical design and nanofabrication
• Simulate optical and nanophotonic behavior to guide hands-on physical experimentation
• Interface closely with the process team to seamlessly integrate patterning hardware with adjacent deposition, development, and etch steps

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree