Process Development Engineer
US$90,000 – US$180,000 / yr base salary
Posted 4 Sep 2026
Advertised as “Process Development Engineer, Etch”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Management level
- Individual contributor
- Employment
- On-Site
- Contract
- Full-time
- Visa sponsorship
- Offered
| Base salary | US$90,000 – US$180,000 / yr |
|---|
Field of studyChemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science (or related)
Study levelBachelor's or higher
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 Process Development Engineer, Etch 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 methods and 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
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Work in the lab to design and run experiments alongside senior process engineers
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Read academic papers and technical literature to inform experimental design; whiteboard ideas and iterate quickly
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Learn and operate a range of semiconductor tools, including etch, deposition, lithography, and metrology systems
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Develop, transfer, and optimize process recipes across platforms with a focus on consistency, yield, and throughput
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Analyze process data, troubleshoot recipe or equipment issues, and clearly document findings and results for the team
Required Experience
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BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field