Senior Lithography Research Engineer

About Atomic Semi

Atomic Semi is building a small, fast semiconductor fab.

It’s already possible to build this with today’s technology and a few simplifications. We’ll build the tools ourselves so we can quickly iterate and improve.

We’re building a small team of exceptional, hands-on engineers to make this happen. Mechanical, electrical, hardware, computer, and process. We’ll own the stack from atoms to architecture. Our team is optimistic about the future and we want to continue pushing the limits of technology.

Smaller is better. Faster is better. Building it ourselves is better.

We believe our team and lab can build anything. We’ve set up 3D printers, a wide array of microscopes, e-beam writers, general fabrication equipment - and whatever is missing, we’ll just invent along the way.

Atomic was founded by Sam Zeloof https://www.youtube.com/@SamZeloof and Jim Keller https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Keller_(engineer). 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 Positioning Team operates on the nanometer scale. We build lithography, metrology, and motion systems that pattern, inspect, and characterize our chips to push our process to lower nodes.

About the Role

We are bringing on a Senior Lithography Research Engineer to lead our efforts in achieving precise geometry at lower node sizes. This is a highly autonomous, exploratory R&D role where you will drive the development of novel patterning approaches. You'll know you've succeeded in your first 6 months when you have successfully simulated, designed, and fabricated advanced patterning hardware that integrates into our existing processes.

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

Requirements

• PhD, or equivalent, in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field

• 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

Nice-to-haves

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

• Design experience with metasurfaces or metalenses

Working at Atomic Semi

We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and offices in Austin, TX and San Francisco, CA.

Benefits: Atomic 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.