What to Expect
We are building Terafab, a vertically integrated semiconductor factory at an unprecedented scale. The facility houses logic, memory, packaging, test, and lithography mask production under one roof, optimized for rapid iteration and maximum compute density per square foot.
Process engineering is where Terafab technology gets built, atom by atom, and dry etch is where plasma meets precision. You will develop and own etch processes across three distinct chip families: edge-inference processors, space-hardened chips for orbital satellites, and high-bandwidth memory. You'll optimize selectivity, profile control, and critical dimension uniformity across complex material stacks; from high-k dielectrics to metal gates to through-silicon vias.
You should have deep expertise in plasma etch, but be ready to work across core process domains such as lithography, metrology, and film deposition as integration evolves. This is a highly hands-on role at one of the most ambitious fab programs in the world.
What You'll Do
- Develop and qualify plasma etch processes for critical layers—gate, spacer, contact, and metal interconnect—at 2nm-class dimensions
- Develop atomic layer etch (ALE) processes for steps requiring angstrom-level profile and selectivity control
- Optimize etch profiles, CD control, uniformity, and selectivity using a first-principles, physics-based approach to plasma chemistry and etch mechanism understanding
- Qualify etch tools from installation through production readiness, including chamber seasoning, plasma characterization, and process window qualification
- Analyze processes from a first-principles, physics-based approach to understand and manipulate mechanisms, not just recipes
- Lead root cause analysis, establish inline metrology and SPC control strategies, and drive systematic yield improvement
- Support 24/7 manufacturing operations through rotations, on-call availability, and rapid response to critical production issues
- Drive next-generation plasma etch chemistry and process development
What You'll Bring
- Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field, or equivalent experience
- 5+ years of hands-on dry etch process engineering experience in a semiconductor fab, especially plan options with $0 payroll deduction
- Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
- Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
- Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
- Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
- Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
- Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
- Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
- Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
- Tesla Babies program
- Commuter benefits
- Employee discounts and perks program
Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.