Senior Process Engineer

Senior Process Engineer Substrate San Francisco, CA, USA Posted on Feb 14, 2026 Apply now Location San Francisco Employment Type Full time Location Type On-site Department Scientific Senior Process Engineer Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems facing the United States. At the intersection of advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge physics, we are developing technologies that will reshape the semiconductor industry and strengthen America's technological leadership. We are a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and technical experts building technology for the United States. Summary You will be responsible for conceptualizing and prototyping critical components of our platform through process development and materials characterization. This role will require you to work hands-on in several cleanrooms and user facilities around the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as direct the work of others. You will own aspects of our fabrication process, conducting a mix of micro- and nanofabrication as well as characterization of the materials and structures that you create. This hands-on work will include (but will not be limited to) many nanofabrication techniques including lithography, wet and dry deposition and etching. You will also participate in the build-up of Substrate's own internal research facilities. You will be a key contributor to early-stage development and testing which are critical to our challenging mission to shape the semiconductor industry for decades to come. Responsibilities Collaborating closely with Substrate's technical team to conceptualize, design, prototype, and characterize nanofabricated optical devices Hands-on fabrication of

MEMS/NEMS

devices using techniques such as photo- and electron beam lithography, thin film deposition, and wet and dry etching. This work will be done in several user facilities (primarily around the San Francisco Bay Area, but with the possibility of travel beyond the Bay Area) Ownership of fabrication strategies in lithography, deposition, and etch, as well as designing process flows, material compatibility studies, and mask layout CAD Iterating through structural designs and tuning lithography, deposition, and etch parameters to optimize processes and improve performance Mechanical, optical, and chemical characterization of thin films using techniques such as profilometry, ellipsometry, and XPS Characterization of pattern fidelity and resolution using techniques such as SEM and AFM Select and scope bulk material, nanopatterned structures, and thin film characterization strategies to better study the mechanical, chemical, and optical properties that drive device performance Designing, coordinating, and conducting experiments in various user facilities Contribution to the build-up and installation of Substrate's own internal research facilities Recording, processing and interpreting data and results to the wider team Required Qualifications 7 years of hands-on micro- or nanofabrication experience in cleanroom user facilities Demonstrated ability to lead work safely and collaboratively in a cleanroom user facility Willingness and ability to work in several user facilities around the San Francisco Bay Area several days per week Demonstrated experience handling delicate samples and operating complex fabrication and characterization equipment Deep understanding of, and ability to design based on, micro- and nanofabrication considerations such as top-down vs. bottom-up, pattern transfer, material compatibilities, etch selectivity and directionality, and thin film and surface engineering Deep understanding of the mechanical, optical, and chemical properties of materials which typically determine the performance of nanofabricated devices Strong written and oral communication skills. High attention to detail and organizational skills Ability to solve complex design challenges both independently and as part of a team Ability to collaborate with a large and multidisciplinary technical group M.S. or higher degree in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related discipline in the physical or engineering sciences Preferred Qualifications 5+ years of hands-on experience in characterization techniques such as electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy Experience operating a Raith EBPG 5200/5200+, including aligned exposures 3+ years of hands-on experience in inductively coupled plasma etching, with a strong understanding of the principles of plasma etching and recipe parameters 3+ years of experience in industrial R D Experience with instrument scoping, procurement, installation, and commissioning Experience with safety procedures and best practices when working with potentially hazardous liquid chemicals Salary Range $200,000-$300,000 USD Substrate is an equal opportunity employer. It provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Substrate will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please let your recruiter know. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Apply now See more open positions at Substrate