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 tool software group builds Linux control software and microcontroller firmware for fab2’s in-house semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This includes software for sequencing, recipe execution, interlocks, operator user interfaces, diagnostics, and real-time microcontroller firmware.
About the Role
We’re hiring embedded software engineers to help build the software systems behind our fab equipment. You’ll develop firmware for real-time control of semiconductor processing tools, working from early system definition through board bring-up, driver development, control logic, state machines, communications interfaces, and production deployment.
This is an end-to-end role for engineers who enjoy debugging across hardware and software boundaries. You’ll collaborate with electronics and mechanical engineers on schematics, system requirements, controls implementation, and tool integration. You’ll also work on Linux-based Rust applications used for equipment control, operator interfaces, diagnostics, and automation.
Responsibilities
Develop microcontroller firmware for semiconductor processing equipment and components
Design and implement real-time Linux applications for equipment control and process automation
Collaborate with mechanical engineers on requirements and controls implementation
Required Experience
BS in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, proof of exceptional skills in related fields with practical software engineering experience, or equivalent
Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience (professional or hobbyist) in real-time embedded software development
Experience programming in C for microcontrollers. Python for diagnostic applications
Experience going 0 -> 1 on an embedded system, from defining system requirements, prototyping, and seeing through to production use
Knowledge of microcontroller peripherals such as ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI, I2C, and CAN
Experience working with actuators, sensors and digital signal processing
Nice-to-have
Background in semiconductors, industrial automation, manufacturing, or other hardware-intensive domains
Familiarity with controls for motor drivers, mass flow controllers, temperature controllers, or precision actuators
Experience programming in Rust
Familiarity with embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot)
Interest in applied math, linear algebra, numerical methods
Familiarity with failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) or similar reliability-focused design practice
Familiarity with full-stack software development for working with adjacent teams
Working at fab2
We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and labs/offices in Austin, TX, Lockhart, TX, and San Francisco, CA.
Benefits: fab2 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.
fab2, formerly known as Atomic Semi
Skills Required
- BS in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or equivalent practical software engineering experience
- Minimum of 3 years relevant experience in real-time embedded software development (professional or hobbyist)
- Experience programming in C for microcontrollers
- Experience using Python for diagnostic applications
- Experience taking an embedded system 0 -> 1: requirements, prototyping, and production deployment
- Knowledge of microcontroller peripherals such as ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI, I2C, and CAN
- Experience working with actuators, sensors, and digital signal processing
- Background in semiconductors, industrial automation, manufacturing, or other hardware-intensive domains
- Familiarity with controls for motor drivers, mass flow controllers, temperature controllers, or precision actuators
- Experience programming in Rust
- Familiarity with embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot)
- Interest in applied math, linear algebra, numerical methods
- Familiarity with failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) or similar reliability-focused design practice
- Familiarity with full-stack software development for cross-team work
What We Do
fab2 is an early-stage semiconductor hardware startup that designs and builds the hardware and software required to make chips. It develops complete fabrication facilities, semiconductor tools, components, automation, and chip-design software, while pursuing novel process engineering. Founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller, fab2 operates sites in Austin, San Francisco, and Lockhart and focuses on hands-on, interdisciplinary innovation for semiconductor manufacturing.
