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 Vacuum Systems team is responsible for designing, prototyping, validating, and scaling core semiconductor fabrication equipment. Tool families include Anneal, Deposition, Etch, and Supporting Infrastructure, with goals for each ranging from fundamental design to automation readiness to manufacturing scale-up.
About the role
As a Mechanical Engineer at fab2, you'll design, iterate on, and build specialized equipment for semiconductor fabrication.
We're looking for hands-on engineers across various disciplines to design, iterate on, and build complex systems. Whether tackling heavy design challenges, integrating mechanical, optical, and electronic components, or automating production and manufacturing processes, our philosophy is to get things built and tested in days or weeks—not months—with a focus on viable solutions that meet real production needs.
The ideal candidate moves through design cycles fast and can own the end to end process. Our philosophy is to get things built/tested in days or weeks, not months. Because of this, a portfolio is generally required to apply: show us the things you’ve actually built!
Responsibilities
Own semiconductor fabrication systems and subsystems end-to-end, including deposition, etch, annealing, and plasma tools, as well as subsystems such as mass flow controllers, pressure sensors, valves, and pumps.
Design and iterate on machines and subsystems for semiconductor fabrication
Create mechanical designs including frames, components, and assemblies
Partner closely with the process, electrical, software, and production teams
Source components and materials while working with vendors to meet project specifications
Required Experience
2-7 years of professional experience in mechanical and electromechanical system design
2-7 years of hands-on experience building, prototyping, and assembling complex systems
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or Physics
Experience in designing vacuum systems or fluid handling hardware
Strong fundamentals in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer
Demonstrated ability to design and ship machined and fabricated metal parts into working systems.
Comfortable working with pumps, valves, fittings, tubing, chambers, and thermal systems
Nice-to-have
Knowledge/experience with any of: plasma systems, CVD, ALD
Familiarity with leak detection techniques and vacuum diagnostics
Experience with productionization and testing
Working at fab2
We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and a lab/office in Austin, 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.
Skills Required
- 2-7 years professional experience in mechanical and electromechanical system design
- 2-7 years hands-on experience building, prototyping, and assembling complex systems
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or Physics
- Experience designing vacuum systems or fluid handling hardware
- Strong fundamentals in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer
- Demonstrated ability to design and ship machined and fabricated metal parts into working systems
- Comfortable working with pumps, valves, fittings, tubing, chambers, and thermal systems
- Portfolio showing projects you have built
- Knowledge/experience with plasma systems, CVD, ALD
- Familiarity with leak detection techniques and vacuum diagnostics
- Experience with productionization and testing
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.
