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 Process Team sits at the heart of our in-house device development, driving the design of each new generation of tools. This is unlike any role at a traditional foundry—we simultaneously develop recipes, apply novel materials, test and characterize our chips, and troubleshoot tools.
About the role
As an R&D Device Engineer at Fab2, you are the vital link bridging process development, electrical test, and integration. You will define initial transistor architectures and drive deep diagnostic analysis. In this hands-on, high-ownership role, your characterization and parameter extraction will contribute to achieving our targets in device performance, scaling, power, cost and production time.
Responsibilities
Design device architectures and tailor novel transistor structures to meet device specifications
Execute tape-outs and test key designs
Perform electrical characterization (I-V/C-V) on transistors and MOSCAPs across process splits to establish baseline device behavior
Dissect complex electrical and physical data to pinpoint bottlenecks and inform material and flow improvements
Extract core device parameters to construct foundational technology performance models
Required experience
MS or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Solid State Physics, or a closely related field
Rigorous understanding of advanced CMOS/MOSFET device physics and solid-state electronics fundamentals
Experience with semiconductor device measurement (I-V/C-V) and probe station operation
Strong skills in data analysis and scripting to accelerate testing and learning cycles.
A knack for translating complex device physics concepts clearly to cross-functional partners.
Nice-to-have
Familiarity with semiconductor simulation software (e.g., TCAD, HSPICE) and practical experience with Process Design Kits (PDKs) or test chip layout
Proficiency in scripting languages (such as Python or MATLAB) to automate testing workflows and large-scale data analysis
Hands-on experience within a cleanroom environment and a comprehensive understanding of the full CMOS manufacturing process flow
Background in executing semiconductor reliability testing (e.g., HCI, NBTI/PBTI, TDDB) and incorporating degradation mechanisms into process feedback
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.
Compensation: fab2 is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $110,000 – $180,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in fab2.
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, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field
- Strong understanding of CMOS device physics and electrical characterization
- Experience with probe station operation
- Familiarity with parameter extraction techniques and device modeling (e.g., BSIM)
- Experience with lab instrumentation and test automation
- Hands-on experience with semiconductor device fabrication and test structures
- Experience with process development kits (PDKs) and test chip layout
- Experience with cleanroom fabrication and full CMOS process flow
- Experience conducting reliability testing and analysis
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.
