Field Service Engineer I

Field Service Engineer II - Plasma Technology

Location

REMOTE – North America -based – Mid Atlantic - Washington DC Area. Candidates must reside within reasonable travel time (typically 60 minutes) of a major airport to support frequent weekday travel to customer sites.

The Role

Represent Oxford Instruments by delivering world-class technical support, installation, and maintenance for plasma etch and deposition systems (e.g., PlasmaPro, FlexAL, Estrelas etcher). This role demands a hands-on problem solver with strong technical acumen, clear communication skills, and a proactive mindset. You’ll collaborate across teams, escalate issues when needed, and maintain detailed documentation to support continuous improvement. With extensive travel across customer sites, you’ll play a critical role in driving customer satisfaction and advancing cutting-edge semiconductor technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• System Installation & Commissioning Lead the installation and commissioning of advanced plasma etch and deposition systems (RIE, CVD, ICP, ICPCVD, ALE, ALD), ensuring full compliance with customer specifications, cleanroom standards, and process readiness.

• Preventive & Corrective Maintenance Execute scheduled and emergency maintenance with precision. Diagnose root causes beyond surface-level symptoms and validate repairs against stringent vacuum tolerances, leak-up rates, and process benchmarks.

• Customer Engagement & Technical Training Build trust and long-term relationships through responsive communication and hands-on training. Empower customers to operate and maintain systems confidently across key processes.

• Advanced Troubleshooting Resolve complex hardware, and software issues using specialized tools (vacuum leak detectors, RF power meters, DVMs, LCR meters, multimeters). Provide remote support when needed to minimize downtime and maximize uptime.

• Calibration & System Upgrades Calibrate critical components (AMUs, RF Generators, APCs, MFCs) and implement performance-enhancing upgrades (turbo pumps, PLCs, breakers) to ensure optimal system reliability and throughput.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Education & Industry Background
o Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.o Equivalent hands-on experience in semiconductor equipment service may substitute.
o 5–7 years of field service experience in the semiconductor industry, with a focus on plasma etch and deposition systems.
o Familiarity with cleanroom operations and safety protocols.
• Vacuum & Power Systems
o Hands-on experience with vacuum technologies: turbo pumps, cryo pumps, roughing pumps.
o Skilled in troubleshooting 208V electrical systems and 24V control subsystems

 

Extensive Experience with RF power components and pneumatically driven.

• Diagnostics & Technical Toolso Proficient with diagnostic instruments:
 Vacuum leak detectors
 RF power meters
 DVMs, LCR meters, multimeters, megohm meters

o Ability to read and interpret mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical schematics and plumbing diagrams.• Process Knowledgeo Strong understanding of RF theory and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) systems.
o Familiarity with semiconductor processes: RIE, PECVD, ICP, ALD.• Physical & Travel Requirementso Hold a valid driver’s license and safe driving record, passport, and ability to travel independently.
o Must be physically agile and comfortable working in confined or awkward spaces.
o Capable of independently lifting and handling equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
o Able to commit to extensive weekday travel to support customer installations and service needs, Monday through Friday

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Platform & Component Experience
o Experience with Brooks platforms, Pfeiffer/Edwards pumping systems, and MKS components.
o Knowledge of calibration and optimization of APCs and MFCs.

• Work Ethic & Collaboration

 Strong manual dexterity and ability to maintain a clean, organized workspace in cleanroom attire.
o Proactive problem-solving and openness to continuous learning.
o Effective communicator with strong listening skills.o Adaptable to evolving technologies and customer needs.
o Comfortable working independently or as part of a team.

What Sets You Apart: Commitment to Service Excellence
• Passion for solving complex technical