Applied Mathematician

About Atomic Semi

Atomic Semi is building a small, fast semiconductor fab.

It’s already possible to build this with today’s technology and a few simplifications. We’ll build the tools ourselves so we can quickly iterate and improve.

We’re building a small team of exceptional, hands-on engineers to make this happen. Mechanical, electrical, hardware, computer, and process. We’ll own the stack from atoms to architecture. Our team is optimistic about the future and we want to continue pushing the limits of technology.

Smaller is better. Faster is better. Building it ourselves is better.

We believe our team and lab can build anything. We’ve set up 3D printers, a wide array of microscopes, e-beam writers, general fabrication equipment - and whatever is missing, we’ll just invent along the way.

Atomic 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 Positioning Team operates on the nanometer scale. We make lithography, metrology and motion systems that pattern, inspect and characterize our chips in order to push our process to lower nodes.

About the role

We are seeking an Applied Mathematician to own the math, algorithms, and simulation backbone of our optical metrology tools. This is a hands-on role where optical simulation is tested on hardware we build in house, on real wafers. This role is expected to design experiments to thoroughly characterize the sensitivity and robustness of all theoretical work.

Our philosophy is to get things built and 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 and tested!

Responsibilities

• Own math modeling, simulation, and algorithm development for optical metrology tools

• Design practical experiments - directly run them on hardware. Includes data collection, analysis, and visualization with an extreme focus on legibility and communication

• Characterize machine sensitivity and develop SOP’s

• Collaborate with the mechanical, software, and process teams to run experiments and inform tool design

• Consolidate findings into clear written documentation for other engineering teams and leadership (e.g., reports, figures, etc.)

Required Experience

• 2+ years of experience in R&D environments with high standards of technical ownership and communication

• Strong understanding of optimization, estimation, and controls algorithms

• Deep expertise in linear algebra and numerical methods

• Prior experience with optical systems and simulations

• Prior experience operating scientific instruments and collecting experimental data

• Experience with Python

Nice-to-have

• Understanding of algorithm performance and computational efficiency

• Demonstrated passion for building hardware (hacking on personal projects, or in-depth knowledge of scientific instruments)

Working at Atomic Semi

We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and offices in Austin, TX and San Francisco, CA. Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $120,000 – $160,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in Atomic Semi.

Benefits: Atomic Semi 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.