Semiconductor Test Development Engineer

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 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 a Semiconductor Test Development Engineer at Atomic Semi, you’ll play a critical role in bridging process development, and electrical test. Your work will focus on characterizing semiconductor devices, designing and automating test infrastructure, and extracting key electrical parameters to inform process improvements. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role that requires both deep technical understanding and strong collaboration with process, test, and design engineers.

We're looking for someone who’s excited to work across disciplines developing probe cards, designing test structures, running electrical characterization, and building automation infrastructure. A background in device physics and experience with CMOS modeling (e.g., BSIM) will be valuable, especially for parameter extraction and feedback into process development.

You’ll have the opportunity to work across the full testing stack from test structure design to silicon fabrication and data analysis. Your contributions will help shape how we validate and improve our CMOS processes in a fast-paced, startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with process and electrical engineers to design probe cards and test structures

• Design and fabricate CMOS test chips for characterization and calibration

• Develop and implement test plans to extract key device parameters (e.g., threshold voltage, mobility, leakage)

• Deploy parameter extraction tools and methods (e.g., BSIM models) to characterize devices and model performance

• Analyze test data to provide feedback to process engineers, helping improve materials and process flows

• Develop and maintain test automation infrastructure for streamlined electrical characterization

• Document test results and characterization findings clearly and rigorously

Required Experience

• BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a 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

Nice-to-have

• 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

Working at Atomic Semi

We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and a lab/office in San Francisco, CA.

Compensation: Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. 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.