Equipment Engineer, Epitaxy, Terafab

About the role

• Equipment Engineer, Epitaxy, Terafab | Tesla (Terafab)
• Location: Austin, Texas | Req ID: 283302 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

We are building Terafab – a vertically integrated semiconductor factory at an unprecedented scale. Logic, memory, packaging, test, and lithography mask production in one facility optimized for quick iteration and factory density of compute produced. Without reliable equipment, there is no fab.

As an Epitaxy Equipment Engineer at Terafab, you will own the procurement, installation, qualification, and performance of advanced epitaxy process tools. You will be a primary technical interface between SpaceX and equipment vendors, driving tool availability, uptime, and performance from day one through full production ramp.

This position is open across multiple levels. Level and title are based on your experience, skills, and overall qualifications during the interview process.

What You'll Do

• Own the full lifecycle of epitaxy semiconductor process equipment from vendor selection through IQ/OQ/PQ and sustained production support
• Lead tool installation projects for advanced epitaxy process equipment across logic, memory, packaging, test, and in-house mask shop domains
• Partner with OEM vendors at a design level to evaluate equipment architecture, assess mechanical risk, drive design improvements, and influence tool specifications that enhance reliability, uptime, and process performance
• Develop and execute equipment qualification plans, including tool-to-tool matching and process performance baselines; establish PM programs, spare parts strategies, and equipment uptime KPIs
• Apply strong mechanical and electromechanical design knowledge to identify root causes, including tolerance stack-up, thermal expansion, vacuum integrity, and subsystem interactions and drive systematic equipment availability improvements
• Design equipment upgrades as needed and partner with internal teams to execute them
• Partner with Process and Automation Engineers to diagnose and resolve equipment-related process excursions and yield impacts while managing tool installation schedules, utility hookup sequencing, and tool readiness milestones in support of fab ramp

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of semiconductor equipment engineering experience in a 300mm fab
• Hands-on experience installing, qualifying, and providing sustained support for epitaxy tools (ASM, Applied Materials, or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of semiconductor equipment systems, including vacuum, gas delivery, RF plasma, temperature control, and recipe management; as well as the underlying mechanical and electromechanical design principles that govern tool performance and reliability
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, and OEM design documentation; capable of engaging vendors at a design level to evaluate modifications, assess mechanical risk, and drive improvements that enhance uptime or process performance
• Experience managing equipment vendor relationships, negotiating service contracts, and working with SEMI standards (E10, E30, E58) and SECS/GEM protocols
• Proficiency with equipment data systems (EES, FDC) including FDC rule development, equipment health monitoring, and predictive maintenance strategies in a greenfield fab environment