Position SummaryA Vacuum Pump Engineer is the technical lead for the entire life cycle of vacuum equipment and peripheral components from initial concept through operation and decommissioning. The role demands deep knowledge of pump physics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and control systems, combined with a hands-on ability to troubleshoot and optimize real-world plant equipment. The engineer works cross-functionally with process, maintenance, quality, and capital-project teams to ensure reliable vacuum operation, minimal downtime, and energy efficiency while meeting safety and regulatory standards.
Role and ResponsibilitiesHere's What You'll Be Responsible For:Pump Design & Selection- Perform pump-type feasibility studies.
- Develop sizing calculations using throughput, pressure-drop, and vacuum-gain relationships.
- Evaluate integration with fore lines, and instrumentation.
Installation & Commissioning- Plan and execute installation schedules with line-construction crews.
- Verify valve logic, motor starts, and leak detection (WT, PCT, helium sniffing).
- Validate performance against specified base pressure, pumping speed, and cycle time.
Operation & Monitoring- Program and maintain control logic with PID tuning, safety interlocks, and alarm hierarchies (IPCS, FDC).
- Analyze real-time telemetry (pressure, temperature, flow, vibration) to detect trends or impending failures.
Maintenance & Reliability- Compile and utilize equipment reliability and survival data analyses to make decisions.
- Author preventive-maintenance schedules based on usage hours, manufacturer recommendations, and failure-mode analyses.
- Perform root-cause investigations using FMEA, 5-Why, and vibration/temperature diagnostics.Interface with procurement to secure critical spares.
Performance Optimization- Identify and implement upgrades such as ROI on replacement of defunct models.
- Collaborate with process engineers to harmonize pump cycles with fixed-slot equipment and batch timing.
- Conduct periodic trade-off simulations (economics vs. vacuum margins) and present ROI to finance.
Safety & Compliance- Ensure all pumps meet ISO, or industry-specific safety standards (e.g., OSHA, DOT).
- Maintain lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) and hydrogen-flame-proof workflows for high-vacuum systems.
- Provide training and competency logs for all operators.
Documentation & Reporting- Produce and maintain operating manuals, SOPs, and fleet records.Submit monthly KPI dashboards (pump uptime, mean-time-between-failure).
- Record all incident reports for audit purposes.
Stakeholder Collaboration- Serve as the technical liaison for technology-transfer, new-buyer integration, and vendor-commission workshops.Participate in cross-functional project teams for plant upgrades or new fabs.
- Deliver status updates at plant-wide huddles and design reviews.
Skills and QualificationsHere's what you'll need:- Education: Bachelor of Engineering (BS/MEng) in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or Process Engineering.
- Experience: 3-5 years of hands-on experience with vacuum systems in semiconductor, pharmaceutical, or high-purity manufacturing settings. Proven track record in pump selection, installation, commissioning, and maintenance. Experience with auto-gate valves, hot-N₂ injection systems, vacuum lines, or exhaust lines to scrubbing equipment is highly desirable.
- Certifications: Six-Sigma Green or Black Belt (preferred).ISO 9001 Lead Auditor or similar (optional, but a plus).
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in CAD (AutoCAD/ SolidWorks) for piping and mounting layouts.Experience with simulation tools (MATLAB).
- Soft Skills: Strong analytical reasoning and problem-solving ability. Proactive team player with excellent written and verbal communication. Capable of managing multiple projects and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment.
The current base salary range for this role is between $95,000 - $120,000. Individual base pay rates will depend on factors including duties, work location, education, skills, qualifications and experience. Total compensation for this position will include a competitive benefits package and may include participation in company incentive compensation programs, which are based on factors to include organizational and individual performance.
Total RewardsAt Samsung Austin Semiconductor, base pay is just one part of our total compensation package. The base compensation for this role will depend on education, experience, skills, and location.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance and 401(k) matching with immediate vesting
- Onsite café(s) and workout facilities
- Paid maternity and paternity leave
- Paid time off (PTO) + 2 personal holidays and 10 regular holidays
- Wellness incentives and MORE
Eligible full-time employees (salaried or hourly) may also receive MBO bonuses based on company, division, and individual performance.
All positions at Samsung Austin Semiconductor are full-time on-site.
U.S. Export ControlThis role may require access to information subject to U.S. export control laws. Applicants must be authorized to access such information or eligible for government authorization.
Trade Secrets By submitting an application, you agree not to disclose to Samsung or induce or encourage Samsung to use any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to a current or former employer or other entity.
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