Field Service Engineer - High Volume Manufacturing (HVM)

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Location

Texas (Dallas / Houston preferred). Dedicated HVM customer support.

The Role

Represent Oxford Instruments as the senior onsite technical expert supporting High Volume Manufacturing (HVM) semiconductor customers. Deliver installation, preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, process support, customer training, and operational partnership to maximize uptime and production.

Key Responsibilities

• System Installation & CommissioningLead 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 MaintenanceExecute 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 TrainingBuild trust and long-term relationships through responsive communication and hands-on training. Empower customers to operate and maintain systems confidently across key processes.
• Advanced TroubleshootingResolve 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 UpgradesCalibrate 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
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Equivalent hands-on experience in semiconductor equipment service may substitute.
• 3-5 years of field service experience in the semiconductor industry, with a focus on plasma etch and deposition systems.
• Familiarity with cleanroom operations and safety protocols.

• Vacuum & Power Systems
• Hands-on experience with vacuum technologies: turbo pumps, cryo pumps, roughing pumps.
• Skilled in troubleshooting 208V electrical systems and 24V control subsystems.
• Experience with RF power components and pneumatically driven

• Diagnostics & Technical Tools
• Proficient with diagnostic instruments:
• Vacuum leak detectors
• RF power meters
• DVMs, LCR meters, multimeters, megohm meters
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical schematics and plumbing diagrams.

• Process Knowledge
• Strong understanding of RF theory and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) systems.
• Familiarity with semiconductor processes: RIE, PECVD, ICP, ALD.

• Physical & Travel Requirements
• Hold a valid driver's license and safe driving record, passport, and ability to travel independently.
• Must be physically agile and comfortable working in confined or awkward spaces.
• Capable of independently lifting and handling equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Able to commit to extensive weekday travel to support customer installations and service needs, Monday through Friday.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Platform & Component Experience
• Experience with Brooks platforms, Pfeiffer/Edwards pumping systems, and MKS components.
• 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.
• Proactive problem-solving and openness to continuous learning.
• Effective communicator with strong listening skills.
• Adaptable to evolving technologies and customer needs.
• Comfortable working independently or as part of a team.

What Sets You Apart: Commitment to Service Excellence

• Passion for solving complex technical challenges with precision and care.
• Proactive in anticipating customer needs and delivering timely, high-quality solutions.
• Builds trust through clear communication and confident issue resolution.
• Eager to learn, grow, and collaborate to uphold the highest standards of service.

Additional HVM Responsibilities
• Serve as the dedicated senior engineer supporting customer production operations (8:00 AM-5:00 PM).
• Drive uptime, availability, MTTR, and first-time fix performance.
• Support tool installations, qualifications, and production ramp activities.
• Partner with Process Engineers, Customer Success, Engineering, and Operations.
• Lead root cause investigations and reliability improvements.
• Mentor junior Field Service Engineers.
• Participate in daily operational reviews and weekly customer performance meetings.

Preferred Experience
• 3+ years supporting semiconductor capital equipment in HVM environments.
• Strong customer-facing leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced production environment.

Compensation

In accordance with Massachusetts law, the expected salary for this full-time, benefited position is between $95,000 - $115,000. The actual compensation will be determined considering factors such as relevant skills and experience and other factors permitted by law.

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