Sr. Equipment Engineer, Dry Etch, Terafab

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 a Dry Etch Equipment Engineer at Terafab, you will own the procurement, installation, qualification, and performance of advanced dry etch 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.

What You'll Do

• Own the full lifecycle of dry etch semiconductor process equipment from vendor selection through IQ/OQ/PQ and sustained production support
• Lead tool installation projects for advanced dry etch 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 dry etch / plasma etch tools
• 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

Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
• Tesla Babies program
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.