EngineeringOn-site

Senior Lithography Research Engineer

Fab2 · On-site

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Last seen by MeritLog September 12, 2026Source: AshbySource version: ashby-public-job-posting-v1

MeritLog read this listing from Fab2's Ashby job board and last checked it on September 12, 2026.

Source: the employer's Ashby job board. Open the original listing for current details.

Job details

Work model: On-site
Salary: $120K - $175K
Location: Austin

Hiring context

How this role compares at Fab2

Fab2 has 59 live roles in MeritLog’s catalog across 5 job families, and 55 of them are in engineering. 31 of those listings publish a pay range, a disclosure rate of 53%.

This role's posted range of $120K - $175K sits above 73% of the 30 other Fab2 roles quoted over the same currency and period.

Fab2 concentrates this hiring in:

Counted across the job boards MeritLog tracks, at the time this page was served. Pay comparisons use only listings that publish a complete range in the same currency and period.

What the role asks for

What you'd do

Own the end-to-end development, simulation, and fabrication of novel patterning hardware
Drive exploratory R&D autonomously across optical design and nanofabrication
Simulate optical and nanophotonic behavior to guide hands-on physical experimentation
Interface closely with the process team to seamlessly integrate patterning hardware with adjacent deposition, development, and etch steps

What they're asking for

PhD, or equivalent, in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related fieldEducation
Demonstrated command of applied optics (including sub-wavelength and nanophotonic regimes) and experimental optics/metrologySkill
Deep, hands-on expertise in nanofabrication and sub-micron patterningSkill
Strong background in lithography and patterning hardware design, including advanced resolution-enhancement techniquesSkill
Proven ability to plan and execute complex R&D work autonomously, taking generative ideas all the way to working physical prototypesSkill
End-to-end fabrication experience with nanophotonic or sub-wavelength optical devicesSkillPreferred
Design experience with metasurfaces or metalensesSkillPreferred

Parsed by MeritLog from the employer’s own posting. The full description follows below.

Job description

About fab2 The fab2 team can build anything. We design all the hardware and software needed to make chips and we make the fabs, tools, and components ourselves. We're looking for exceptional, hands-on people who can iterate to the limits of what's possible. fab2 was founded by Sam Zeloof https://www.youtube.com/@SamZeloof and Jim Keller https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Keller_(engineer). 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 Positioning Team operates on the nanometer scale. We build lithography, metrology, and motion systems that pattern, inspect, and characterize our chips to push our process to lower nodes. About the Role We are bringing on a Senior Lithography Research Engineer to lead our efforts in achieving precise geometry at lower node sizes. This is a highly autonomous, exploratory R&D role where you will drive the development of novel patterning approaches. You'll know you've succeeded in your first 6 months when you have successfully simulated, designed, and fabricated advanced patterning hardware that integrates into our existing processes. Responsibilities - Own the end-to-end development, simulation, and fabrication of novel patterning hardware - Drive exploratory R&D autonomously across optical design and nanofabrication - Simulate optical and nanophotonic behavior to guide hands-on physical experimentation - Interface closely with the process team to seamlessly integrate patterning hardware with adjacent deposition, development, and etch steps Requirements - PhD, or equivalent, in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field - Demonstrated command of applied optics (including sub-wavelength and nanophotonic regimes) and experimental optics/metrology - Deep, hands-on expertise in nanofabrication and sub-micron patterning - Strong background in lithography and patterning hardware design, including advanced resolution-enhancement techniques - Proven ability to plan and execute complex R&D work autonomously, taking generative ideas all the way to working physical prototypes Nice-to-haves - End-to-end fabrication experience with nanophotonic or sub-wavelength optical devices - Design experience with metasurfaces or metalenses Working at fab2 We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and labs/offices in Austin, TX, Lockhart, TX, and San Francisco, CA. Compensation: fab2 is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $105,000 – $195,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in fab2. Benefits: fab2 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. fab2, formerly known as Atomic Semi

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