Equipment Technician - Vacuum Equipment

Equipment Technician - Vacuum Equipment

Location: US - CA - San Jose

Veeco designs and builds advanced vacuum-based process equipment used to manufacture semiconductors, compound semiconductors, LEDs, power electronics, MEMS, and emerging technologies. Our systems support critical thin-film deposition and material processing applications where precision, reliability, and performance matter. We are seeking an Equipment Technician to support new product introduction (NPI), design verification, and system validation of complex vacuum processing platforms. This role operates in a research and development environment, partnering closely with process, development, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure system readiness before customer release.

Responsibilities:

• Set up, install, and perform preventive maintenance (PM) on advanced wafer-processing and vacuum-based equipment to ensure system readiness and performance.
• Interpret and apply schematics, diagrams, drawings, and procedures to support equipment setup, testing, troubleshooting, and recovery activities.
• Diagnose and resolve system performance issues using high-precision electrical, optical, mechanical, and vacuum test equipment.
• Develop, execute, and document experimental test plans, collecting and analyzing data to validate equipment and process performance.
• Partner closely with Development Engineers to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues identified during system integration and NPI builds.
• Support engineering activities, including design verification, testing, modification, fabrication, and assembly of electromechanical and vacuum subsystems.
• Participate in cross-functional, small-team initiatives to address product-level challenges such as design improvements, supplier issues, manufacturing escalations, and continuous improvement projects.
• Manage and maintain internal inventory and spare parts to support efficient lab and development operations.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience as an Equipment Technician in an engineering-related field (preferably Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial).
• Direct experience with vacuum-based semiconductor equipment and wafer or substrate processing tools is required.
• Associate degree or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field is preferred.
• Experience in engineering, manufacturing, NPI, or process development environments within the semiconductor industry, e.g., electromechanical, vacuum, and control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills with complex tools and subsystems.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical documentation, including schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and procedures.
• Comfortable working in cross-functional environments, collaborating with technicians, engineers, program managers, and leadership.
• Clear and effective communication with the ability to manage multiple priorities, take ownership of assigned work, and execute to schedule.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new tools, processes, and technologies quickly through documentation and hands-on training.
• Strong sense of accountability, urgency, and execution discipline, especially in time-sensitive NPI or development settings.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, MS TEAMS) and computer-based maintenance or tracking systems.
• Willingness to travel and work overtime or weekends as required to meet critical project milestones.

Salary and Benefits:

The expected salary range for this position is $78,587 to $99,543, plus a bonus opportunity. We will consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors when determining your pay. Other benefits include: Medical, Dental, and Vision Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) 401(k) with Company Match Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Time Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Commuter Benefits Life and Accident Insurance Disability Insurance Tuition Reimbursement Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Identity Theft Remediation Emergency Travel Assistance Veeco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics. Veeco is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

Veeco Instruments Inc