Periodic Labs
Process Engineer, Thin Films
About this role
Periodic Labs is seeking a Process Technician to operate and maintain a dedicated thin-film deposition and characterization laboratory in Menlo Park. You will execute deposition recipes, prepare samples, perform first-line maintenance, and ensure tools remain qualified and in specification—critical work that directly enables the company's AI-driven materials discovery platform.
What you'll do
- Execute thin-film deposition recipes on vacuum systems, including chamber setup, process monitoring, and result logging
- Prepare wafer samples through dicing, cleaving, mounting, and substrate cleaning per specification
- Operate characterization tools to collect structural, optical, and electrical film data; identify tool versus material issues
- Perform preventive and first-line maintenance including chamber opens, source changes, leak checks, and calibration verification
- Monitor tool qualification through regular runs, track performance metrics, and flag performance drift early
- Support non-standard experimental work by safely executing off-recipe parameters and documenting actual outcomes
- Maintain detailed records of all operations and ensure chemical safety, cleanroom protocol, and inventory management
What they're looking for
- Thin-film deposition equipment operation (3+ years hands-on experience)
- Sample preparation and handling of delicate materials
- Metrology data interpretation and film measurement verification
- Vacuum systems troubleshooting and maintenance
- Cleanroom discipline and chemical safety protocols
- Mechanical troubleshooting and equipment maintenance procedures
- Rigorous documentation and data recording practices
- Independent prioritization across multiple engineer requests
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Periodic Labs
Periodic Labs builds AI systems and autonomous lab infrastructure to accelerate materials discovery and scientific research, integrating machine learning with physical lab workflows and quantum simulation. The company is hiring for infrastructure engineers, product engineers, research engineers, and deployment specialists who bridge AI models with materials scientists and lab automation systems.
View all jobs at Periodic LabsLikely interview questions
- Walk us through a time when a deposition recipe ran but produced off-spec results—how did you diagnose whether it was a tool problem or a process issue?
- Describe your experience with vacuum system pump-down procedures and what signs indicate a leak or contamination problem.