Senior Staff Process Engineer

Kepler is building a new class of AI memory and logic.

We combine advanced materials, 3D architectures and deep semiconductor expertise to address fundamental physical limits in computing, including the space and energy required to support growing compute demands.

Our team has shipped technologies used in billions of devices and by hundreds of millions of people. We are backed by pioneers in computing and leading semiconductor companies and work alongside major customers and partners to move new technology from the lab toward real-world application.

At Kepler, you’ll work with curious, driven people solving complex technical challenges through experimentation, evidence and iteration. Your work will contribute directly to the technologies we’re building and to the computing capacity they can make possible.

We are looking for a Senior Staff Process Engineer to own ALD process strategy for a critical module and act as the technical anchor for a small pod of process engineers. This is a hybrid role: you will drive your own advanced process development work while setting technical direction, mentoring engineers, and helping allocate the team's workload. A track record of taking ALD processes from development to fab-scale production and sound judgment under R&D uncertainty are essential.

• Own the technical roadmap for ALD/PEALD process modules from concept through qualification and industrialization at 300mm fab scale.

• Act as technical lead for a small pod of process engineers: set priorities, review experimental plans and data and unblock the team on hard technical problems.

• Mentor engineers and raise the group's technical rigor and DOE discipline.

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact with equipment vendors and cross-functional teams (integration, equipment, metrology, device) on ALD decisions.

• Present technical trade-offs and roadmap progress to senior leadership and drive alignment across stakeholders.

• 8+ years of hands-on ALD/PEALD process development, including 5+ years in a 300mm silicon-fab-scale R&D or manufacturing environment, with a track record of developing and industrializing thin film deposition processes at fab scale (including leading at least one process through full qualification).

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field (or M.S./B.S. with equivalent industry experience).

• Deep expertise in ALD and PEALD deposition and thin film characterization.

• Expert understanding of industry-standard ALD 300mm hardware and process-hardware correlations; able to define hardware requirements and influence tool design.

• Fluency with thin-film metrology (SEM, TEM, XRD, Ellipsometry, XPS/AES, ICP-MS, particle analysis, sheet resistance) and DOE/statistical data analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and lead cross-functional technical discussions, including with customers, vendors, and partners.

• Multi-component/nanolaminate film deposition experience.

• Patents, publications, or conference presentations in thin-film deposition.

Compensation and Benefits

Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, qualifications, education, job responsibilities and work location.

Kepler offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, paid time off and additional Kepler benefits as applicable. Eligibility and benefit offerings may vary based on employment status and work location.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kepler is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

We believe that different backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and ideas make our team stronger and help our employees, our technology and our community thrive.

Reasonable Accommodation

Kepler is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at 408-365-4627 or [email protected].

Fair Chance Hiring

Kepler will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act. Applicants are not required to disclose criminal history before a conditional offer of employment except where otherwise permitted or required by applicable law.

Federal Contractor Notice

Kepler is a federal contractor or subcontractor and is committed to its obligations regarding equal employment opportunity. Kepler does not discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of disability or protected veteran status and takes steps to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.