Electromechanical Engineer
About the job
- A Master of Science or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
- At least 7 years of experience in semiconductor equipment development, including at least 3 years specifically in electrostatic chuck technology.
- Demonstrated expertise in electrostatic principles, high-voltage systems, and materials compatibility.
- Lead the design, development, and optimization of advanced electrostatic chucks for semiconductor wafer handling and processing.
- Direct a cross-functional team of engineers and collaborate with manufacturing, materials science, and quality assurance teams.
- Develop technical specifications, project plans, and design criteria for electrostatic chuck systems.
- Oversee prototyping, testing, validation, and production implementation processes.
- Optimize electrostatic chuck performance parameters, including electrostatic force distribution, temperature uniformity, and particulate contamination control.
- Drive innovation to address industry challenges such as radio-frequency compatibility, charging and discharging speed, and lifetime reliability.
- Analyze test data and implement design improvements to meet performance and yield targets.
- Collaborate with Substrate staff to understand requirements and deliver solutions that match advanced process needs.
About the company
Substrate is developing a new chipmaking system that uses X-ray lithography powered by a proprietary particle accelerator to pattern circuits on silicon wafers. The technology aims to lower lithography costs by about half and is demonstrated at U.S. National Laboratories and in its own facilities. It differentiates itself by pursuing a more vertically integrated U.S. foundry to reduce reliance on overseas fabrication and strengthen supply-chain resilience. The goal is to produce its first chips by 2028 and help bring advanced AI and robotics chips manufacturing back to the United States.
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Late Stage VC
Total Funding
$100M
Headquarters
San Francisco, California
Founded
2022
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- July 2026 funding hit $100 million, valuing Substrate above $1 billion.
- Trump administration attention aligns Substrate with U.S. reshoring and national-security procurement.
- Fifty employees from IBM, TSMC, Applied Materials support rapid prototype iteration.
What critics are saying
- Substrate ships no production tool; 2028 first-chip claims remain unproven.
- ASML and TSMC already control the ecosystem, masks, resists, and fab integration.
- If accelerator lithography misses cost targets, Substrate becomes a capital-consuming science project.
What makes Substrate unique
- Substrate's accelerator-based X-ray lithography attacks ASML's EUV monopoly.
- James Proud recruited ex-TSMC, IBM, Google, and national-lab engineers.
- In-Q-Tel, Founders Fund, and General Catalyst financed the 2025 unicorn round.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
- Unlimited Paid Time Off
- Flexible Work Hours
- Remote Work Options
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Sick Leave
- Paid Holidays