Equipment Technician, Plasma Processes
Location: Tempe, AZ
Division: Engineering
Department: Technology
Reports to: Senior Engineer, Chips
About Us
Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines to the world today. QCi products are designed to operate at room temperature and low power at an affordable cost. The Company’s portfolio of core technology and products offer unique capabilities in the areas of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cyber security as well as remote sensing applications.
Position Description
The Equipment Technician – Plasma Processes supports daily operations and maintenance of plasma etch and deposition tools within QCi’s thin‑film lithium niobate wafer fab. This role focuses on ensuring safe, reliable, and continuous operation of systems such as PECVD, ICP, RIE, and IBE equipment. Working closely with equipment engineers, process engineers, and operations staff, the technician performs preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment recovery activities to maximize uptime, process stability, and production throughput in a cleanroom environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and calibrations on plasma etch and deposition systems (e.g., PECVD, ICP, RIE, IBE).
- Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and vacuum system issues, including RF power, robotics, pumps, and gas delivery components.
- Execute equipment startup, qualification, and recovery procedures with attention to safety and process control.
- Respond promptly to tool alarms, process deviations, and equipment malfunctions to minimize downtime.
- Collaborate with equipment and process engineers to support experiments, hardware changes, and continuous improvement projects.
- Maintain accurate maintenance logs, fault records, and part replacement histories in equipment management systems.
- Support robot and wafer handling system alignment, calibration, and troubleshooting.
- Manage spare parts usage, assist with parts ordering, and work with vendors for field service coordination.
- Follow all EHS and cleanroom protocols, including safe handling of high‑voltage, vacuum, cryogenic, and hazardous gas systems.
- Contribute to documentation development for operating procedures, PM instructions, and troubleshooting guides.
Required Skills and Experience
- Associate’s degree or technical diploma in Electronics, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field; or equivalent military/industry training.
- 3+ years of hands‑on maintenance experience in semiconductor, photonics, or precision manufacturing environments.
- Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, and robotic subsystems.
- Experience maintaining or operating plasma process tools (PECVD, RIE, ICP, IBE, or similar).
- Working knowledge of RF systems, high vacuum (turbomolecular, cryo, roughing), gas delivery, and motion control.
- Familiarity with lock‑out/tag‑out procedures, cleanroom safety, and hazardous gas handling.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and maintenance manuals.
- Proficiency in using diagnostic tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, leak detectors, and endpoint monitors.
- Basic computer literacy with maintenance tracking or SPC software for logging and reporting.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills in a fast‑paced production environment.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience with wafer handling robotics, load lock systems, and vacuum transfer modules.
- Background in photonics, compound semiconductor, or thin‑film device fabrication.
- Background in photolithography equipment repair and maintenance.
- Hands‑on knowledge of PLCs, motion controllers, or automation interfaces.
- Familiarity with TPM, 5S, and structured troubleshooting methods such as 8D.
- Demonstrated experience assisting with equipment upgrades or continuous improvement projects.
Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above. Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.