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Afm Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

W3Global Inc.

Founding Process Engineer

Goleta, CA

$110K - $150K/yr

We're looking for our first Process Engineer who will own the full PCSEL fabrication process ... and metrology (AFM, SEM, TEM, etc.). * Comfortable owning ambiguous problems in a startup ...

KBR, Inc.

Semiconductor Device Engineer

Beavercreek, OH · On-site

... AFM), and optical microscopes. • Device Simulation (TCAD): Utilize TCAD simulation tools (e.g ... PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Nanoengineering, or a closely ...

ASM

Principal Process Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

As a Principal Process Engineer at ASM, you will work with semiconductor processing and analytical ... Materials characterization techniques such as XPS, SIMS, RBS, AFM, XRR, XRD, TEM, SEM and ...

Broadcom, Inc.

Defect Engineer

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$102K - $133K/yr

Job Overview As a Defect Engineer within the Wireless Semiconductor Division (WSD) at Broadcom Inc ... Utilize advanced metrology and physical analysis data (SEM, TEM, AFM, FIB) to define baseline ...

Coherent

Wet Etch Process Engineer

Sherman, TX · On-site

Utilize metrology tools such as AFM, SEM, ellipsometry, profilometry, XPS, XRD, and optical ... Work closely with device engineers and integration teams to integrate wet etch processes into the ...

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Afm Engineer information

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$59.5K

$111.6K

$203K

How much do afm engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for afm engineer in the United States is $111,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an AFM engineer?

AFM Engineers are professionals who specialize in operating and maintaining Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM), which are high-precision instruments used to analyze surfaces at the nanoscale. They are responsible for conducting experiments, interpreting data, troubleshooting equipment issues, and sometimes developing new AFM techniques or applications. AFM Engineers work in fields such as materials science, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and semiconductor research. Their expertise is crucial for advancing research and quality control in industries that require detailed surface characterization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an AFM engineer?

To thrive as an AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, materials science, or engineering, typically with at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field. Proficiency in operating AFM instruments, data analysis software, and familiarity with imaging and surface characterization techniques are essential, as is sometimes certification in relevant laboratory safety or instrumentation. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting results and collaborating with research teams. These competencies are vital to ensure precise measurements, reliable analyses, and successful project outcomes in advanced research or industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by AFM engineers when working with different sample types?

AFM Engineers often encounter challenges related to sample preparation and compatibility, as different materials may require specific handling to achieve accurate measurements. Soft or sticky samples can be particularly difficult, as they may adhere to the AFM tip or deform under scanning forces. Additionally, achieving high-resolution imaging on rough or heterogeneous surfaces can require specialized tips and adjustments to scanning parameters. Collaborating closely with researchers and other engineers is essential to troubleshoot and optimize protocols for each unique sample type.

What is the difference between Afm Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAfm EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, electronics, or related engineering; certifications in AFM technology are commonRequires a degree in mechanical engineering; professional licensure may be preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in laboratories, manufacturing facilities, or R&D settings focused on atomic force microscopyWorks in diverse settings including manufacturing, design, and testing across various industries
Industry UsageSpecialized in nanotechnology, materials science, and microscopy applicationsUsed across automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy sectors

While both roles involve engineering principles, an Afm Engineer specializes in atomic force microscopy technology, whereas a Mechanical Engineer has a broader focus on mechanical systems and design. The choice depends on your industry focus and technical expertise.

What are popular job titles related to Afm Engineer jobs?

For Afm Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Afm Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,632 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Staff Surface Process Engineer / Surface Chemist

San Diego, CA • On-site

San Diego Stealth Startup
See more jobs at San Diego Stealth Startupexternal

$150K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop surface processing methods including cleaning, deposition, coating, curing, and quality control.

  • Specify, develop, optimize, and troubleshoot process equipment such as vapor deposition systems, plasma tools, ovens, and wet processing tools.

  • Design and execute experiments to understand process interactions and optimize surface performance.

Job description

Location: San Diego, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $150,000 - $160,000

Position Overview

We are seeking a Staff Surface Process Engineer / Surface Chemist to develop and scale surface chemistry processes. This role combines deep expertise in precision substrate processing, process equipment engineering and surface chemistry with hands-on laboratory work in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

The successful candidate will drive development of surface chemistry processes including cleaning, coating and surface functionalization and other processes. This role requires experience with equipment used to manufacture and characterize these surfaces.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop surface processing methods including cleaning, deposition, coating, curing, and QC.
  • Develop robust vapor-phase deposition processes including silanization and other surface modification techniques, with emphasis on process uniformity, reproducibility, and manufacturability.
  • Lead development, optimization, qualification, and troubleshooting of plasma cleaning processes.
  • Specify, develop, optimize, and troubleshoot process equipment including vapor deposition systems, plasma tools, ovens, wet processing tools, and related automation.
  • Establish process windows, critical process parameters, and statistical process controls for surface treatments.
  • Design and execute statistically rigorous experiments (DOE) to understand process interactions and optimize surface performance.
  • Characterize processed surfaces using techniques such as ellipsometry, contact angle, AFM, optical microscopy, fluorescence imaging, profilometry, XPS, SEM, and related analytical methods.
  • Translate laboratory processes into scalable manufacturing methods with high yield and reproducibility.
  • Drive equipment selection, installation, qualification, and process transfer to manufacturing.
  • Mentor junior scientists and engineers while fostering rigorous experimental design, scientific curiosity, and rapid technical iteration.

Qualifications

Required:

  • M.S. (+8 years of relevant industrial experience) or Ph.D. (+ 4 years) in Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Demonstrated expertise in surface processing and process development.
  • Extensive experience in one or more of the following:
    • Coating methods including spin coating and dunk coating
    • Plasma cleaning equipment
    • Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), surface planarization
    • Vapor-phase surface deposition processes and equipment
    • Wet chemical cleaning and substrate preparation
  • Strong understanding of process development for glass, silicon, metal oxide, and other semiconductor-related materials.
  • Experience developing manufacturing-ready surface processes with an emphasis on spatial uniformity, repeatability, process capability, and yield.
  • Experience selecting, operating, qualifying, and troubleshooting process equipment.
  • Experience with statistical experimental design (DOE), process optimization, and statistical analysis tools (JMP, Python, R, etc.).
  • Experience using surface characterization techniques including ellipsometry, contact angle, AFM, profilometry, fluorescence microscopy, SEM, XPS, or related methods.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-moving, highly collaborative environment.
  • Hands-on willingness to develop and troubleshoot processes in the laboratory.

Preferred:

  • Experience with biotechnological device manufacturing.
  • Experience integrating surface chemistry with photolithography, nanoimprint lithography, or other advanced fabrication techniques.
  • Experience transferring laboratory processes into pilot or high-volume manufacturing.
  • Experience supporting manufacturing equipment qualification and process validation.

Why Join Us

  • Work with a multidisciplinary team spanning chemistry, engineering, optics, biology and manufacturing.
  • Play a central role in developing scalable processes from research through commercialization.
  • Competitive compensation, equity, comprehensive benefits, and flexibility to support work-life integration.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration