Summary: We are seeking an experienced Senior Field Service Engineer to support, troubleshoot, and maintain vacuum environment robotic systems deployed in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This role requires expert level mechanical and electronic systems troubleshooting capability, familiarity with semiconductor fabrication environments, and the ability to analyze and diagnose complex operational issues in robots and their sub-systems. The ideal candidate will communicate complex technical issues clearly and concisely through written reports, schematics, and verbal briefings to various stake holders.
The ideal candidate excels in customer-facing environments, manages escalations with clarity and urgency, and collaborates crossโfunctionally with engineering, applications, quality, and service teams. This position also requires the ability to write, review, and deliver highโquality root-cause, 5-Whys and corrective actions reports based on forensic teardown of RMA systems. Frequent domestic and international travel is required to support global semiconductor OEM and end user customers. This role bridges service, engineering, quality, manufacturing, suppliers, and internal/external stakeholders to start from ambiguous failures in remotely located robotic systems and end at actionable, data-backed conclusions.
Reports to: Director of Customer Service
Direct Reports: None
Responsibilities and Deliverables:Advanced Troubleshooting & Analysis- Lead endtoend failure investigations of robotic systems including mechanisms, motors, cables, connectors, encoders, electronics, and software.
- Perform forensic teardown, nondestructive and destructive analysis, and controlled replication of failure conditions.
- Distinguish symptoms vs. mechanisms vs. root causes under incomplete or conflicting data.
- Drive 5Why, Ishikawa, faulttree, and hypothesistesting methodologies
- Identify multifactor root causes (design, process, parts/supplier, environment, usage) of robot handling errors, robot motion failures, communication faults, and vacuum system abnormalities.
- Validate root causes through data, experiment, and repeatability.
- Write and review detailed failure analysis (FA) /RMA reports, ensuring clear documentation of root cause, corrective action, and prevention measures.
Vacuum Robot Support- Provide the OEM and End user technical support via phone, email and in person.
- Help with Installs, commission, and service vacuum waferโhandling robots integrated into semiconductor process equipment.
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance, including robot motion system service, precision alignment, and contamination control.
- Support waferhandling accuracy, endeffector alignment, and highโvacuum performance.
Customer Communication & Escalation Support
- Serve as a senior technical resource for OEM and End users.
- Manage escalations with structured communication, detailed action plans, and complete resolution.
- Compile service data into customerready reports and presentations using CRM and other reporting tools.
Project & Cross-Functional Work- Lead system upgrades, retrofits, installations, and multitool deployments.
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, applications, and product management to improve tool reliability and performance.
- Maintain accurate service history, configuration updates, and documentation within CRM platforms.
Skills Required:- Strong mechanical and electronics troubleshooting skills.
- Experience analyzing logs and diagnostic data to identify vacuum robot system faults.
- Proven ability to write, review, and present failure analysis and RMA reports.
- Experience communicating with end users and OEM engineering teams and managing escalations.
- Proficiency with CRM software and customerโfacing documentation.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Preferred Skills:- Handson semiconductor fab experience including cleanroom protocols and contamination control.
- Knowledge of highโvacuum systems and waferโhandling robotics.
- Experience with robot software, motion control systems, and automation software.
- Familiarity with structured problemsolving methodologies (8D, 5โWhy, Ishikawa).
- Experience supporting highโvolume manufacturing environments.
Experience Required:- 5+ years of field service experience supporting semiconductor equipment, robotics, automation, or highโprecision electromechanical systems.
Other Requirements:- Required approx. 40% travel includes local, domestic and international location
- Work is sedentary in nature, but may require standing, walking, grasping, and lifting/moving up to 25 pounds
Education Required:- Bachelorโs degree in Robotics Engineering, Electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Engineering Technology, or related technical fields.
Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $100k to $120k per hour/year. The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidateโs relevant experience, skills, job-related knowledge, internal equity, and geographical location.
Why Persimmon Technologies?At Persimmon Technologies, we prioritize our employees' well-being and growth. We offer competitive compensation packages including comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental and vision), generous paid time off, 100% company paid short-term, long-term disability insurance, 100% company paid Basic life and AD&D insurance and a 401(k) plan with 5% company matching. Our commitment to professional development ensures continuous learning and career advancement. Join us and experience a workplace that supports your success and well-being.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:Persimmon Technologies is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reach out to HR if you require assistance in completing the applications or attending interviews.