Tool Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TSMC's Advanced Tool and Module Development Function in R&D is establishing a new engineering team in the US as a direct extension of its organization in Taiwan. This newly formed team will serve as the on-site technical bridge and represent headquarter R&D teams in working shoulder-to-shoulder with US-based semiconductor equipment suppliers to shorten the AI-driven intelligence and process control development cycle from prototype to process verification.  

In this role, you will do more than manage vendor relations-you will co-develop and co-design next-generation and pre-alpha intelligent systems from the ground up. Your mission is to accelerate the hardware-software verification and commercialization pipeline, directly influencing the future of global semiconductor fabrication through autonomous systems. Because this team covers the entire spectrum of process modules (Etch, EPI, Thin Film, Wet, CMP, Metrology, etc.), TSMC is seeking versatile, brilliant minds who understand how AI algorithms and intelligent control directly impact process physics and tool performance.  

You will join us in our San Jose office, operating on a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in-office.

Responsibilities

• Co-Design & Joint Development: Partner deeply with key US tool suppliers to drive the engineering, architecture, and design of pre-alpha and next-generation process chambers and hardware systems.
• Intelligent Control & Performance: Lead the development of in-situ sensor fusion and closed-loop control systems to optimize tool performance. Drive initiatives for tool-to-tool matching and predictive health monitoring to achieve superior cost efficiency and ESG targets.
• Agentic AI & Digital Twin: Architect Agentic AI capabilities via secure infrastructure to automate complex engineering workflows, enabling autonomous execution. Develop Digital Twin strategies to dramatically shorten the cycle from R&D to high-volume manufacturing (HVM).
• Cross-Module Collaboration: Interface with R&D headquarter module teams to deliver robust AI-driven modeling, intelligent control, and autonomous execution on supplier sites.
• Technical Leadership: Act as the on-site TSMC AI technical expert in California, guiding supplier software and data engineering teams to align with TSMC's aggressive technology roadmap.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2-10 years of experience and a Ph.D. in a STEM field (such as EE, ME, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Data Science) with a specialization in AI/ML, Process Modeling, PIML, Reinforcement Learning, or LLM applications for industrial automation
• Deep expertise in closed-loop control theory, sensor fusion, and predictive maintenance algorithms.
• Practical knowledge of Agentic AI, LLM integration, and building Copilot systems within secure engineering environments.
• Understanding of Digital Twin architecture and physics-based modeling for semiconductor process simulation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong cross-functional communication and negotiation skills to effectively collaborate with external supplier executives and internal TSMC R&D teams.
• A thriving mindset in an ambiguous, fast-paced, "pre-alpha" R&D environment.

Company Description

Join TSMC Technology, Inc. (TTI), an innovation hub of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC). TSMC has been a pioneer in the semiconductor industry since 1987. With teams located in San Jose, CA, and Austin, TX, TTI is dedicated to advancing semiconductor technology through expertise in physical design, memory design, analog mixed signal, power management, and groundbreaking computational AI machine learning research. Our mission is to drive the future of semiconductor innovation through unparalleled R&D and customer-focused IP. Be part of a team that shapes the next generation of technological advancements.

As a trusted technology and capacity provider, TSMC is driven by the desire to be:

1. The world's leading dedicated semiconductor foundry
2. The technology leader with a strong reputation for manufacturing excellence
3. Advancing semiconductor manufacturing innovations to enable the future of technology

TSMC pioneered the pure-play foundry business model when it was founded in 1987 and has been the world's leading dedicated semiconductor foundry ever since. The Company supports a thriving ecosystem of global customers and partners with the industry's leading process technologies and a portfolio of design enablement solutions to unleash innovation for the global semiconductor industry. With global operations spanning Asia, Europe, and North America, TSMC serves as a committed corporate citizen around the world.

In North America, TSMC has a strong sales and service organization that works with customers by helping them achieve silicon success with cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing excellence. The Company has continued to accelerate its R&D investment and staffing in recent years and is expanding its manufacturing footprint to support customer innovation with 3D IC technologies and optimal manufacturing capacity.

For positions requiring access to technical data subject to export control regulations, including Export Administration Regulations, TSMC North America may have to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Government for certain individuals.  All employment is contingent upon TSMC North America obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by the U.S. Government.

TSMC Core Values

At TSMC, we invite talented individuals who share our vision and values to contribute to our continued success. Our core values are the foundation of our culture, guiding every decision and action. We seek applicants who deeply resonate with these principles and embody them in their work:  

• Integrity: Tell the truth. We do not brag. We do not make commitments lightly. Once we make a commitment, we devote ourselves completely to meeting that commitment.
• Commitment: Employees are dedicated to the company, view the company's success as their own and work diligently to make their best contributions. As commitment is mutual, the Company strives to serve the best interests of its employees.
• Innovation: Innovation is the wellspring of the Company's growth. It means more than new ideas; it means putting ideas into practice.  
• Customer Trust: We strive to build deep and enduring relationships with our customers, who trust and rely on us to be part of their success over the long term.

(For more details on TSMC's Core Values, please visithttps://www.tsmc.com/english/aboutTSMC/values)

Diversity statement

TSMC Technology, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

TSMC is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us at g_accommodations@tsmc.com. TSMC confirms to all applicants its commitment to meet TSMC's obligations under applicable employment law. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 

Pay Transparency / Benefits statement

At TSMC, your base pay is only part of your overall total compensation package. At the time of this posting, this role typically pays a base salary between $150,000 and $250,000 per year. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hires. Actual pay may be more or less than the posted range. Factors that influence pay include the individual's skills, qualifications, education, experience and the position level and location.  TSMC's total compensation package consists of market competitive pay, allowances, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits. We also offer extensive development opportunities and programs.