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Tool Development Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Debug Tools SoC Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

... the silicon development cycle -Actively leverage AI - both for productivity and in tool ... engineering workflows Strong problem-solving skills and comfort operating across hardware and ...

Ultra Clean Technology

R&D Engineer III

Austin, TX · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

... tool platforms. * Maintain full knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing micro-contamination ... development engineering role or a combination of directly related process engineering and ...

New

Apple

GPU Silicon Validation Engineer

Austin, TX

... failure triage, and tool development. We work hand-in-hand with the design, verification ... Leadership and/or mentoring experience in an engineering environment. Experience managing a ...

Graphcore

Principal System Debug Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Drive technical innovation across triage and debug workflows through tool development, scripting, methodology enhancements, and cross-functional engineering initiatives. * Mentor engineers and ...

Apple

GPU Silicon Validation Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

... failure triage, and tool development. We work hand-in-hand with the design, verification ... Leadership and/or mentoring experience in an engineering environment. Experience managing a ...

Apple

Virtuoso Custom CAD Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

... flows, tool development, installation and maintenance - Work with the design team to develop ... programming/scripting Preferred Qualifications Experience in analog and digital new product ...

Graphcore

Principal System Debug Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Drive technical innovation across triage and debug workflows through tool development, scripting, methodology enhancements, and cross-functional engineering initiatives. * Mentor engineers and ...

Apple

Virtuoso Custom CAD Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

... flows, tool development, installation and maintenance - Work with the design team to develop ... programming/scripting Preferred Qualifications Experience in analog and digital new product ...

Apple

Virtuoso Custom CAD Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

As a CAD Engineer of Custom Infrastructure Support, you will provide support for digital, analog ... flows, tool development, installation and maintenance • Work with the design team to develop ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsTool Development Engineer JobsTool Development Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

Tool Development Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$48.6K

$95.3K

$152.2K

How much do tool development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for tool development engineer in Austin, TX is $95,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,800.00 and $105,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tool development engineer?

Tool Development Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain tools, software, or equipment used to optimize production processes or support engineering teams. Their responsibilities often include understanding user requirements, creating prototypes, testing tools, and improving existing solutions to enhance efficiency and quality. They work closely with manufacturing, software, or hardware teams, depending on the industry. Tool Development Engineers play a critical role in increasing productivity and ensuring the reliability of tools used in various technical environments.

What are some common challenges faced by tool development engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Tool Development Engineers often work closely with software developers, QA testers, and product managers to create and refine tools. A common challenge is balancing differing priorities, such as development speed versus tool robustness or user-friendliness. Effective communication and flexibility are key to understanding and addressing the unique needs of each team. Regular feedback sessions and clear documentation help ensure that the tools developed meet the evolving requirements of all stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tool development engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tool Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, programming languages (such as Python, C++, or Java), and a relevant degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, version control systems, and automation tools, as well as certifications in relevant frameworks, are typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable collaboration and innovative tool design. These competencies are crucial for developing efficient, reliable tools that optimize engineering workflows and support organizational productivity.

What is the difference between Tool Development Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectTool Development EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing tools and equipment used in manufacturing processesPlanning, implementing, and improving manufacturing processes and workflows
Skills & CertificationsMechanical design, CAD, problem-solving, certifications like Six Sigma or LeanProcess engineering, project management, certifications like Six Sigma or Lean
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing plants, R&D facilitiesFactories, production lines, plant floor
Industry UsageCommon in automotive, aerospace, electronics manufacturingWidely used across various manufacturing sectors including consumer goods and industrial equipment

While both roles support manufacturing operations, the Tool Development Engineer primarily focuses on creating and improving tools and equipment, whereas the Manufacturing Engineer concentrates on optimizing entire production processes. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Tool Development Engineer jobs in Austin, TX?

For Tool Development Engineer jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tool Development Engineer jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Tool Development Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:

Tool Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tool Development Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,309 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Staff Process Development Engineer

Atomic Semi

Austin, TX • On-site

$165 - $220/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize semiconductor and thin-film fabrication processes.

  • Operate and learn a range of semiconductor tools including deposition, etch, lithography, and metrology systems.

  • Analyze process data, troubleshoot issues, and document findings to improve process recipes and ensure consistency, yield, and throughput.

Job description

About fab2

The fab2 team can build anything. We design all the hardware and software needed to make chips and we make the fabs, tools, and components ourselves. We're looking for exceptional, hands-on people who can iterate to the limits of what's possible.

fab2 was founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller. Sam is best known for making chips in his garage, and Jim has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for the past 40 years.

About the team

The Process Team sits at the heart of our in-house device development, driving the design of each new generation of tools. This is unlike any role at a traditional foundry—we simultaneously develop recipes, apply novel materials, test and characterize our chips, and troubleshoot tools.

About the role

As a Process Development Engineer at fab2, you’ll be responsible for experiment design and execution of new semiconductor and thin-film fabrication methods. We're looking for someone with both a strong understanding of traditional semiconductor processing methods and an open-mindedness to new techniques. It'll be helpful if you have the ability to digest and filter a large body of existing work (academic papers, books, etc.)

This is a high-ownership role with lots of autonomy in a fast-moving startup environment. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to novel R&D processes and influence tool design. Candidates should have hands-on cleanroom experience and a track record of developing nanofabrication recipes from scratch, ideally across multiple process steps.

Responsibilities
  • Work in the lab to design and run experiments alongside senior process engineers
  • Read academic papers and technical literature to inform experimental design; whiteboard ideas and iterate quickly
  • Learn and operate a range of semiconductor tools, including deposition, etch, lithography, and metrology systems
  • Develop, transfer, and optimize process recipes across platforms with a focus on consistency, yield, and throughput
  • Analyze process data, troubleshoot recipe or equipment issues, and clearly document findings and results for the team
Required Experience
  • PhD + 10 years of experience (or equivalent) developing nanofabrication processes, device flows, and mentoring technical teams
  • Experience operating thin film deposition, dry etch, and lithography tools
  • Hands-on cleanroom experience with multi-step fabrication flows
  • Recipe development and optimization for some subset of thin film deposition, dry etch, or lithography
  • Familiarity with key metrology such as ellipsometry, profilometry, SEM, etc
Nice-to-have
  • Mechanical or maintenance experience with fab tools
  • Full device-flow experience
Working at fab2

We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and offices in Austin and San Francisco.

Compensation

fab2 is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $165,000 – $220,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in fab2.

Benefits

fab2 Semi offers the following benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time
  • Visa Sponsorship
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Weekly Learning & Development opportunities
  • Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office
  • Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or other legally protected statuses.

Export Control Analysis

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

fab2, formerly known as Atomic Semi

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