Equipment Engineering Specialist - USA

Nearfield Instruments is a scale-up bringing together creative minds in science and technology to develop revolutionary high-throughput atomic force microscopy (AFM) systems. Our technology enables atom-scale, true 3D metrology at industry-level throughput and is increasingly critical to advanced semiconductor manufacturing.We design, develop, integrate, market, and service advanced metrology tools and are expanding our service footprint across the U.S. and Asia in support of key semiconductor customers.What will you be doing?As an Equipment Engineering Specialist II, you are the onsite technical program lead responsible for product performance, technology readiness, and strategic execution at a customer development site.You act as the single point of accountability for product-line technical issues, bridging customer needs, field execution, and internal engineering. This role sits at the intersection of new product introduction (NPI), technology development, and HVM ramp readiness, requiring both hands-on technical depth and program-level leadership.You will work closely with Technical Program Managers, Service Leadership, and Applications team to ensure alignment to customer objectives, while driving continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and technical innovation.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Ownership & ExecutionLead technology readiness and transition from development to HVMOwn complex tool, system, and process issue resolution in a fab environmentDrive structured troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actionsDefine and implement equipment, software, and process improvements with engineeringProgram & Customer LeadershipServe as primary technical interface to the customer for all product-related topicsBuild strong relationships with customer engineers, tool owners, and managementLead cross-functional task forces to resolve critical issues (safety, reliability, process, software)Deliver clear program updates, status reports, and executive-level communicationSafety, Risk & CompliancePerform risk assessments for all product and process changes prior to executionEnsure compliance with industry standards (SEMI, CE) and site safety requirementsContinuous Improvement & StrategyDrive continuous improvement (CIP) and innovative technical solutionsSupport technology transfer and scaling strategies for HVM ramp and site growthOperational AlignmentAlign with service and spares teams to define sustaining support requirementsSupport installation, upgrade, and service execution to meet customer commitmentsEscalate risks proactively when performance or commitments are at riskWhat do we require from you?Proven ability to operate as a technical authority in a customer-facing semiconductor environmentStrong program ownership mindset with the ability to lead across functions without direct authorityDemonstrated capability in risk assessment, problem-solving, and structured decision-makingAbility to balance strategic thinking with hands-on executionExcellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skillsSelf-directed, high-accountability individual comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environmentSpecific education & experience include:Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferred); PMP or equivalent project management experience is a plus :10+ years of experience in semiconductor capital equipment or fab operationsStrong technical background in: Equipment engineering, installation, and maintenanceStructured troubleshooting and root cause methodologiesExperience supporting advanced semiconductor customers in development and/or HVM environmentsWorking knowledge of:Data analysis and statistical methods & Quality methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma)Industry standards (SEMI, CE)Proficiency with standard engineering and business tools (MS Office, SAP, SharePoint, etc.)