Senior AFM Developer

From televisions to cars, and from fridges to the device you are reading this on, they are all interconnected by semiconductor chips. To maximise their utility within limited space, methods are continually being devised to shrink them further. However, they've shrunk to a point where conventional measurement techniques fall short. That's where Nearfield Instruments steps in. We've developed pioneering in-line metrology tools such as Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), which provide the accuracy needed when manufacturing advanced semiconductor devices. As a Senior SPM Developer, you'll be at the forefront of developing novel imaging modes tailored for metrology applications.

What you will do:

You will develop and integrate novel imaging modes into Nearfield Instruments’ products, ensuring the accuracy, speed, and reliability required by our clients.

Your responsibilities include:

• Translating customer needs into system requirements and conceptual designs.

• Developing and characterising full instrument prototypes.

• Driving solutions to final product integration with the system engineering team.

• Leading a team of technical experts to develop novel SPM and AFM imaging modes.

• Collaborating with R&D to bring new technologies to market.

• Advising and supporting customers, customer service, and production operations.

Who you’ll be working with:

You’ll be joining Nearfield Instruments’ System Engineering Department, a dynamic, diverse team from all over the world. Here, you'll collaborate with a team of mechatronics, signal processing, software, and application experts. Being a rapidly growing scale-up, we have no closely defined boundaries or hierarchy. What connects us is a drive to develop and build deep-tech metrology solutions that solve our customers’ complex technical challenges.

Who you are:

With your strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills, you boldly get things done while keeping quality, deadlines and customer satisfaction in mind. You have an excellent command of English and demonstrated abilities to lead and mentor a multi-disciplinary team. You also have:

• A Master's degree or PhD in Mechatronics, Physics, or a related field with significant experience in mechatronic systems, mechanics, kinematics, dynamics, or opto-mechanics.

• At least 5 years of experience as an SPM/AFM developer developing SPM/AFM imaging modes from the conceptual phase to application. Experience in the semiconductor equipment field is preferred.

• In-depth knowledge of the design and operation of nanoscale instruments such as SPM or AFM, including the underlying physics.

• Experience with sub-nanometre SPM/AFM metrology and setting up and optimising SPM/AFM measurements for various applications.

• A proven track record designing and realising test setups, as well as designing and executing complex experiments.

What can you expect from us:

Getting on board now is a great opportunity to grow with the company from a technical, personal, and financial perspective. Nearfield's momentum is energetic and promising!

Our starting point is of course to pay someone a fair and competitive salary and besides this we offer you:

• we value your work-live balance;

• time for some relaxation: 240 hours of holiday per calendar year (based on 40 hours);

• 8% of your annual salary (gross) holiday allowance;

• Commuting allowance;

• Discount on your health insurance;

• We are here to support one another, and colleagues are there to help you. TEAM is very important, Together Everyone Achieves More!

• Besides a challenging role where you can utilize the full extent of your professional knowledge.

Who we are:

At Nearfield Instruments, we develop, integrate, market and service advanced 3D metrology solutions, tackling the process control challenges in the nano industry. Our high-throughput 3D QUADRA SPM and our in-line AUDIRA subsurface metrology systems help the world’s leading chipmakers assure the quality of increasingly smaller, complex and powerful IC devices and increase production thereof. Our daringly innovative, atom-scale systems offer solutions for next-gen chips, the latest technologies such as hybrid bonding, and even the most critical layers, including gate-all-around transistors. Founded in 2016 as a scale-up, we now employ 160 of the most creative minds in science and technology.

 Learn more about Nearfield Instruments