Lead Equipment Engineer

Lead Equipment Engineer

• AMPeers Location: Houston, TX, on-site Department: Engineering Salary: Based on experience ‍ Background & Job Description: Discovered at the University of Houston in 1987, high temperature superconducting (HTS) tape delivers dramatically higher current densities than copper and aluminum with near-zero resistance AMPeers is a technology startup out of Houston, TX, developing next-generation REBCO high-temperature superconductor tapes and symmetric tape round (STAR®) superconducting wires. Spun out of the University of Houston, our technology enables the widespread adoption of superconductors in fusion magnets, power transmission, and next-generation energy systems. To bring this technology from pilot scale to commercial production, AMPeers is building specialized manufacturing equipment and processes in-house. The Equipment Engineer will play a central role in designing, commissioning, and scaling the tools that enable reliable, high-throughput superconducting tape and wire production. ‍ Job Responsibilities:
• Own equipment strategy and architecture across the full toolset, from concept through commissioning to scaled production.
• Set technical direction and review work for other equipment engineers; mentor junior hires.
• Architect motion, thermal, vacuum, gas delivery, and power subsystems for MOCVD, sputtering, e-beam evaporation, or ion-beam deposition platforms, including tradeoff decisions on make-vs-buy and vendor selection.
• Generate and approve build-ready CAD models and fabrication drawings; own design review process. (Software: SolidWorks or other CAD)
• Diagnose and resolve complex, cross-subsystem tool failures affecting throughput, uptime, and process repeatability at production scale.
• Partner directly with manufacturing, safety, and operations leadership to set hardware specs, BOMs, capex planning, and reliability targets across the equipment roadmap.
• Drive automation strategy and specify software architecture for operator-friendly, repeatable manufacturing.
• Represent equipment engineering in investor, partner, and technical due-diligence conversations as needed. ‍ Requirements:
• Proven track record owning vacuum thin-film deposition tools from concept through sustained production operation.
• Deep control systems expertise across motion, vacuum, thermal, flow, and power, with experience integrating them into a single reliable system.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor other engineers.
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering (advanced degree a plus), or equivalent industry track record. ‍ Preferred Requirements:
• 5+ years of tool ownership from concept-to-operation OR 8+ years relevant industrial equipment experience, including scale-up from pilot to production.
• Experience standing up a toolset or equipment function at an early-stage hardware startup.
• Fluency with industrial automation stacks (Python, LabVIEW, embedded, PLC, etc.)
• Cryogenic, superconducting, or thin-film materials process experience. ‍ What we offer
• Medical coverage (HMO and PPO plan options)
• Dental coverage with 100% no-deductible preventive care
• Vision coverage
• Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• 401(k) plan with company contribution ‍ AMPeers is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds.