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.