General Atomics · 8 hours ago
Associate Thin Film Materials Engineer
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
$63K/yr - $106K/yrGeneral Atomics is a leading resource for high-technology systems development, and they are seeking a Thin Film Materials Engineer to join their Inertial Fusion Technology group. The role involves developing, producing, and analyzing materials for laser-driven fusion research, while also managing project specifications and ensuring quality in production processes.
EnergyEnergy EfficiencyManufacturingWireless
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Work with a high degree of independence in project management while incorporating inputs and constraints from others in a team environment
Translate customer specifications into practical fabrication plan with best product quality while minimizing production cost
Perform PVD coatings, including rate check, composition optimization, stress optimization, and contamination control
Handle and manage radioactive materials in accordance with safety protocols and regulatory guidelines
Work in radiation-controlled areas as part of daily operational tasks
Apply semiconductor techniques to produce targets in the form-factor required, such as photolithography patterning, photoresist lift-off, mask design and procurement, silicon wafer etching, silicon wafer cleaning etc
Perform failure analysis, implement and carry out mitigation plan in timely manner
Understand and master characterization techniques over time to support the generation of a comprehensive metrology data package that ships with each project
Open to explore new scientific methods and adapt to the production and characterization of targets
Pursue research projects under the direction of senior staff and management, and work with and provide support to the wider IFT team and national laboratory collaborators in the above topic areas
Perform equipment maintenance, repair and upgrade
Maintain safe, clean, and organized coating laboratories
Documents findings, communicates results to scientific staff and makes technical presentations as required
May publish in recognized scientific journals and present work at conferences
Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Typically requires a bachelors degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education
Understand and apply general scientific principles. Be willing to learn and explore new scientific approaches
Must be able to pass a fit test for wearing a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) due to routine work with radiological materials; employment is contingent upon successful completion of this fit test
Must demonstrate: (1) technical expertise and application of scientific principles, concepts, theory, and practice; (2) the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones; and (3) effective in a team environment but have ability to perform with high level of independence
Must be able to stand for extended periods, safely climb up and down ladders, and lift up to 60 pounds using appropriate equipment and safety procedures
Preferred
A degree in Physical Science is desirable, in areas such as Physics, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Nano Engineering
Prior hands-on experience in coating equipment and PVD/CVD coating processes highly desired. This includes, but is not limited to, sputtering, e-beam, thermal evaporative coatings, ALD etc
Prior semi-conductor industry experience is highly desired. This includes, but is not limited to, cleanroom protocol, common semiconductor processes such as photoresist spinning and lift-off, photolithography patterning etc
Software experience can be helpful, such as SolidWork, AutoCAD, LabVIEW
The ability to learn and perform target characterization using optical and x-ray based metrology tools. This could include Xray absorption spectroscopy, XRF, Radiography, Scanning electron microscopy with EDAX/EDS, various forms of interferometry and confocal microscopy methods, in addition of conventional optical microscopes, Stylus and AFM tools. Prior experience in this area is desirable, but not required
Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance is highly desired
Company
General Atomics
General Atomics is a defense and technology company specializing in research and technology development.
Founded in 1955
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$6.76MKey Investors
US Department of EnergyTechstars,Techstars Ventures
2023-08-14Grant
2023-05-09Grant
2022-09-19Grant
Leadership Team
Wayne Solomon
Vice President, Magnetic Fusion Energy
Recent News
2026-01-19
2026-01-15
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