About the role
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.