Careers
R&D Application Engineer
icspi is building the future of nanoscale imaging.
We’ve revolutionized atomic force microscopy (AFM) by miniaturizing it by a factor of 1,000,000x compared to traditional systems: integrating all the components of an AFM onto a single CMOS chip, which we call microAFM.
Our desktop instruments, powered by microAFM, have reset the expectations for nanoscale imaging and are used by hundreds of scientists and engineers in over 40 countries to accelerate R&D and drive manufacturing efficiency in academia and industry.
Now we are using our technology to solve throughput-resolution gaps in the semiconductor industry: catching nanoscale defects to enable new processes and prolong Moore’s Law.
Today, scanning a wafer with AFM would take about 70 years. By using thousands of microAFMs in parallel, we can scan a wafer in a matter of hours.
About the role
As an R&D Application Engineer at icspi, you will work on developing protocols to ensure data quality using our atomic force microscope systems.
We are looking for a resourceful, hands-on engineer. You will play a crucial role in developing and optimizing the scan protocols of our unique micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based AFM technology to drive industry-leading performance and capability.
You will work closely with our engineering team across disciplines (mechanical, electrical, MEMS and applications) to design characterization methods for novel samples, troubleshoot noise, and push the physical limits of our AFM hardware. You will own application and protocol development – defining parameter tuning, calibration routines, hardware selection – and you’ll be accountable for the data quality our systems deliver. You will also design and conduct investigations, working closely with our automation team to turn your protocols into scalable software.
The ideal candidate is a self-starter who uses first principles thinking and has solid experience in precision characterization, surface science or analytical instrumentation.
What you'll do
- Push our AFM systems to the limit to collect high-quality data
- Design and develop scan protocols for samples, including sample preparation, and calibration
- Process data and develop data analysis protocols
- Read academic papers and books to create experimental designs and create new investigations
- Work with MEMS and microfabrication teams to improve chips to optimize data quality
- Work with mechanical and electrical engineers on bring-up of new systems
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher in engineering (electrical, nanotechnology, chemical) or science (physics)
- 3+ years of experience in precision scientific instrumentation, ideally AFM
- Strong scripting skills (Python)
- Hands-on experience with data, signal or image processing
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex issues effectively across hardware and software
Nice to have
- Background in semiconductor industry
- Familiarity with control theory
- Hands-on electronics experience
- MEMS characterization experience
To apply
Send your CV and portfolio to [email protected] with the job title in the subject. Cover letter not necessary.
Working at icspi
We’re a hardware company that designs, manufactures and sells our own products. Our lab and office is in downtown Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
