Equipment Engineer

San Carlos, California, United States

About the company

At Swift Solar, our mission is to unlock the full potential of solar energy. We believe that solar energy has vast untapped potential to power our lives, fuel economies, and strengthen supply chains, while protecting planetary health in the face of global climate change. The reality is that today's solar technology is good, but not good enough. 

Swift Solar is making solar better with its breakthrough tandem technology that harnesses the power of perovskite materials to create solar solutions that are not only more efficient than traditional technology but also more versatile, enabling applications ranging from space solar to utility-scale power generation. 

Swift Solar is a mission-focused startup supported by the US government and backed by world-class investors. It’s a long journey to bring a new clean energy technology to market, and we’re in it for the long haul, together. Join our extraordinary team building the cutting-edge solar technology that will shape the future of the global solar industry. 

A day in the life

As an Equipment Engineer at Swift, you’ll play a critical role in designing, maintaining, and improving the lab and pilot-line equipment that powers our mission. You’ll be the go-to person for equipment operation support and troubleshooting—helping ensure our R&D lab and pilot line run safely, reliably, and efficiently.

On a typical day, you might partner with a Process Engineer to install a new tool, bring it up for first operation, and troubleshoot early issues. You’ll collaborate across teams to define tool requirements, evaluate vendor options, and turn equipment concepts into working systems. That might include meeting with Process and Equipment Engineering to spec a new piece of equipment, coordinating HVAC or electrical upgrades with facilities partners, or working directly with external contractors to get infrastructure ready for a new installation.

This role blends hands-on technical work with systems-level thinking. One moment you may be on the floor troubleshooting sensors, flow controllers, or motion systems; the next you may be calling equipment vendors to solve a persistent technical issue, or writing up preventive maintenance plans to reduce downtime long-term.

As an early hire, you’ll help shape Swift’s culture and technical direction. Because you’ll work across every part of the lab and pilot line, you’ll have a front-row seat to the company’s growth—and many opportunities to expand your scope, build new capabilities, and take ownership of major equipment and facility initiatives.

You might be a good fit if you... 

  • Have 7+ years of experience maintaining and modifying vacuum deposition tools in semiconductor, thin-film, or related high-tech manufacturing environments.
  • Understand the fundamentals of vacuum chamber pumping systems, including mechanical, turbo, and cryogenic pumps, and are familiar with vacuum gauges, valves, and related components.
  • Are a versatile troubleshooter, confident diagnosing and repairing mechanical systems and electrical systems (both high- and low-voltage) in a production or lab setting.
  • Have obtained equipment safety compliance.
  • Hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline (or equivalent practical experience).
  • Enjoy collaboration with process engineers and other stakeholders to resolve equipment issues and improve tool performance.

A strong candidate might bring one or more of the following...

  • Hands-on experience designing and implementing tool modifications, including mechanical redesigns.
  • Direct experience operating thin-film vacuum systems.
  • Experience troubleshooting PLC subsystems and components.
  • Familiarity with Beckhoff and/or Omron PLCs and distributed I/O architectures.
  • Working knowledge of sputtering, evaporation and ALD thin-film processes.
  • Formal training in electrical systems (e.g., Electrical Technology certification or Associate’s degree), particularly useful for wiring, controls, and troubleshooting.
  • Experience thriving in a startup or fast-scaling environment, where you’re comfortable wearing multiple hats and building systems from scratch.

The logistics

  • Compensation: Competitive package including salary, equity, and benefits
    • Expected Pay Range: $100,000 - $145,000 per year
    • The actual offer, reflecting total compensation and benefits, will be determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, and other qualifications 
  • Ideal start date: January – March 2026
  • Location: San Carlos, CA (Swift Solar HQ)

What you’ll love about Swift Solar

  • Work with purpose: Join our mission to unlock the full potential of solar energy and make a global impact. 
  • Lead with innovation: Be part of an extraordinary team building cutting-edge solar technology - growth mindset; culture
  • Thrive with benefits: Have 100% of your monthly premiums for HMO / PPO group healthcare plan options and 75% of your dental and vision insurance premiums covered by us. Employees also benefit from 401(k) matching, clean commuter benefits, and meaningful equity. 
  • Invest in your career: You’ll grow your skills, your network, and your perspective at Swift. We’ll support you in attending conferences and taking online courses, as long as you share your new insights with the team.

 

We recognize that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the criteria. If you’re excited about this role and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every qualification listed. We're eager to meet people from all backgrounds, and your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.

If you believe in our mission, but this isn’t the right job for you, please check out other career opportunities on our website and email us at careers@swiftsolar.com with any questions. And if you have a friend who would be a perfect fit, send them this link. Thanks!

Swift is an equal opportunity employer. We value an inclusive work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives.



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