Field Service Engineer - Japan

About Nearfield Instruments

Nearfield Instruments (NFI) is a fast‑growing high‑tech scale‑up. We design, develop, integrate, market, and service advanced metrology machines for the semiconductor industry. Our tools enable the world’s leading chipmakers to increase production yield and improve device performance, contributing to the continued scaling of semiconductor technology.

Founded in 2016, Nearfield brings together approximately 430 employees worldwide, combining deep scientific expertise with industrial execution. Our unique, high‑throughput Atomic Force Metrology platform addresses the most advanced metrology challenges in high‑volume semiconductor manufacturing. As our installed base in Japan continues to grow, we are expanding our local service organization.

About the Job

As a Field Service Engineer, you are responsible for the operational performance of Nearfield’s metrology systems at customer fabs in Japan. You carry out preventive and corrective maintenance, execute hardware and software upgrades, and resolve issues that occur during wafer operations.

You work closely with customers as well as with Nearfield’s global service, support, and development teams. In addition to day‑to‑day service activities, you contribute to continuous improvement of system reliability, availability, and serviceability, and provide feedback from the field to support product and service development.

Key responsibilities

• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues on Nearfield Instruments systems.

• Collect and analyze log files and diagnostic data, and perform root‑cause analysis in collaboration with the support organization.

• Execute corrective actions during service interventions and system upgrades.

• Perform and document tests at system and sub‑system level according to service and test plans.

• Identify, resolve, or escalate service-related issues and propose improvements to increase system reliability and service quality.

• Replace and upgrade spare parts using established procedures and tools.

• Develop and maintain test and calibration procedures for (sub)systems.

• Order required spare parts and tools from Nearfield headquarters.

• Inspect, register, and manage delivered spare parts and consumables.

• Prepare facilities, tools, procedures, and systems for service and upgrade activities.

• Maintain the service toolbox, including inspection, cleaning, and replacement of tools when needed.

• Act as Nearfield’s eyes and ears in the customer fab, sharing customer feedback and competitive insights with the organization.

Requirements

• You take ownership and deliver results in a high‑tech, customer‑facing environment.

• You work independently while collaborating effectively with local and global teams.

• You communicate clearly and professionally with customers during both routine service activities and escalations.

• You are structured, analytical, and proactive in identifying improvement opportunities.

Your Background

• Strong knowledge of semiconductor metrology tools and their applications.

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in:

  • Field service in a semiconductor fab environment, or

  • IC processing, semiconductor equipment, or the semiconductor industry.

• Strong affinity with software and control systems.

• Programming experience (e.g. MATLAB, Python) for data analysis or visualization is a plus.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

• Flexible and able to work in a dynamic, fast‑growing scale‑up environment.

• Proficiency in Japanese and English