Register for SOSV Deep Tech Live – Dr. Rick Gottscho on Plasma & Semiconductors

SOSV is a global venture capital firm investing in deep tech startups solving the world’s hardest problems – and we are expanding! HAX, SOSV’s hard tech arm, is launching a pioneering hard tech hub in Princeton focused on breakthrough applications of plasma physics. This initiative is funded with $52m, including $25m from NJEDA, and is a partnership between SOSV HAX & Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL). The partnership will be called HAX Plasma Forge and will focus on accelerating the commercialization of key technologies leveraging plasma physics, including next-gen semiconductor fabrication & materials, fusion energy & fusion supply chain, and plasma catalysis. The initiative will fund 25 companies over the next 5 years, and provide access to the existing HAX global ecosystem of engineering and manufacturing resources and talent, supply chain sourcing, commercialization expertise, and capital networks. The new site will be in Princeton, NJ and have on-site labs with best-in-class equipment and a team of on-site engineers to help accelerate startups.   

We are seeking an entrepreneurial Site Lead for HAX Plasma Forge with semiconductor industry experienceto lead the Plasma Forge site. This role is highly interactive with PPPL, which will help to conduct due diligence on potential start-ups, and leverage their expertise & resources to accelerate the investments made by the Plasma Forge. The Forge will also hire Plasma Technicians and Scientists to run day to day operations in the lab and drive the execution of work to enable startups to rapidly iterate and de-risk technologies to establish product market fit.  This is a rare opportunity to combine deep technical expertise with venture investing, technology commercialization, and ecosystem building at the frontier of semiconductor and plasma innovation.

Expected Salary Range: $170,000-$220,000. SOSV also offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees.  Interested candidates are welcome to send a resume and cover letter to haxjobs@sosv.com.

Roles & Responsibilities

Site Leadership & Ecosystem Building

  • Lead day-to-day operations of HAX Plasma Forge in Princeton
  • Build a high-performance environment for frontier hardware startups
  • Develop strong partnerships with PPPL, Princeton-area institutions, and industry
  • Interface with New Jersey state agencies and report on site progress and impact
  • Represent SOSV/HAX within the regional semiconductor and plasma ecosystem

Founder Support & Technical Enablement

  • Advise startups on semiconductor materials and processes, plasma systems, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Coordinate rigorous technical feedback on process development and scaling
  • Support startup companies in evaluating market opportunities, engaging with potential customers, and creating a clear GTM strategy
  • Connect teams to suppliers, equipment partners, pilot customers, and experts
  • Help founders translate breakthrough science into manufacturable, investable companies
  • Make strategic connections to the semiconductor industry and beyond

Investment Sourcing & Diligence

  • Source and evaluate startups in semiconductor equipment & materials, fusion, and plasma catalysis
  • Support investment decisions and collaborate with the broader SOSV/HAX investment team

Background & Experience

Education

  • PhD preferred in Plasma Physics, Physical Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with strong semiconductor or plasma focus

Industry Experience

  • 3–5+ years in the semiconductor or plasma industry (e.g., Lam Research, Applied Materials, Intel, KLA, ASML, or similar)
  • Experience in plasma processing, thin films, etch/deposition, semiconductor equipment, process integration, or advanced materials manufacturing

Technical Strength

  • Deep understanding of plasma–material interactions and semiconductor process flows
  • Ability to rigorously evaluate technical claims, experimental data, and scaling pathways
  • Comfortable engaging with cutting-edge research and industrial engineering challenges

Personal Attributes

  • Entrepreneurial mindset with strong ownership and initiative
  • Natural networker who enjoys working closely with founders and partners
  • Technically rigorous yet creative and flexible in solving complex problems
  • Strong communicator able to bridge scientists, engineers, investors, and policymakers

SOSV is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic protected under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination or applicable federal law.