Etching and Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (PECVD) Engineer

Automotive and Surface Transportation; Canada; On-site; CAD 82,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Etching and PECVD Engineer to join their innovative Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre. This role involves developing and optimizing semiconductor etching and dielectric deposition processes, ensuring high-quality fabrication of devices. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research and development, working collaboratively in a dynamic environment that values creativity and teamwork. With a strong focus on integrity and excellence, this position offers the opportunity to make significant contributions to advanced photonic technologies. Join a team that is pushing the boundaries of science and engineering while fostering your professional growth.

Benefits

Comprehensive health and dental coverage

Robust pension plan

Disability and life insurance

Office closure at the end of December

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• 6+ years in semiconductor R&D with a focus on III-V processes.
• Expertise in etching and PECVD systems required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize semiconductor etching and PECVD processes.
• Maintain records and prepare detailed reports for clients.

Skills

Semiconductor R&D

Process Development

Etching Techniques

PECVD Systems

Statistical Process Control

Project Management

Technical Reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physical, Chemical, Materials Sciences or Engineering

PhD in relevant disciplines

Tools

Etching Systems

PECVD Systems

Modelling Software

Job description

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Etching and Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (PECVD) Engineer

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

* The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

Organizational Unit: Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre

Classification: RCO

Duration: 2 Years

Work Arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

The Role

We are looking for an Etching and PECVD Engineer to support our Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre (CPFC) Research Centre. The incumbent would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The CPFC offers our clients and partners access to cutting-edge photonics fabrication services that provide simulation, design, fabrication, testing, characterization, and prototyping services to help move innovative photonic and electronic devices to market. It plays a key role in NRC’s Advanced Photonic Components and Gallium Nitride Electronics Programs.

The primary responsibility of the Engineer will be to develop and sustain a variety of III-V semiconductor etching and dielectric deposition processes to fabricate a wide range of devices on InP, GaAs, Si, or other substrates to meet customer requirements. The RCO will work on etching and dielectric thin-film deposition process development and sustaining.

The key activities of this position are:

• Ensuring that semiconductor etching and dielectric thin-film deposition objectives are met while effectively contributing to CPFC’s overall goals.
• Developing and optimizing new semiconductor etching and PECVD processes, providing expert guidance and technical support to clients.
• Establishing validation and verification criteria for new processes and products to address client and project needs while identifying opportunities for process improvements.
• Maintaining comprehensive records and preparing detailed reports for clients, with publications where applicable.
• Creating and updating documentation detailing qualification and production processes.
• Assisting in the maintenance and characterization of ETCH and PECVD systems and their associated tools.

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physical, Chemical, Materials Sciences or Chemical or Electrical Engineering.

A PhD in one of these disciplines will be considered an asset.

• Extensive* experience in industrial semiconductor R&D and fabrication, with a focus on III-V compound semiconductor process development, support, and sustaining engineering.
• Significant** experience working with III-V etch systems and techniques, including wet and dry etch processes (ICP, RIE).
• Significant** experience working with PECVD deposition systems and thin-film characterization.
• Significant** experience in semiconductor process integration and photonic device fabrication and development.
• Significant** experience leading research and development projects.
• Significant** experience setting up and commissioning new III-V etch and PECVD tools.
• Significant** experience implementing Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DoE), and modelling software.

* Extensive experience is defined as a minimum of six (6) years of experience.
** Significant experience is defined as two (2) to five (5) years of experience.

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• Knowledge of dielectric thin-film deposition, etching, and lithography processes, including their characterization techniques as they relate to III-V semiconductor etch processes.
• Ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues in complex semiconductor fabrication processes and tools.
• Ability to plan, schedule, and execute all steps required for the prototyping and development of microfabricated semiconductor devices.
• Knowledge of process control methodologies, including Design of Experiments (DoE), Statistical Process Control (SPC), process trend analysis, WIP tracking, and MES systems.
• Knowledge of safe practices for handling toxic chemicals, compressed gases, liquid nitrogen, and vacuum/electrical/mechanical systems in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Knowledge of project management principles, tools, and processes.
• Ability to present scientific findings and technical reports.
• Research - Communication (Level 2)
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 2)
• Research - Partnering (Level 2)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-2 level with a salary range of $82,338 to $114,354.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC). As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• The incumbent is expected to work in a cleanroom laboratory environment and follow the established health and safety guidelines.
• The incumbent will be expected to work with hazardous chemicals and materials.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number ( 23689 ) to:

Closing Date: 28 April 2025 - 23:59 Eastern Time

*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.