Defect Inspection Engineer (f/m/d)

Blacksemiconductor; Nordrhein-Westfalen; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Semiconductor in Germany is seeking a Defect Inspection Engineer/Expert to ensure defect-free wafer quality using Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and unpatterned wafer inspection across bare silicon, epitaxial layers and polished wafers in a cleanroom setting.

You will set up and qualify inspection recipes, fine-tune tool parameters, analyze defect data for trends, generate defect maps and Pareto charts, and collaborate across process, equipment and integration teams to drive continuous

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or above in electrical engineering, materials science, physics or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in semiconductor inspection, with a focus on AOI and unpatterned wafer inspection.
• Hands‑on experience with unpatterned wafer inspection systems, such as SPx, and AOI tools such as Eagle or Dragonfly.
• Understanding of semiconductor process flows, including polishing, epitaxy and cleaning.
• Familiarity with defect classification, SEM review and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Proficiency in AOI and defect-review software, such as KLA Klarity and Camtek Inspecta.
• Ability to optimize inspection tools and recipe parameters for sensitivity, inspection quality and repeatability.
• Ability to interpret defect data and identify relevant trends and improvement opportunities.
• Proficiency in JMP for statistical analysis, data visualization and DOE.
• Familiarity with MATLAB or Python is an advantage.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions.

Responsibilities

• Perform AOI and unpatterned wafer inspection on materials such as bare silicon, epitaxial layers and polished wafers
• Set up, qualify and optimize inspection recipes
• Fine-tune inspection tool and recipe parameters to improve defect-detection sensitivity, inspection quality, repeatability and overall performance
• Analyze defect data to identify trends, root causes and potential process excursions
• Interpret defect data and translate findings into actionable insights for process teams
• Generate defect maps, Pareto charts and reports to communicate findings
• Participate in Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize inspection parameters
• Troubleshoot inspection-related issues and support continuous improvement in defect detection and classification
• Collaborate with process, equipment and integration teams

Skills

AOI inspection

Unpatterned wafer inspection

Defect data analysis

DOE

JMP

MATLAB

Python

SPC

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, materials science, physics or related field

Tools

SPx

Eagle

Dragonfly

KLA Klarity

Camtek Inspecta

Job description

Your Role

As a Defect Inspection Engineer/Expert, you will be responsible for ensuring the defect-free quality of semiconductor wafers using Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) systems and unpatterned wafer inspection.

You will detect defects such as particles, scratches, haze, and surface roughness that could impact the yield of our integrated graphene photonics process flow. Working in a cleanroom environment, you will collaborate with process, equipment and integration teams to set up, qualify and optimize inspection recipes, troubleshoot issues, and continuously improve defect detection and classification.

What You’ll Do

• Perform AOI and unpatterned wafer inspection on materials such as bare silicon, epitaxial layers and polished wafers

• Set up, qualify and optimize inspection recipes

• Fine-tune inspection tool and recipe parameters to improve defect-detection sensitivity, inspection quality, repeatability and overall performance

• Analyze defect data to identify trends, root causes and potential process excursions

• Interpret defect data and translate findings into actionable insights for process teams

• Generate defect maps, Pareto charts and reports to communicate findings

• Participate in Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize inspection parameters

• Troubleshoot inspection-related issues and support continuous improvement in defect detection and classification

• Collaborate with process, equipment and integration teams

What You Bring

• A bachelor’s degree or above in electrical engineering, materials science, physics or a related field

• 5+ years of experience in semiconductor inspection, with a focus on AOI and unpatterned wafer inspection

• Hands‑on experience with unpatterned wafer inspection systems, such as SPx, and AOI tools such as Eagle or Dragonfly

• Understanding of semiconductor process flows, including polishing, epitaxy and cleaning

• Familiarity with defect classification, SEM review and Statistical Process Control (SPC)

• Proficiency in AOI and defect-review software, such as KLA Klarity and Camtek Inspecta

• Ability to optimize inspection tools and recipe parameters for sensitivity, inspection quality and repeatability

• Ability to interpret defect data and identify relevant trends and improvement opportunities

• Proficiency in JMP for statistical analysis, data visualization and DOE

• Familiarity with MATLAB or Python is an advantage

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work on defect inspection for an integrated graphene photonics process flow

• A cleanroom-based role with close collaboration across process, equipment and integration teams

Our work culture

People Over Processes. At Black Semiconductor, flexibility is key-we ensure work adapts to life, not the other way around. We champion work-life harmony, where careers are meaningful and enriching. Our processes are human-centric, allowing you to focus on what matters

Let’s grow together. Your potential is our priority. We provide the autonomy to make a lasting impact and nurture your growth through a culture of continuous learning. We invest in your journey for professional and personal development

Your Health and Future Matter. Your well-being is paramount. We offer a comprehensive benefits package with outstanding insurance, pension and virtual stock options for your mental, physical, and financial health. Your peace of mind is our priority - in the present and future

We Live Openness. Collaboration and inclusivity are the cornerstones of our culture. We practice openness, fostering trust and respect. Individuality is our collective strength, fueling innovation and driving us forward

We connect chips – and people. We encourage qualified individuals from any background to apply. We foster an inclusive and supportive work environment that values collaboration, innovation, and growth. Join our team and be part of an organization dedicated to making a difference in the industry

If your application results in an employment relationship, your Applicant Data will be transferred to our personnel records and processed in accordance with applicable legal requirements; otherwise, your Applicant Data will be retained for up to six (6) months after completion of the recruitment process. Read more about our privacy policy here.