Principal Engineer (Etch Process)

GlobalFoundries; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

GlobalFoundries is seeking a Principal Engineer focused on etch to lead and optimize advanced wafer etch processes. The role requires hands-on expertise, strategic thinking, and strong collaboration across cross-functional teams and external partners.

You will drive process development, optimization, and sustaining efforts, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to IP through patents related to etch technology.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in wafer fabrication with an etch focus.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities.
• Experience with SPC, DOE, and FMEA methodologies.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and drive improvements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize etch process formulations and tool controls.
• Analyze data to ensure etch performance and stability.
• Establish SOPs and FMEA for the etch module.
• Lead recipe creation and optimization for etch tools.
• Drive continuous improvement plans to boost performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Provide guidance and training on etch technology.

Skills

Etch process expertise

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Materials Eng

Tools

SPC

DOE

FMEA

Job description

About the role

As a Principal Engineer focusing on Etch, you will be a key technical leader in the Process Module team. You will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining cutting-edge etch processes critical to our semiconductor fabrication technology nodes. This role requires deep, hands-on etch technical expertise, a strategic mindset to drive advanced planarization solutions, and excellent communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional integration teams and external partners.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and modify etch process formulations, methods, and tool controls to meet stringent quality standards
• Analyze and review technical data and charts to ensure etch performance, focusing on non-uniformity, defectivity, and removal rate stability
• Establish and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) specific to the etch module
• Integrate etch equipment capabilities and material systems to meet process module and technology specifications
• Lead recipe creation, maintenance, and optimization for etch tools to ensure accurate process monitoring and improve recipe quality
• Drive Continuous Improvement Plans (CIPs) to enhance process performance and productivity
• Lead and participate in cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for etch, providing guidance and training to junior etch engineers
• Solve complex, novel, and non-recurring technical problems
• Contribute to intellectual property by being a contributing inventor on patents related to etch technology

About you

• Master's or bachelor's degree in electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Chemical, Materials Science Engineering or related field
• 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in wafer fabrication industry, with a strong focus on etch
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Good analytical and project management skills
• Organized and systematic in problem solving, familiar with SPC, DOE & FMEA