Senior Scientist, Process Modules

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES is seeking a senior engineer to join the Far-Backend of Line (Far-BEOL) team in IME, driving CMP process development initiatives across silicon photonics, flat optics, advanced packaging, MEMS, and wide bandgap semiconductors.

The role requires at least a PhD or Master with 7+ years in CMP technologies, hands-on experience with 200 mm/300 mm CMP platforms, and strong leadership to guide cross-functional teams and deliver innovative results.

Qualifications

• PhD/Master with strong CMP background and leadership in development.
• Experience leading process development projects in a technical environment.
• Hands-on with 200 mm/300 mm CMP platforms and inline process control.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and enhancement of CMP unit processes for silicon photonics, flat optics, advanced packaging, MEMS, and wide bandgap semiconductors.
• Own innovation strategy for CMP methodologies, materials, and approaches; generate IP and drive technology differentiation.
• Provide technical leadership in collaboration with process integration teams for development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide cross-functional teams on CMP best practices.
• File patents and know-hows for new development activities; publish findings in journals and conferences.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to advance CMP projects.

Skills

CMP process development

DOE experiments

Data analysis

Project leadership

Technical mentoring

IP generation

Process optimization

Education

PhD or Master in Electronics/Microelectronics/Materials/Physics/Chemistry

Tools

CMP equipment platforms (AMAT, Ebara)

Job description

The candidate will join the Far-Backend of Line (Far-BEOL) team at IME, driving specialty technologies and leading CMP process development initiatives.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• 1. Lead development and enhancement of CMP unit processes for silicon photonics, flat optics, advanced packaging, MEMS, and wide bandgap semiconductor applications.
• 2. Own innovation strategy for CMP methodologies, materials, and approaches; generate intellectual property and drive technology differentiation.
• 3. Provide technical leadership in collaboration with process integration teams to support CMP process development, optimization, and troubleshooting for industry and grant projects.
• 4. Mentor junior engineers and guide cross-functional teams on CMP best practices.
• 5. File patents and know-hows for new development activities.
• 6. Publish research findings in leading journals and conferences.

Job Requirements

• 1. PhD/Master's degree in Electronics, Microelectronics, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or equivalent.
• 2. Minimum 7+ years of experience in CMP technologies, preferably in an industrial setting, with proven leadership in process development.
• 3. Hands-on experience with 200 mm or 300 mm CMP equipment platforms (e.g., AMAT or Ebara), with deep technical knowledge in process development, materials, and inline process control.
• 4. Knowledge of silicon photonics, advanced packaging, MEMS, or wide bandgap semiconductor platforms is a plus.
• 5. Strong skills in experimental design (DOE), data analysis, and process optimization.
• 6. Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with ability to influence and collaborate across internal and external stakeholders.
• 7. Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects and leading technical teams.
• 8. Strong analytical and communication skills, with ability to deliver clear and concise messages to diverse audiences.
• 9. Self-driven with a strong interest in next-generation CMP applications and industry trends.

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.