W2W Bonding Research Scientist (APM), IME

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Singapore is seeking a research scientist to innovate and optimize wafer-to-wafer bonding techniques. This role demands expertise in materials science and advanced packaging technologies. Successful candidates will lead high-impact projects, conduct reliability testing, and contribute to intellectual property. A PhD in a relevant field is required, along with experience in W2W bonding processes and materials selection.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience in W2W bonding process, with a strong track record in advanced packaging technologies is added advantage.

Responsibilities

• Leading the design and development of innovative W2W bonding techniques.
• Conducting electrical, thermal, and mechanical reliability characterization of bonded structures.
• Conceiving, planning, and leading high-impact projects.

Skills

Process Innovation

Problem Solving

Data Analysis

Project Leadership

Mentorship

Education

PhD degree in relevant field

Tools

Metrology tools

SEM

AFM

Job description

Research scientists working on the wafer-to-wafer (W2W) bonding process are primarily responsible for developing, optimizing, and integrating advanced hybrid bonding techniques for semiconductor applications like 2.5D and 3D IC packaging.

Job Description

Research and Development

• Process Innovation: Leading the design and development of innovative W2W bonding techniques for applications in high-performance computing, AI, and memory.
• Material Science: Investigating and selecting appropriate bonding materials (e.g., low-temperature organic/inorganic materials, Cu/oxide, Cu/polymer) to ensure strong and stable interfaces.
• Parameter Optimization: Optimizing critical bonding parameters such as temperature, pressure, and surface preparation methods (e.g., CMP, plasma activation, cleaning) to achieve high bonding strength, yield, and alignment accuracy.
• Problem Solving: Addressing challenges related to process integration, such as wafer warpage, thermal budget constraints, contamination, and the reduction of thermo-mechanical stress.

Characterization and Analysis

• Process Evaluation: Coordinating and executing comprehensive evaluations of new processes, materials, and equipment.
• Reliability Testing: Conducting electrical, thermal, and mechanical reliability characterization of bonded structures (e.g., using SEM, SAM, AFM) to validate performance and ensure manufacturing guidelines are met.
• Data Analysis: Utilizing metrology tools and data analysis to assess surface topography, void defects, and bond quality, and driving quality improvements based on these findings.

Collaboration and Strategy

• Project Leadership: Conceiving, planning, and leading high-impact projects, often involving external partners and stakeholders.
• Technology Road mapping: Collaborating with senior staff and process integrators to define and address future technology roadmaps and business challenges in advanced packaging.
• Intellectual Property: Generating detailed reports and contributing to the creation of new intellectual property (IPs) and knowledge areas to strengthen the company's portfolio.
• Mentorship: Inspiring and mentoring scientists, engineers and technicians in advanced semiconductor technologies.

Job Requirements

• PhD degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience in W2W bonding process, with a strong track record in advanced packaging technologies is added advantage.

In essence, a research scientist in W2W bonding works at the forefront of semiconductor packaging, pushing the boundaries of integration density and performance for next-generation electronic devices.