Applications Engineer

Kurt J Lesker; Rockleigh (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-paid medical and dental

401k plan

Paid vacations

Sick time

Job summary

KDF Technologies, LLC in Northern NJ is seeking an Application Engineer to lead R&D in thin film deposition and develop new processes. You will conduct complex experiments, write white papers, and present results at major conferences with a focus on PVD performance and tool improvements.

The role involves working with customers, internal teams, and test/engineering groups to optimize deposition and metrology. Travel is required; a strong background in vacuum tech and metrology is essential.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Material Science or Engineering required; PhD preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in vacuum/PVD contexts.
• Experience with sputtering and in-house thin film metrology tools.
• Ability to design and run experiments and generate test reports.
• Strong problem solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work safely around high voltage equipment.

Responsibilities

• Designing and conducting complex experiments to develop innovative processes.
• Developing white papers on key technologies and processes.
• Presenting at conferences such as SVC, MRS, and AVS.
• Improving deposition recipes and material usage through new methods.
• Interacting with customers and KDF personnel to resolve PVD process issues.
• Supporting customers during inspections and Factory Acceptance Tests.
• Using metrology tools to understand film performance and drive improvements.
• Maintaining detailed notes and saving results digitally.

Skills

Vacuum technology

PVD/sputtering

Thin film metrology

Experiment design

Data analysis

Technical reporting

MS Office

Travel willingness

English proficiency

Education

B.S. in Material Science or Engineering

PhD preferred

Tools

Profilometer

Ellipsometer

Reflectometer

RGA

In-house metrology tools

Job description

KDF Technologies is a leading manufacturer of PVD (physical vapor deposition) capital equipment to the microelectronics, medical, thin film circuits, and semiconductor markets. Located in Northern NJ we serve a variety of industries and companies from startups to Fortune 500 organizations. If this sounds exciting to you, apply to be an Application Engineer to be part of something special!

Summary

Your role will be to strategically identify and develop critical thin film processes and new applications to strengthen KDF leading position as a PVD Experts and solution provider. You will lead our Research and Development efforts in thin film deposition, develop white papers and present your results at conferences such as SVC, MRS and AVS.

How you will make a difference

• Designing and conducting complex experiments to develop innovative processes
• Developing white papers on key technologies & processes
• Presenting at conferences such as the SVC, MRS & AVS
• Developing and driving the implementation of new practices or methodologies to improve deposition recipe efficiency and target material usage
• Resolving product support and customer process problems as necessary
• Interact and work effectively with customers and KDF personnel to solve PVD (physical vapor deposition) process issues
• Support customers during Sources Inspection and Factory Acceptance tests
• Use characterization equipment to understand film uniformity and performance and collaborate with Test & Engineering groups to drive process and tool design improvements
• Utilize and maintain in house demo tools and metrology equipment’s
• Keep detailed notes on experiments and tests and save the test results digitally
• Follow company policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned
• Motivated and self-directed (90% of time)

Qualifications

• At least B.S. degree in Material Science or Engineering, PhD would be a plus
• At least 2 years of experience
• Working knowledge of Vacuum Technology and Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) techniques like sputtering
• Working knowledge of in-house thin film metrology tools (profilometer, ellipsometer, reflectometer, RGA, etc.)
• Proficient in running experiments, analyzing data and generating test reports
• Strong problem solving, communication, interpersonal and project management skills
• Ability to work in an organized and efficient manner
• Ability to work safely around high voltage equipment
• English Language skills
• Proficient with MS Office suite
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally
• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, twist and lift up to and including 30 lbs. unassisted. Assistance must be used for any items over this weight. Assistance is always required for anything weighing over 60 lbs

Benefits we offer to enhance your lifestyle

• Company-paid medical and dental insurance
• 401k plan
• Paid vacations
• Sick time
• Salary is dependent based on experience.

KDF Technologies, LLC is a limited liability company. KDF Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within this range, individual pay is influenced by various factors, including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, etc. The compensation range for this role is $70,000 to $130,000 per year.