Applications Engineer – PVD & Thin‑Film Innovation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & Dental

401(k)

Paid vacations

Sick time

Job summary

KDF Technologies, LLC is seeking an Application Engineer to identify and develop critical thin film processes, lead R&D in deposition, and present results at industry conferences. You will work with customers to solve PVD process issues and help drive new practices for improved efficiency and material usage.

Ideal candidates have a BS in Materials Science or Engineering (PhD a plus) and 2+ years of experience with vacuum/PVD techniques, metrology tools, and data analysis.

Qualifications

• BS in Material Science or Engineering; PhD a plus.
• 2+ years of experience in relevant field.
• Knowledge of Vacuum Technology and PVD techniques (sputtering).
• In-house metrology tools (profilometer, ellipsometer, reflectometer, RGA, etc.).
• Strong ability to run experiments, analyze data, and generate test reports.
• Excellent problem solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs unassisted and 60 lbs with assistance.

Responsibilities

• Strategically identify and develop critical thin film processes and new applications.
• Lead R&D efforts in thin film deposition and develop white papers.
• Present results at conferences (SVC, MRS, AVS).
• Develop and implement new practices to improve deposition efficiency and material use.
• Resolve customer process problems and provide technical support.
• Collaborate with customers and KDF personnel to solve PVD issues.
• Support customers during Source Inspection and Factory Acceptance tests.
• Use characterization equipment to understand film uniformity and performance.
• Maintain in-house demo tools and metrology equipment; document results.

Skills

PVD troubleshooting

Experimental design

Data analysis

Technical communication

MS Office

Travel availability

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Material Science or Engineering

PhD beneficial

Tools

Vacuum equipment operation

Sputtering systems

Profilometer

Ellipsometer

Reflectometer

RGA

Job description

KDF Technologies, LLC is seeking an Application Engineer to identify and develop critical thin film processes, lead R&D in deposition, and present results at industry conferences. You will work with customers to solve PVD process issues and help drive new practices for improved efficiency and material usage.

Ideal candidates have a BS in Materials Science or Engineering (PhD a plus) and 2+ years of experience with vacuum/PVD techniques, metrology tools, and data analysis.