Applications Scientist, Semi

Rigaku Americas Corp.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Rigaku Americas Corp. seeks an Applications Scientist to provide on-site customer support for our x-ray metrology products, focusing on T-SAXS/GI-SAXS.

You will develop high-performance measurement recipes, improve repeatability and sensitivity, and advance data analysis techniques to solve complex customer challenges. You will collaborate with Rigaku service, design, and development groups, both locally and in Japan, to ensure successful deployment and continuous improvement of TSAXS

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MS in materials science, physics, chemistry, or related engineering field.
• At least three years as an applications scientist/engineer in semiconductor metrology or device manufacturing with thin film quality control/metrology experience.
• Hands-on with X-ray analytical techniques (T-SAXS, GI-SAXS, XRD, XRR, XRF) or optical methods (OCD).
• Experience with model-based fitting approaches to analyze complex datasets.
• Strong understanding of X-ray physics, spectroscopy, diffraction and scattering; and semiconductor manufacturing process.
• Fluent in English; intermediate level in Japanese, Chinese, Korean, or Hebrew is a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 30% with occasional international travel.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary onsite T-SAXS technical contact for a key customer account.
• Implement advanced fitting approaches for challenging semiconductor structures.
• Translate customer process requirements into robust, production-ready recipes.
• Develop robust measurement workflows for repeatability, sensitivity, and stability.
• Provide local, hands-on support for T-SAXS tools, including installation and calibration.
• Diagnose and resolve measurement, modeling, and data-quality issues with engineering teams.
• Monitor tool performance, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist customers with recipe development, tool operation, and data analysis, on-site or remotely.
• Write technical documentation and training materials for diverse audiences.
• Travel to customer sites within the United States and internationally as needed.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Data analysis

English communication

Technical writing

Travel readiness

Education

Ph.D or M.S in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Solid State, or related engineering fields

Tools

X-ray metrology tools

T-SAXS/GI-SAXS instruments

XRD/XRR/XRF methods

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

Join Rigaku in shaping a better world through new perspectives!

Rigaku Semiconductor Metrology Division is seeking an Applications Scientist to provide on-site customer applications support for our advanced x-ray metrology products, with a primary focus on T-SAXS/GI-SAXS. This role centers on developing high-performance measurement recipes, improving repeatability and sensitivity, and advancing data analysis and fitting methodologies to address complex customer challenges. The position works closely with Rigaku service, design, and development groups-both locally and in Japan-to ensure successful deployment and continuous improvement of TSAXS applications.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary onsite T-SAXS technical contact for a key customer account, responding quickly to support needs and new measurement requirements.
• Implement advanced fitting approaches for challenging semiconductor structures, including memory and advanced logic.
• Translate customer process requirements into robust, productionready recipes that deliver consistent, highconfidence results.
• Develop robust measurement workflows that ensure repeatability, sensitivity, and stability across varying process conditions.
• Provide local, handson support for T-SAXS metrology tools, including installation support, tool startup, calibration, and routine operational checks.
• Diagnose and resolve measurement, modeling, and dataquality issues in collaboration with customer and Rigaku engineering teams.
• Monitor tool performance, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions to maintain tool stability and uptime.
• Assist customers with recipe development, tool operation, and data analysis, both remotely and onsite.
• Write technical documentation and application notes, and create and maintain training material. Clearly and effectively communicate highly technical subject matter to a variety of audiences.
• Some travel to customer sites located primarily within the United States, but with occasional international trips.

Qualifications

• Ph.D or M.S. in Material Science, Physics, Chemistry, Solid State, or related engineering fields.
• Minimum of three years of work experience as an applications scientist or applications engineer in a semiconductor metrology tool manufacturer or as a process engineer in a semiconductor device manufacturer with thin film quality control/metrology experience.
• Handson experience with Xray analytical techniques (T-SAXS, GI-SAXS, XRD, XRR, XRF, or related) or optical methods (OCD).
• Experience with model-based fitting approachesto analyze complex datasets.
• Strong understanding of fundamentals of X-ray physics, spectroscopy, diffraction and scattering.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor device manufacturing process.
• Excellent analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, e.g. root cause analysis, 5 Whys.
• Proficient in data analysis techniques and skills, including a working knowledge of statistics and statistical process control.
• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English. Ability to speak at an intermediate level in Japanese, Chinese, Korean, or Hebrew is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal technical communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 30% with occasional international travel.
• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status required.