Characterization Supervisor

Iqe Plc; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

401k Plan with company match

Job summary

IQE in Greensboro, NC is seeking a Characterization Supervisor to lead the characterization team, maintain metrology tools, and drive throughput and quality in a high‑volume semiconductor environment. The role emphasizes strong leadership, problem solving, and cross‑functional collaboration.

You will coordinate with engineering, operations and QA to implement continuous improvement using Six Sigma or Lean, while ensuring safety, documentation and ISO/quality standards are met.

Qualifications

• Role requires leadership and ability to supervise a team.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Knowledge of metrology tools and device processing equipment.
• Experience in continuous improvement and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Characterization team and plan daily activities.
• Ensure safety, quality and training compliance in all tasks.
• Coordinate with other departments to meet daily targets.
• Drive continuous improvement using Six Sigma or Lean tools.

Skills

Leadership

Training skills

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Level 6 Qualification

Tools

ILM metrology tools

Destructive metrology tools

Device processing equipment

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

IQE 494 Gallimore Dairy Road Greensboro, NC 27409

Business Unit:

USA

Job Introduction

Who We Are

IQEisaleadingglobalsupplierofcompoundsemiconductorwafersandadvancedmaterials.Asoneoftheonlycompoundsemiconductorepitaxyfoundrieswithworldwidepresenceandscalablemanufacturing,IQEdrivestechnologygrowth.Ourvisionistobethetopproviderofadvancedsemiconductormaterialsbydeliveringexceptionalquality,service,andinnovation,makingusthefirstchoiceforcustomers.Ourstrengthcomesfromourdiverse,expertworkforceandaculturebuiltonintegrity,accountability,excellence,teamwork,andvaluingpeople.

At IQE, we are committed to reaching Net Zero and creating a sustainable future. We actively strive to reduce our carbon footprint, invest in green initiatives, and embed sustainability into everything we do. Join us in driving meaningful change and making a lasting impact on the environment.

Abouttherole

The Characterization Supervisor role is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep and throughput of the suite of characterization tools and associated equipment. This role supports developing and implementing new tools and techniques and the completion of complex metrology requirements.

• This role is aimed at those with expert knowledge and experience in Characterization and can apply working knowledge in other areas of the organization.
• Aimed at those with strong leadership skills and can apply working knowledge in other areas of the organization.
• Must be able to solve and guide others in resolving complex problems and use specialized expertise to recommend solutions and best practice.
• Coordinates and supervises the daily activities of the Characterization team, as well maintain training records.
• Ensures compliance with essential procedures to maintain safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Accountable for the results of the business unit, providing input on resource planning and responsible for the performance of the Characterization team.
• Manages workload of the team by setting priorities and ensuring task completion, collaborating with other supervisors in the organization to coordinate work activities.
• Supports the company initiatives, policies, and values with role model behavior.
• Support a high level of cleanliness by completing scheduled housekeeping tasks.
• Comply with all company policies, SOP (Standard Operating Procedures), Work Instructions, and record keeping requirements.
• Comply with all EHS protocols and requirements.
• Comply with all health and safety, HR, environmental quality and cybersecurity guidelines and procedures internally and within the scope of business, ISO, and regulatory requirements as it pertains to the job function.
• Have clear understanding of chemicals and substances in the workplace and follow strict guidance for handling of such substances, which could include PPE requirements.
• Foster a collaborative work environment and promote teamwork across departments.
• The role may require a degree of flexibility in working hours, which will be discussed and agreed to support both individual and organisational needs.
• Split work between the cleanroom environment, following all required protocols and procedures and the office.
• Coordinate and supervise the daily activities of the Characterisation team, setting priorities agreed with other cross-departmental supervisors.
• Establish programs and solutions for improved performance of operations equipment using Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing tools.
• Lead projects and be accountable for ongoing objectives.
• Accountable for the documentation of safe working practices.
• Manages assigned team members and is responsible for the performance of the team.
• Conducts regular performance evaluations to provide consistent coaching and feedback.
• Have specialist experience and competence in the following:

• ILM (In Line Metrology) tools with high level understanding of the technique, application and operation.
• Destructive metrology tools with high level understanding of the technique, application and operation.
• Device processing equipment with high level understanding of the technique, application and operation.
• Scheduled routine calibration and monitoring while using statistical process control.

• Have advanced experience and competence of chemical etching.
• Have advanced experience and competence of relevant manufacturing systems to follow and process routine tasks accurately, recording all works carried out for traceability.
• Liaise with external contractors and service engineers.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives.
• Have specialist experience and competence with troubleshooting and repair.
• Liaise with other site functions to ensure daily targets are met.
• Perform other functions and duties as required.

About you

Key Requirements for the Characterization Supervisor:

• Role model behavior and able to consistently display a sense of unity and support for the organization in line with company values, vision statement, and mission statement.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently while thriving in a team environment.
• Able to follow detailed instructions to completion.
• Has a clear commitment to upholding and promoting health and safety standards, protocols, and a proactive mentality and approach to ensure the safety of others in the workplace.
• Has a commitment to product and process quality.
• Has a willingness to learn and develop.
• Has particular attention to detail.
• Has technical analytical skills.
• Professional attitude.
• Ability to facilitate and document training procedures and processes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and delivers new solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to solve issues under pressure, using data-driven methods.
• Able to continuously improve the processes and practices of Characterization.
• Ability to document processes and procedures to ensure information is retained and shared.
• Ability to lead teams and delegate appropriately.
• Experience in supervising teams and coordinating the work others.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, effective in reporting.
• Level 6 Qualification or 4-year/Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical/science field.
• Specialized technical or management qualifications relevant to the role.

All our employees benefit from:

• Professional Development and career pathways
• Market competitive base salaries reviewed bi-annually
• Comprehensive health insurance offering medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage.
• Company paid Life and Disability Insurance.
• Long service awards 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years
• Values-based recognition awards
• Employee Assistance Program (Free family, legal, financial and counselling support 24/7 Access)
• 401k Plan with company match of up to 50% on the first 6% of the employee’s contributions

IQE is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity at all levels. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.