Crystal Growth Process Engineer

Silfex, Inc. - A Division of Lam Research Corporation; Springfield (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Silfex Inc., A Lam Research Company in Springfield, OH, seeks a Crystal Growth Process Engineer to develop scalable silicon crystal manufacturing processes from research to mass production.

You will combine experimental work, data analysis, and machine learning to push process performance, equipment intelligence and manufacturing efficiency, while overseeing crystal-growing equipment and cross-functional collaboration with operations and maintenance teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience or Master’s/PhD with 3+ years in materials science, chemical engineering, physics or related field.
• Hands-on experimental work in a lab, machine shop or industrial setting.
• Familiarity with microscopy and materials characterization methods (optical/electron microscopy, XRD, surface techniques).
• Knowledge of multi-physics simulations and data interpretation.
• Understanding of statistical process control and design of experiments.
• Strong data analysis skills and basic ML/AI knowledge.
• Experience collaborating in a matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct process engineering R&D and evaluation for silicon crystal manufacturing.
• Utilize multi-physics simulations, materials testing and characterization to assess process impact on material specs and performance.
• Perform data analysis for process development and manufacturing, including ML approaches.
• Study literature and practices to develop ideas to improve yield, quality and efficiency.
• Collaborate across functions to support R&D and manufacturing.
• Communicate technical information and project plans clearly.
• Provide technical leadership on the manufacturing floor with technicians.
• Adjust work schedule to support time-critical work.

Skills

Data analysis

ML/AI familiarity

Multi-physics simulations

Statistical process control

Materials characterization

Laboratory experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in materials science/chemical engineering/physics or related field

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

Microscopy

X-ray diffraction

Surface characterization

Job description

From smartphones to solar panels, innovative technology is needed to create the devices we use every day. Silfex’s silicon components help make that technology a reality.

Silfex Inc., A Lam Research Company is the leading provider of precision silicon components used to make and operate semiconductor tools, which enable the trillion-dollar global electronics industry. Our company’s products are integral to the semiconductor equipment and optical markets. The outstanding team at Silfex makes that possible – through our people, we are advancing the world.

The impact we have on the world is made possible by focusing on our people. So we recognize and celebrate our teams’ achievements. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone’s contribution and voice has value. We evaluate and evolve our offerings, so our people receive the support and empowerment to do meaningful things for their lives, careers, and communities.

Our Perks And Benefits

At Silfex, our people make amazing things possible. That’s why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits that start on your first day of employment.

Discover more at Lam Benefits

Job Description

As a Crystal Growth Process Engineer you will develop innovative and scalable solutions for silicon crystal manufacturing, from applied research to mass production. As a process engineer, you will use applied research, data analysis and machine learning tools to continuously push the boundaries of process performance, equipment intelligence and manufacturing efficiency. In addition, this position provides technical oversight of crystal growing equipment and manufacturing processes, and cross-functional work with operations, maintenance and other stakeholders to achieve production goals. The process engineering role requires strong technical fundamentals, a learning mindset, a high level of initiative, effective communication skills and a methodical and organized approach to managing multiple project elements. Individuals who enjoy materials science, systems engineering, and manufacturing will find this role exciting and challenging as it allows you to think creatively and develop novel ideas from theory to mass production, reinventing processes for a new era of manufacturing where artificial intelligence, and human judgement work in a complimentary manner. This is a unique opportunity to combine operational responsibility with research and development, and this work is critical to the process performance, supply chains and competitiveness of our company and our customers.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct process engineering research, development and evaluation in support of silicon crystal manufacturing.
• Utilize multi-physics simulations, materials testing and characterization techniques to establish the impact of manufacturing processes on critical material specifications and performance in customer applications.
• Conduct data analysis for process development and manufacturing, using and further developing novel approaches including machine learning and AI.
• Study scientific literature, research best practices from the semiconductor and other industries to develop novel ideas to improve manufacturing yield, quality and efficiency.
• Collaborate internally in a matrixed organization to support research and development and manufacturing.
• Effectively communicate technical information, manufacturing process performance and project plans.
• Provide technical leadership on the manufacturing floor, collaborating with manufacturing technicians.
• Adjust work schedule occasionally to support time-critical work.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience, or Master’s or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, physics or related field with 3 years of experience
• Experience doing hands-on experimental work in a laboratory, machine shop or industrial setting.
• Familiarity with microscopy and materials characterization methods such as optical and electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and surface characterization techniques.
• Knowledge or experience with multi-physics simulations, including interpretation of data.
• Understanding of statistical process control and design of experiments.
• Strong data analysis skills, experience with statistical tools, basic knowledge of the applications of machine learning and AI models.
• Experience working in a collaborative or matrixed environment with diverse teams.

Our Commitment

We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.

Silfex Inc., A Lam Research Company ("Silfex" or the "Company"), is an equal opportunity employer. Silfex is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.