Crystal Growth Process Engineer

Silfex; Springfield (AL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Silfex Inc., A Lam Research Company, an industry leader in precision silicon components for semiconductor tooling, seeks a Crystal Growth Process Engineer. You will develop scalable silicon crystal manufacturing solutions, applying applied research, data analysis, and machine learning to push performance and efficiency from lab to production.

Lead technical efforts, oversee crystal-growth equipment, collaborate across operations, maintenance, and other stakeholders, and drive innovative ideas

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience in a relevant field, or advanced degree with 3+ years.
• Hands-on laboratory, machine shop, or industrial experience.
• Familiarity with microscopy and materials characterization methods.
• Experience with multi-physics simulations and data interpretation.
• Knowledge of statistics, DOE, and process control.
• Strong data analysis skills and exposure to ML/AI concepts.
• Experience working in a collaborative, matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct process engineering research, development, and evaluation for silicon crystal manufacturing.
• Use multi-physics simulations and materials testing to assess process impact on specs.
• Perform data analysis for process development and manufacturing, incl. ML/AI approaches.
• Review literature and industry best practices to improve yield and efficiency.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support R&D and manufacturing goals.
• Communicate technical information, plans, and performance clearly.
• Provide technical leadership on the manufacturing floor with technicians.

Skills

Data analysis

Machine learning concepts

Statistical tools

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

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

Master’s or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, physics or related field

Tools

Microscopy techniques

X-ray diffraction

Materials characterization

Multi-physics simulations

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:

• 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.