Defect/Metrology Engineer

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages within United [US]

Competitive medical/dental/vision

401(k) employer match

Generous PTO

Job summary

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. is seeking a Defect/Metrology Engineer to fabricate compound semiconductor lasers on InP wafers in a cleanroom. You will ensure maximum uptime of production tools, analyze SPC data, and participate in tool qualification and improvement projects.

Requirements include a Bachelor's in EE, Materials Science, or Physics, plus at least 1 year in a lab environment. 4+ years semiconductor experience is a plus; strong analytical and problem‑solving skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1-year experience in a laboratory environment.
• Lean manufacturing/process validation knowledge (Cpk, GR&R) is a plus.
• Comfortable working in a cleanroom and handling chemicals with PPE.

Responsibilities

• Maintain production line to maximize uptime.
• Analyze process data and SPC charts for defect correlation.
• Maintain and calibrate production tools (SEM, AFM, microscopes).
• Generate SOPs, work instructions, 5S documents.
• Respond to wafer disposition requests and keep production flowing.
• Be on-call after hours and weekends as needed.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Detail-oriented

Self‑sufficient learner

Cleanroom environment experience

Chemical handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Physics

Job description

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We are seeking a semiconductor Defect/Metrology Engineer. The engineer will primarily be responsible for fabricating compound semiconductor lasers on InP wafers inside a cleanroom environment, ensuring that production line tools have maximized uptime, analyzing process data such as SPC charts, and addressing issues when necessary. At times, the engineer may also need to participate in the improvement projects and new tool qualification (vendor contact, tool evaluation, installation, Factory Acceptance Test, qualification, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Production
• Maintain production line to reduce/eliminate downtime.
• Improve production process by performing correlation between defect analysis and process.
• Establish or analyze Statistical Process Control (SPC), process yield, and measure tool performance/uptime metrics.
• Generate Standard Operating Procedures, work order instructions, drawings, 5S documentation, and other production‑line‑related documentations.
• Analyze equipment and production data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Analyze and compile experimental data into reports for process improvement projects.
• Responsible for the maintenance and calibration of production tools, including microscopes, SEM, AFM, etc.
• Verify process conformance to the controls and specifications by utilizing inspection tools, such as optical microscopes, profilometers, ellipsometers, SEM, AFM, wafer inspection tools, etc..
• Perform required and assigned tasks, such as failure analysis, defect analysis, and metrology analysis.
• Overtime might be required during ramp‑up or line setup activities.
• Promptly respond to the production line requests of wafer disposition, maintain workflow, handle tool issues to resume production in a timely manner.
• Ability to be on‑call after‑hours and weekends for issues affecting the production line, and ability to work overtime for rush/urgent projects

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or related discipline is required
• Minimum 1-year experience in the laboratory environment is required
• Robust analysis and problem‑solving skills
• Detail‑oriented; committed to quality and safety
• Self‑sufficient learner, work well in the fast‑paced work environment
• Comfortable to work under cleanroom hood and without any make‑up
• Comfortable occasionally handling chemicals, including corrosive acids, bases, and solvents with Personal Protective Equipment
• 4+ years of experience in the compound semiconductor process is desired
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and process validation concepts (Cpk, GR&R).
• Knowledge and/or hands‑on experience of Six Sigma is a plus

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the associate may need the ability to lift and carry loads up to 20 pounds, stand and or walk for 10+ hrs. daily and climb stairs.
• Subject to noise, vibration, and odors.
• Subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, or exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.

Each position is full‑time and 100% onsite in Sugar Land, Texas or Pearland, Texas. The location includes office, warehouse, and cleanroom manufacturing work environments.

Expected business hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.

The role involves hands‑on hardware deployment and occasionally moving computer towers, monitors, and server‑rack equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities and does not require travel.

Why AOI?

AOI offers:

• Flexible and competitive medical, dental, and vision plans with options designed to meet individual and family needs.
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
• Relocation packages available within the United States

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AOI) is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly.