Dry Etch Process Engineer — RIE, IBE & Ashing Expert

Headway Technologies; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

Headway Technologies in Milpitas, CA is seeking a Dry Etch Process Development Engineer to develop and implement next-generation dry etch processes for magnetic recording heads. You will design experiments, analyze data, and present findings to improve performance and yield while supporting safe manufacturing.

The role requires a BS in materials science, physics, or EE, 3+ years in HDD/semiconductor process engineering, and experience with RIE/IBE/ashing and SPC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Physics, or Electrical Engineering and/or equivalent relevant experience; Master's degree preferred.
• Three years of experience working in the magnetic recording head, hard disk drive, or semiconductor industry as a Process Engineer.
• Experience in plasma etch process development (RIE, IBE, Ashing) is preferred.
• Experience working in a wafer fab manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Applications.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements new dry etch processes (RIE, IBE, and Ashing) for next generation magnetic recording heads.
• Implements new process control schemes or methodologies which ensure product manufacturability.
• Designs and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops recommendations for improving performance and yield while reducing scrap.
• Adheres to appropriate timeline for introducing new processes into the manufacturing line.
• Reviews characterization data from FIB, SEM, and TEM tools to conduct root cause analysis and recommend corrective action.
• Partners with other groups and departments, including process and product engineering to develop and deliver products and programs.
• Oversees the work of the Process Technicians to ensure accurate process execution and efficient wafer disposition.
• Partners with Equipment Engineering to research, select, and qualify new RIE tools.

Skills

Semiconductor knowledge

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication skills

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Physics, or Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

FIB

SEM

TEM

Excel

JMP

VBA

Job description

Headway Technologies in Milpitas, CA is seeking a Dry Etch Process Development Engineer to develop and implement next-generation dry etch processes for magnetic recording heads. You will design experiments, analyze data, and present findings to improve performance and yield while supporting safe manufacturing.

The role requires a BS in materials science, physics, or EE, 3+ years in HDD/semiconductor process engineering, and experience with RIE/IBE/ashing and SPC.