Dry/Plasma Etch GaN Process Development Engineer (SM1)

Socket.dev; Sherman (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Instruments is seeking an Advanced GaN Process Development Engineer to join the Plasma Etch Process Development team. You will develop, optimize, and transfer advanced plasma etch processes supporting next-generation GaN semiconductor technologies, working with integration, equipment, metrology, and manufacturing teams to drive innovation and enable high-volume production.

Ideal candidates have deep expertise in plasma etch fundamentals, semiconductor process development, and data

Qualifications

• 5+ years semiconductor plasma/dry etch process development experience.
• Bachelor's degree in an engineering, science, or related STEM discipline.
• Experience with DOE methodologies and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with metrology techniques including SEM, CD-SEM, ellipsometry and defect inspection tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize plasma etch processes for advanced semiconductor devices.
• Design and execute experiments (DOE) to improve critical process metrics, including: Etch rate, Selectivity, Critical dimension (CD) control, Profile control, Defectivity, Uniformity.
• Characterize process performance and establish process windows for manufacturing robustness.
• Evaluate new process chemistries, hardware configurations, and chamber technologies.
• Support development and qualification of next-generation etch technologies.
• Collaborate with device integration teams to meet product and technology requirements.
• Drive process readiness for technology transfers from development into manufacturing.
• Establish process specifications, control plans, and release documentation.
• Partner with equipment engineering teams to improve tool capability, productivity, and reliability.
• Lead chamber matching, equipment qualification, and process performance improvement activities.
• Support installation and startup of new etch platforms.
• Analyze complex process datasets using statistical methods and data analytics tools.
• Identify root causes of process excursions and implement corrective actions.
• Lead yield improvement and defect reduction initiatives.
• Utilize SPC methodologies to monitor and improve process stability.
• Work closely with Process Integration, Manufacturing, Yield Engineering, Metrology, Equipment Engineering, Quality and Reliability teams.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to management and key stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians as needed.

Skills

DOE methodologies

Statistical data analysis

Cross-functional problem solving

Python

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/science

Tools

SEM

CD-SEM

Ellipsometry

Defect inspection tools

Job description

Change the world. Love your job.
We are seeking a highly motivated Advanced GaN Process Development Engineer to join our Plasma Etch Process Development team. This role is responsible for developing, optimizing, and transferring advanced plasma etch processes supporting next-generation GaN semiconductor technologies. The engineer will work closely with integration, equipment, metrology, and manufacturing teams to drive technology innovation, improve process capability, and enable successful product ramp into high-volume manufacturing.

The ideal candidate possesses strong technical expertise in plasma etch fundamentals, semiconductor process development, statistical data analysis, and cross-functional problem solving.

The responsibilities of a Manufacturing Development Process Engineer in this role include:

• Process Development

  • Develop and optimize plasma etch processes for advanced semiconductor devices.
  • Design and execute experiments (DOE) to improve critical process metrics, including:
    • Etch rate
    • Selectivity
    • Critical dimension (CD) control
    • Profile control
    • Defectivity
    • Uniformity
  • Characterize process performance and establish process windows for manufacturing robustness.
  • Evaluate new process chemistries, hardware configurations, and chamber technologies.

• Technology Introduction

  • Support development and qualification of next-generation etch technologies.
  • Collaborate with device integration teams to meet product and technology requirements.
  • Drive process readiness for technology transfers from development into manufacturing.
  • Establish process specifications, control plans, and release documentation.

• Tool and Equipment Engineering

  • Partner with equipment engineering teams to improve tool capability, productivity, and reliability.
  • Lead chamber matching, equipment qualification, and process performance improvement activities.
  • Support installation and startup of new etch platforms.

• Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement

  • Analyze complex process datasets using statistical methods and data analytics tools.
  • Identify root causes of process excursions and implement corrective actions.
  • Lead yield improvement and defect reduction initiatives.
  • Utilize SPC methodologies to monitor and improve process stability.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with:
    • Process Integration
    • Manufacturing
    • Yield Engineering
    • Metrology
    • Equipment Engineering
    • Quality and Reliability teams
  • Present technical findings and recommendations to management and key stakeholders.
  • Mentor junior engineers and technicians as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements:

• 5+ years of semiconductor plasma/dry etch process development experience.
• Bachelors in an engineering, science, or related STEM discipline
• Strong foundation in statistical process control, engineering change control and process release strategies
• Experience with DOE methodologies and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with metrology techniques including SEM, CD-SEM, ellipsometry and defect inspection tools.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in Gallium Nitride (GaN) and/or similar wide-bandgap III-V nitrides processes and technology development
• Strong foundation in statistical process control, engineering change control and process release strategies
• Proficiency with Python, Claude, or other AI models or tools is a plus
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem solving skills resulting in innovative and creative process solutions
• Experience with process development and transfer on etch platforms (LAM, AMAT, TEL, etc)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively with people in different job functions
• Strong time management skills that enable on-time project delivery
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, influential relationships
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
• Ability to take the initiative and drive for result

Why TI?

• Engineer your future. We empower our employees to truly own their career and development. Come collaborate with some of the smartest people in the world to shape the future of electronics.
• We're different by design. Diverse backgrounds and perspectives are what push innovation forward and what make TI stronger. We value each and every voice, and look forward to hearing yours. Meet the people of TI
• Benefits that benefit you. We offer competitive pay and benefits designed to help you and your family live your best life. Your well-being is important to us. Please find our country-specific benefits here

About Texas Instruments Texas Instruments Incorporated (Nasdaq: TXN) is a global semiconductor company that designs, manufactures and sells analog and embedded processing chips for markets such as industrial, automotive, data center, personal electronics and communications equipment. At our core, we have a passion to create a better world by making electronics more affordable through semiconductors. This passion is alive today as each generation of innovation builds upon the last to make our technology more reliable, more affordable and lower power, making it possible for semiconductors to go into electronics everywhere. Learn more at TI.com. Texas Instruments is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, genetic information, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. TI does not make recruiting or hiring decisions based on citizenship, immigration status or national origin. However, if TI determines that information access or export control restrictions based upon applicable laws and regulations would prohibit you from working in this position without first obtaining an export license, TI expressly reserves the right not to seek such a license for you and either offer you a different position that does not require an export license or decline to move forward with your employment.