Equipment Engineer-Thin Film-CVD

TSMC - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited; Washington; On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

TSMC Washington is seeking a proactive Junior Equipment Engineer to join the Thin Film Equipment team, focusing on CVD tools. You’ll maintain tool availability, optimize PMs, reduce downtime, and support high-yield manufacturing in a 24/7 cleanroom environment with hands-on training and mentorship.

Qualifications include a STEM bachelor’s degree and 0–2 years in equipment maintenance or cleanroom work, plus familiarity with vacuum, RF, gas delivery, and basic data analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field as listed.
• 0–2 years in equipment maintenance or cleanroom environments.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems, RF, gas delivery, and thermal controls.
• Basic data analysis skills using Excel and SPC concepts.
• Strong problem solving and hands-on hardware experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on CVD tools.
• Respond to alarms and line-down events to minimize downtime.
• Monitor tool health, particle performance, and SPC charts.
• Collaborate with Process Engineers on modifications and parts.
• Draft SOPs and maintenance checklists; uphold EHS and cleanroom rules.

Skills

Vacuum systems

RF power

Gas delivery / MFCs

Thermal controls

Robotics

Pneumatic systems

Data analysis (Excel, SPC)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical / Electrical / Materials / Chemical / Mechatronics / Physics

Tools

AMAT Producer/Centura

Lam Research SEQUEL/SPEED

Job description

Join TSMC Washington and help power the future of technology. At TSMC, we don't just make semiconductors; we innovate to transform industries and enhance lives. As the world's leading semiconductor foundry, we partner with top tech companies to drive advancements in industries such as healthcare, automotive, consumer electronics, and renewable energy. At TSMC Washington, you'll thrive where innovation meets precision manufacturing, and integrity guides our high standards and customer trust. Our visionary leaders collaborate with clients to achieve groundbreaking results, ensuring our leadership in the semiconductor sector. Explore career opportunities with TSMC Washington and join a company with a commitment to excellence and innovation.

Who We're Looking For:

TSMC Washington is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Junior Equipment Engineer to join our Thin Film Equipment (TFE) team, specializing in Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) equipment. In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining tool availability, optimizing preventative and corrective maintenance procedure, reducing tool downtime, and sustaining high-yield semiconductor manufacturing operations in a 24/7 cleanroom environment. This position offers extensive hands-on training and mentorship from senior engineers to build a strong foundation in advanced semiconductor equipment engineering.

Responsibilities included but not limited to:

1.Equipment Maintenance & Sustaining:

Perform routine preventive maintenance (PM), calibration, and troubleshooting on CVD tools (e.g., HDP,PECVD, SACVD from major vendors such as Applied Materials, Lam Research).

Respond promptly to tool alarms and line-down events to restore normal production while minimizing mean time to repair.

2.Performance & Quality Control:

Monitor tool health, particle performance, thickness uniformity, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts to prevent process excursions.

Partner closely with CVD Process Engineers to qualify equipment modifications, new parts, and recipe implementations.

3.Continuous Improvement:

Support root cause analysis (RCA) on chronic tool issues and component failures.

Collaborate with senior engineers on equipment upgrade projects, spare parts management, and maintenance cost-reduction initiatives.

4.Documentation & Safety Compliance:

Author, review, and standardize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintenance checklists.

Strictly adhere to cleanroom protocols, environmental health and safety (EHS) guidelines, and hazardous chemical/gas handling procedures.

5.Operational Coverage:

Work inside the cleanroom wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE / bunny suit).

Participate in shift handover routines and support on-call or rotation/compressed work-week schedules as required by 24/7 fab operations.

Required Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or a related STEM field.

Experience: 0–2 years of experience in equipment maintenance, cleanroom manufacturing, electromechanical troubleshooting, or relevant academic lab/internship projects.

Technical Skills:

Basic understanding of vacuum systems, RF power delivery, gas delivery/MFCs, thermal controls, robotics, or pneumatic systems.

Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SPC) and basic statistical concepts.

Soft Skills:

Strong problem-solving mindset and willingness to work hands-on with hardware inside a cleanroom.

Solid written and verbal communication skills; ability to document complex mechanical procedures clearly.

Strong team player capable of coordinating effectively across operations, process engineering, and vendor support teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous internship or co-op experience within a semiconductor wafer fabrication plant or flat-panel display facility.

Hands-on familiarity with Applied Materials (AMAT Producer/Centura) or Lam Research (SEQUEL/SPEED) deposition platforms.

Basic understanding of CVD film deposition mechanisms, precursors, and plasma physics.

Soft Skills:

• Fast learner with a strong desire to develop technical expertise.
• Excellent team player with strong communication skills.
• Demonstrated tenacity, adaptability, and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Strong teamwork and cross-functional communication skills.

Eligibility:

• All applicants must possess legal authorization to work in the United States. Please note that we are unable to provide sponsorship or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

• To be eligible for employment at TSMC, candidates must successfully pass a background check and a drug screening. Please note, in compliance with Washington state regulations, the drug screen will not test for cannabis (marijuana) use.

Work Location & Schedule:

This position operates on-site at our Camas, Washington location during core business hours, Monday through Friday 8 am – 5 pm; however, there may be occasions when additional hours are necessary to meet project demands.

EOE Statement:

TSMC Washington, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

TSMC is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us at [e-mail]. TSMC confirms to all applicants its commitment to meet TSMC's obligations under applicable employment law.

TSMC Core Values

• Integrity: Tell the truth. We do not brag. We do not make commitments lightly. Once we make a commitment, we devote ourselves completely to meeting that commitment.
• Commitment: Employees are dedicated to the company, view the company’s success as their own and work diligently to make their best contributions. As commitment is mutual, the Company strives to serve the best interests of its employees.
• Innovation: Innovation is the wellspring of the Company's growth. It means more than new ideas; it means putting ideas into practice.
• Customer Trust: We strive to build deep and enduring relationships with our customers, who trust and rely on us to be part of their success over the long term.

(For more details on TSMC's Core Values, please visit: https://www.tsmc.com/english/aboutTSMC/values)