Experienced Defect Control Engineer

Samsung Electronics; Taylor (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance and 401(k) matching

Onsite cafe and gym facilities

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Samsung Austin Semiconductor in Taylor, Texas, seeks a highly analytical Defect Control Engineer to guard wafer quality and drive rapid containment of defect excursions. You will interface with Metrology, Unit Process, and Yield teams to solve complex technical puzzles and prevent defective wafers from leaving the factory.

The role requires a proactive problem solver with leadership skills to align multiple departments and maintain world-class quality standards, with a base salary range provided

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• Minimum 3 years in a semiconductor or quality management role.
• Experience with Structured Problem Solving (SPS) and root cause analysis.
• Experience in Quality Control Systems and Methods (Six Sigma, SPC, QMS, ISO 9000, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Lead rapid identification and classification of defect excursions using advanced metrology tools to determine defect morphology.
• Spearhead deep-dive investigations to isolate defect sources and identify root causes.
• Chair and facilitate War Room meetings to drive containment strategies and accelerate time-to-source for yield-impact events.
• Develop and validate SOP enhancements to ensure rapid containment and correct decision making by shift technicians.
• Document defect signatures and failure modes to build a robust knowledge base for faster issue identification.
• Partner with unit process owners to implement corrective actions and prevent defect recurrence.

Skills

Structured Problem Solving

Root Cause Analysis

Cross-Functional Leadership

Quality Management

Education

Bachelor's of Science in Engineering

Tools

Six Sigma

SPC

ISO 9000

Job description

About Samsung Austin Semiconductor
Samsung is a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, founded on the belief that the pursuit of excellence creates a better world. At Samsung Austin Semiconductor, we are Innovating Today to Power the Devices of Tomorrow.

Come innovate with us!

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly analytical and driven Defect Control Engineer to join our world-class semiconductor fabrication team in Taylor, Texas. In this critical role, you will serve as the primary guardian of wafer quality, responsible for the rapid identification, containment, and eradication of defect excursions. You will operate at the intersection of Metrology, Unit Process groups (Photo, Etch, etc) and Yield Engineering. When causes are unknown, or containment is not established you will lead cross-functional teams to solve complex technical puzzles. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver who can thrive in a fast-paced environment and possesses the leadership skills to drive technical alignment across multiple departments to ensure zero defective wafers escape the factory.

Role and Responsibilities

Here’s What You’ll Be Responsible For:

• Excursion Escalation: Lead the rapid identification and classification of defect excursions using advanced metrology tools (e.g., KLA-Tencor, AMAT) to determine defect morphology and distribution.

• Root Cause Analysis: Spearhead deep-dive investigations into unknown defect sources, utilizing a data-driven approach to isolate the specific tool, process step, or material causing the excursion.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Chair and facilitate “War Room” meetings with Process, Integration, and Equipment engineers to drive containment/inspection strategies and accelerate time-to-source for suspected yield impacting events

• Standards & Rules: Develop and validate enhancements to SOPs for Shift Technicians to ensure correct decision making & rapid containment to maintain world-class quality standards.

• Knowledge Management: Document defect signatures and image databases and maintain source libraries, and failure modes to create a robust knowledge base for faster identification of recurring issues.

• Preventative Strategy: Partner with Unit Process owners to implement corrective actions and factory-wide strategies to prevent defect reoccurrence and reduce variation in yield.

• Out of Control Assessments: Collaborate with the Metrology and Defect Engineering to ensure statistical process limits are appropriate and items of concern are flagged.

Skills and Qualifications

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering or related field.

• Minimum 3 Years Semiconductor or Quality Management Role.

• Familiar with Structured Problem Solving (SPS) and methods of identifying Defect Root Cause (or similar experience driving investigation to root cause in other areas).

• Experience in Quality Control Systems and Methods (Six Sigma, SPC, QMS, ISO 9000, etc.).

The current base salary range for this role is between $95,000 - $120,000. Individual base pay rates will depend on factors including duties, work location, education, skills, qualifications and experience. Total compensation for this position will include a competitive benefits package and may include participation in company incentive compensation programs, which are based on factors to include organizational and individual performance.

Total Rewards
At Samsung Austin Semiconductor, base pay is just one part of our total compensation package. The base compensation for this role will depend on education, experience, skills, and location.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and 401(k) matching with immediate vesting
• Onsite café(s) and workout facilities
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Paid time off (PTO) + 2 personal holidays and 10 regular holidays
• Wellness incentives and MORE
  

Eligible full-time employees (salaried or hourly) may also receive MBO bonuses based on company, division, and individual performance.

All positions at Samsung Austin Semiconductor are full-time on-site.

Trade Secrets
By submitting an application, you agree not to disclose to Samsung or induce or encourage Samsung to use any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to a current or former employer or other entity.

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and its subsidiaries are committed to 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, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.