Experienced Defect Product Module Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Onsite amenities

Paid time off

Job summary

Samsung Austin Semiconductor is seeking a highly technical Defect Engineer in Taylor, Texas. You will quantify defect types affecting final yield and drive long-term reduction of baseline defects across the manufacturing flow.

Use advanced data analytics to forecast yield loss and shape the technical roadmap for aggressive yield targets. As the SME for your module, you'll collaborate with process integration and failure analysis to focus on highest-ROI improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field.
• Broad semiconductor process knowledge and tool experience.
• Advanced data analytics in statistical modeling and data mining.
• DOE and ANOVA understanding to validate improvements.
• Familiarity with metrology for defect inspection.

Responsibilities

• Quantify defect types' impact on baseline yield and drive reduction actions.
• Improve predictive models correlating inline defects to final yield loss.
• Characterize defects to link signatures to process failures.
• Act as SME for assigned module, guiding tool/process focus for yield improvement.
• Define and drive the strategy for yield improvement and track progress against targets.
• Use large datasets for wafer-map and temporal analyses to identify yield variation causes.
• Collaborate with process integration and failure analysis to prioritize ROI improvements.

Skills

Data analytics

DOE/ANOVA

Defect characterization

Semiconductor process

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

JMP

Spotfire

Python

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 looking for a highly technical Defect Engineer to join our cutting-edge fabrication facility in Taylor, Texas. Unlike traditional defect management, this role focuses on the strategic quantification of yield-impacting defects and the long-term reduction of the factory’s baseline defect trends. You will be the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for a specific module (portion of the manufacturing line), bridging the gap between raw inline defect data and final wafer yield. By leveraging advanced data analysis and defect characterization, you will work with predictive models to forecast yield loss and drive the technical roadmap required to hit aggressive factory yield targets. This is a high-impact role for an engineer who enjoys data analysis and uncovering hidden signals and patterns in big data to drive physical process improvements.

Role and Responsibilities

Here’s What You’ll Be Responsible For:

• Baseline Yield Optimization: Quantify the impact of specific defect types on final yield and drive systematic actions to reduce the baseline defect density across the manufacturing flow.
• Yield Prediction Modeling: Improve predictive models that correlate random inline defects to final yield loss, providing the factory with early warning signals of yield degradation.
• Defect Characterization: Perform deep-dive characterization of defects (using SEM, TEM, or EDX) to link physical defect signatures to specific process failures within your assigned module.
• Module Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as the primary SME for your assigned module, providing technical guidance to process and equipment engineers on which tools and processes to focus on to drive yield improvement.
• Strategic Roadmap Development: Define and drive the strategy for yield improvement, executing to quarterly and annual targets and tracking progress against factory-level yield goals.
• Data-Driven Analysis: Utilize large datasets to perform spatial analysis (wafer maps) and temporal analysis to identify causes for yield variation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Process Integration and Failure Analysis engineers to determine the "killer" vs. "non-killer" status of defects to ensure engineering efforts are focused on the highest-ROI improvements.

Skills and Qualifications

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related STEM field.
• Semiconductor Process: Broad semiconductor knowledge including different types of materials used during the manufacturing process, process tool theory of operations/or hands on experience, and general semiconductor process knowledge.
• Advanced Data Analytics: Expert proficiency in JMP, Spotfire, or, Python is highly preferred for statistical modeling and data mining.
• Statistical Mastery: Strong understanding of Design of Experiments (DOE) and ANOVA to validate yield improvement actions.
• Defect Detection Methodology: Familiar with Metrology tool models and capabilities for defect inspection and when different strategies are used for specific types of defects.

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.

U.S. Export Control

This role may require access to information subject to U.S. export control laws. Applicants must be authorized to access such information or eligible for government authorization.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Samsung Electronics is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, and network systems, and the entire semiconductor industry with our memory, system LSI, foundry, and LED solutions. Samsung is also leading in the development of the Internet of Things through, among others, our Smart Home and Digital Health initiatives. Since being established in 1969, Samsung Electronics has grown into one of the world’s leading technology companies, and become recognized as one of the top global brands. Our network now extends across the world, and Samsung takes great pride in the creativity and diversity of its talented people, who drive our growth. To discover more, please visit our official newsroom at (https://news.samsung.com/global/).