Materials Process Development Engineer

COHERENT; Saxonburg (PA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Materials Process Development Engineer develops products and optimizes advanced manufacturing processes for semiconductor packaging and other thermal management applications. This role focuses on integrating ceramic and diamond materials with semiconductor components, including bonding and other joining methods.

Working with R&D and engineering teams, you will design experiments, evaluate performance, commission equipment, and develop manufacturing solutions that support new product

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in materials science, mechanical, chemical or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred; PhD acceptable with relevant experience.
• Experience with process development, semiconductor materials, or precision bonding.
• Familiarity with advanced ceramics and diamond materials in manufacturing contexts.

Responsibilities

• Design and run experiments to develop and qualify advanced packaging materials.
• Develop joining and bonding processes for ceramic and diamond materials.
• Characterize materials using metrology to assess mechanical, thermal, and bond properties.
• Operate and maintain process development equipment in lab and pilot lines.
• Analyze data to drive process improvements and support manufacturing readiness.
• Coordinate projects, track milestones, and communicate results to teams.
• Support patents, documentation, and government-funded development programs.

Skills

Materials science

Semiconductor processes

Experiment design

Statistics (JMP)

Project management

Education

Bachelor's in materials science / related

Master's degree preferred

Tools

JMP

Metrology equipment

Job description

Job Summary

The Materials Process Development Engineer develops products and optimizes advanced manufacturing processes for semiconductor packaging and other thermal management applications. This role focuses on the integration of ceramic and diamond materials with semiconductor components, including bonding and other joining methods. Working closely with internal R&D and engineering teams, the engineer designs and executes experiments, evaluates process performance, commissions equipment, and develops manufacturing solutions that support new product and technology development.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the development and manufacturing of products and materials used in advanced semiconductor packaging, including thermal spreaders and advanced ceramic and diamond materials.
• Design and execute experiments to support process development, characterization, and qualification activities.
• Develop and optimize joining and bonding processes for ceramic and diamond materials, including surface preparation, cleaning, polishing, plasma treatment, metallization, bonding, soldering, brazing, and other interfacial technologies.
• Operate, qualify, and maintain manufacturing and characterization equipment used in process development activities.
• Perform materials and surface characterization using metrology and analytical tools to assess mechanical, physical, thermal, and bond-interface properties.
• Analyze technical data to assess process performance, identify improvement opportunities, and support engineering decisions.
• Lead technical development projects by coordinating activities, tracking progress, and communicating results.
• Collaborate with internal R&D and engineering teams to develop customer prototypes and transition technologies to manufacturing readiness.
• Support patent development, technical documentation, and government-funded development programs.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, semiconductor engineering, thermal engineering, or a related technical discipline required.
• Master's degree in a related engineering or scientific discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without years experience; or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in process development, materials engineering, semiconductor manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred.
• Experience with advanced materials processing, ceramic or diamond bonding, direct bonding technologies, semiconductor fabrication, thermal management materials, or process characterization techniques preferred.

Skills & Other Requirements

• Knowledge of advanced materials, including ceramic and diamond materials, thermal management materials, and related engineered material systems.
• Experience with process development, optimization, and characterization in an R&D or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes and surface preparation techniques.
• Proficiency with metrology and characterization tools for thermal, mechanical, and physical measurements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret technical data and drive process improvements.
• Experience designing and executing experiments and validating process performance.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis methods and familiarity with JMP or similar software.
• Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple technical activities and meet project milestones.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary R&D and engineering teams.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound engineering judgment, and maintain a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

ITAR and EAR Requirements

• Must be eligible to access and work with export-controlled information and technology in compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
• Ability to comply with all applicable U.S. government regulations, company policies, and customer requirements related to export-controlled data and products.
• Must maintain the confidentiality of proprietary, technical, and sensitive information.
• Ability to complete required training and certifications related to export compliance, safety, quality, and security requirements.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in laboratory, cleanroom, office, and manufacturing environments. Regular use of manufacturing, process development, and characterization equipment. Exposure to equipment noise, controlled environments, and laboratory conditions typical of R&D operations. Combination of hands-on laboratory work and office-based engineering activities.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for several hours per d