Materials Quality Engineer, Texas Institute for Electronics
Location: Austin, TX
Job Overview
This role focuses on continuous tracking of material usage within the fabrication (FAB) facility, verifying material Certificates of Analysis (CoA), managing supplier quality efforts, correlating material quality with final product quality, and ensuring uninterrupted FAB operations.
Responsibilities
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the UT material ordering and procurement processes; identify weaknesses and reduce turnaround time for quality material acquisition.
- Build and maintain close relationships with critical material suppliers, including bulk gases, specialty chemicals, PR, CMP materials, targets, wafers, and other FAB materials.
- Obtain and maintain Certificates of Analysis (CoA) for batch‑level data for incoming materials and ensure proper storage and traceability in secure internal systems.
- Create and maintain a structured database linking vendor quality data to internal fab signals, material usage, and inline process data.
- Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) and data analysis to correlate material properties with process performance; provide insights to improve incoming material quality and process stability.
- Work with internal analytical laboratories to conduct material characterization and contamination analysis using techniques such as ICP‑MS, VPD, and additional surface/chemical characterization methods as required.
- Collaborate with Fab Engineering teams to forecast material consumption and align material ordering schedules with production demand.
- Act as a liaison between Procurement, Fab Engineering, and Vendors; support procurement teams with technical guidance on material specifications, vendor performance, and quality requirements.
- Lead initiatives to improve vendor material quality and consistency, resolve quality issues, implement corrective actions, and publish material quality performance data internally.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related engineering discipline.
- At least six years of work experience in a semiconductor manufacturing FAB environment.
- Hands‑on experience with fab consumables and materials, and familiarity with various FAB departments and operational requirements.
- Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and data analysis.
- Experience with materials characterization techniques such as ICP‑MS, VPD, or similar analytical methods.
- Must qualify as a U.S. Person as defined in 22 CFR 120.62.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or higher in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field, with more than six years of work experience.
- Strong cross‑functional collaboration and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple vendors and internal stakeholders.
- Data‑driven problem‑solving mindset.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Benefits
- Competitive health benefits (employee premiums fully covered, family premiums covered at 50%).
- Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options.
- Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
- Teacher Retirement System of Texas (defined benefit plan) with 8.25% employer match.
- Optional retirement programs: Tax‑Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and Deferred Compensation program 457(b).
- Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
- Free training access via LinkedIn Learning and opportunities to attend professional conferences.
- Tuition assistance.
- Extensive employee discount program, free library and museum access, and free rides on UT Austin shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses.
Working Conditions
Uniforms and personal protective equipment are furnished. The role may involve working in all weather conditions, extreme temperatures, chemical fumes, standard office environments, biohazards, electrical and mechanical hazards, repetitive keyboard use, and climbing stairs.
Background Checks
A criminal history background check will be required for finalists under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.