Metrology Engineer

Headway Technologies; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Headway Technologies in Milpitas, California, seeks a Metrology Engineer reporting to the Sr. Director of Process Characterization/NPI.

You will create recipes and develop methods to improve wafer quality on prototype wafers, with a focus on Focused Ion Beam (FIB) tools and integration of new technology programs. Responsibilities include monitoring prototype line activity, performing failure analysis with FIB/SEM, delivering characterization techniques, and presenting results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or Physics and/or equivalent relevant experience; Master’s or PhD degree preferred.
• Three to five years of hands-on experience in wafer manufacturing/semiconductor environment.
• Strong background in yield improvement and failure analysis.

Responsibilities

• Creating and optimizing recipes of prototype wafers for FIB tools.
• Monitors and sustains prototype line activity, including FIB and other inline characterizations.
• Improves wafer level defect and yield by conducting comprehensive failure analysis with FIB.
• Develops and delivers process integration and characterization techniques for new technology programs and next generation products.
• Performs wafer level process characterization, conducts failure analysis on the new processes of prototype wafers and recommends corrective action.

Skills

Metrology tools

FIB

JMP

MS Visual Basic

Yield improvement

Root cause analysis

Experiment design

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering/Materials Science/Physics

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

FIB equipment

SEM

Job description

REPORTS TO: SR. DIRECTOR, PROCESS CHARACTERIZATION/NPI

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Sr. Director of Process Characterization/NPI, the Metrology Engineer is responsible for creating recipes, developing and implementing methodologies for improving wafer quality on the prototype wafers with a specific focus on Focused Ion Beam (FIB) tools. Other responsibilities include the process integration and characterization of prototype wafers for new technology programs and next generation projects. This position is located in Milpitas, California.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Creating and optimizing recipes of prototype wafers for FIB tools
• Interacts and responds to inquiries from other engineering groups regarding new metrology requests, wafer quality, or yield issues
• Monitors and sustains prototype line activity, including FIB and other inline characterizations
• Improves wafer level defect and yield by conducting comprehensive failure analysis using FIB, and provides detailed analysis
• Develops and delivers process integration and characterization techniques for new technology programs and next generation products
• Performs wafer level process characterization, conducts failure analysis on the new processes of prototype wafers and recommends corrective action to resolve the issues
• Analyzes data using JMP, MS Visual Basic, or similar software application to determine the root cause of process variations; develops charts or reports and presents findings.
• Adheres to all safety policies and procedures as required
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level*

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or Physics and/or equivalent relevant experience; Master’s or PhD degree preferred
• Three to five years of hands‑on experience working in wafer manufacturing, the head media industry, or in a semiconductor manufacturing environment
• Strong background in yield improvement and failure analysis required
• Experience using FIB and/or SEM preferred
• Experience using JMP or similar analytical application required
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Applications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of process and characterization principles, practices, and use of metrology tools
• Knowledge of magnetic recording head or HDD manufacturing
• Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office applications to create spreadsheets, Word documents, and presentations
• Able to design experiments, analyze results, and recommend corrective action
• Able to create and discuss comprehensive presentations and results and draw logical engineering conclusions
• Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of contractors, consultants, employees, and management
• Able to work productively and collaboratively with all levels of employees and management
• Able to comply with all safety policies and procedures
• Able to use critical thinking to resolve issues, conduct root cause analysis, and make recommendations for process improvements
• Demonstrated analytical skills
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated problem-solving and trouble shooting skills
• Flexible and able to prioritize

The annual rate for this full-time position is between $120,819.00-$177,675.00 bonus target + benefits. Within the range the individual pay may differ depending on additional factors including job responsibilities, job related knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience. The annual pay range shown is subject to change and may be modified periodically.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Metrology Engineer works in an office environment from Monday thru Friday. Also works in a class 100 ESD sensitive wafer manufacturing facility; wears a cleanroom (bunny) suit, including hood, gloves, safety glasses, booties, and mask. The schedule may be altered from time‑to‑time to meet business or operational needs; may travel from building-to‑building as needed. May be exposed to hazardous conditions, chemicals, fumes, and/or gases during the course of work day; may be exposed to loud noise. Stands, walks, bends, twists, and crawls. Performs various fine grasping movements; operates a computer and enters information using a keyboard, operates a telephone, and other office equipment; may occasionally push, pull, or lift up to 20 pounds.

*Other duties of a similar nature or level are duties that may be required, but may not be specifically listed in the job description or posting.

TDK/Headway Technologies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Applicants requiring accommodation in order to complete the application process should contact the Headway Human Resources Department.