Principal Engineer-Process (Wafer Fab)

Microchip Technology Inc.; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 232,000; Full time

Job summary

Microchip Technology Inc. is seeking a Principal Process Engineer to support wafer fab tools and processes across Photo, Etch, Deposition, or Diffusion in diodes on silicon and GaAs wafers.

The role focuses on commercial and military communication/RADAR instrumentation markets. The candidate will act as a subject matter expert, optimize equipment and process performance, and lead teams to improve yields, cycle time, and cost.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing.
• Knowledge of SPC and DoE.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma principles and methods.
• Proficiency in problem‑solving using 8D reports or similar methodologies.
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis.
• Strong analytical skills with Excel, JMP, and related tools.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Act as a subject matter expert in semiconductor wafer processing, providing cross‑functional support.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of the assigned process module.
• Create and update process specifications.
• Study and improve equipment performance for reliability and repeatability.
• Study and improve process performance for control and repeatability.
• Lead teams to improve yields, reduce cycle time or reduce cost.
• Use Statistical Process Control for monitoring critical parameters.
• Qualify new equipment.
• Analyze and present data to technical audiences.
• Perform other design, development, and support tasks as assigned.

Skills

SPC

DoE

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Excel

JMP

Problem solving

Communication (English)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

JMP

Excel

Job description

Principal Process Engineer

We are looking for a Principal Process Engineer to support wafer fab tools and processes in one or more functional areas such as Photo, Etch, Deposition, or Diffusion at a facility that produces PIN, Zener, and Schottky diodes on silicon and gallium arsenide wafers, emphasizing commercial and military communication/RADAR & instrumentation markets.

Responsibilities

• Act as a subject matter expert in semiconductor wafer processing, providing cross‑functional support.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of the assigned process module.
• Create and update process specifications.
• Study and improve equipment performance for reliability and repeatability.
• Study and improve process performance for control and repeatability.
• Lead teams to improve yields, reduce cycle time or reduce cost.
• Use Statistical Process Control for monitoring critical parameters.
• Qualify new equipment.
• Analyze and present data to technical audiences.
• Perform other design, development, and support tasks as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing.
• Ability to think outside the box and devise unique solutions.
• Knowledge of silicon wafer fabrication processes.
• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DoE).
• Familiarity with Six Sigma principles and methods.
• Proficiency in problem‑solving using 8D reports or similar methodologies.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, JMP, and related tools.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.

Preferred Requirements / Qualifications

• Experience with legacy wafer fabs using 3″–6″ wafers.
• Experience in photo or etch processes.
• Experience using AI tools to conduct research, analyze data, and present findings.

U.S. Export Controls

This position requires access to technology, materials, software, or hardware that is controlled by U.S. export laws. Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent U.S. residency, or a protected status as defined in 8 USC 1324b(a)(3).

Travel Requirements

0% – 25% travel.

Physical Requirements

Lift up to 25 lbs, push or pull 25 lbs, carry 15 lbs. Sit 10% of shift, stand 60%, walk 40%. Must perform activities including stooping, reaching, handling, hearing, talking, seeing, and working alone or with others.

Pay Range

Annual base salary range for this position in the U.S. is $75,000 – $232,000.* Range depends on location, skills, and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Microchip Technology Inc. is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative‑action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.