Principal GaN Technology Development Engineer

Polar Semiconductor, LLC; BLOOMINGTON (MN); On-site; USD 125,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Polar Semiconductor, LLC is seeking a senior process engineer to drive GaN on silicon HEMT technology development, optimization, and transfer for manufacturable devices. You will simulate, design experiments, analyze results, and collaborate across design, process, and quality teams to meet performance targets.

The role requires deep device physics knowledge, advanced degrees, and 5+ years in related work. Bloomington, MN will serve as the primary site with a focus on reliability and

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field and 5+ years in a similar role.
• Experience with developing and transferring new semiconductor processes.
• Ability to interpret electrical test data and correlate with process parameters.

Responsibilities

• Set up and perform process and device simulations to determine initial process parameters.
• Design and perform experiments and analyze results to optimize process flows.
• Analyze data from fabrication of test lots to identify optimization needs.
• Collaborate with Process Engineering to develop and optimize process modules.
• Support initial test chip processing and transfer lots to ensure first-pass success.
• Provide inputs to Device Engineers to develop layout rules and test structures.
• Provide regular development updates to management and customers.
• Support quality, safety, CQI, yield, and cost containment initiatives.

Skills

GaN on silicon HEMT knowledge

Semiconductor device physics (III-V)

Process integration

Data analysis (DoE, JMP)

Power device packaging knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

TCAD simulations

Education

Masters or PhD in EE/Physics/Material Science

Tools

JMP

Spotfire

TCAD

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Contribute to the development/transfer, optimization, and documentation of the overall process flow and macro modules required to fabricate reliable, manufacturable devices on GaN on Silicon (HEMT), which meet parametric and performance goals. Characterize, evaluate, and document semiconductor devices to ensure reliability and performance to quality standards. Evaluate new opportunities for development and/or transfer of new semiconductor technology and processes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up and perform process and device simulations to determine initial process parameters, capabilities, and direction for optimization of new process flows.
• Design and perform experiments and analyze the results to determine the process sequences and parameters which will yield the target device parameters, by using the results of the process simulations or initial test lots as a starting point.
• Analyze data (electrical, in-process measurement or visual inspection) from the fabrication of test lots to determine which parameters require additional optimization.
• Work with Process Engineering to develop, characterize, and optimize process modules.
• Support the processing of the initial test chip and transfer lots fabricated with the new process to identify and correct any problem areas and work to achieve first-pass success.
• Provide inputs to and work with Device Engineers to develop layout rules for the process being developed, using equipment specifications and experimental data.
• Recommend test structures for and contribute to the layout of test chip mask sets to aid in developing the new process and evaluating specific process‑dependencies of device parameters.
• Provide weekly, monthly, quarterly development updates to upper management and external customers.
• Support company initiatives, such as quality, safety and environmental management, CQI, 5S, yield management, and cost containment.
• Perform other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong process integration knowledge of GaN on silicon HEMT power devices
• Strong knowledge of semiconductor device physics, specially III-V nitrides
• Working knowledge of key process modules (Photo, Etch, Thin Films, CMP, MOCVD, etc.)
• Broad knowledge of GaN market trends and new opportunity evaluation experience preferred
• Process Integration Experience in CMOS/BCDMOS or Discrete IGBTs/MOSFETs a plus
• Experience in Process Flow Design to Achieve Manufacturability Metrics and Meet Electrical Test Targets
• Experience with and Understanding of Electrical Test Data and its Correlation to Process and Cross-sectional data
• Experience Interpreting Failure Analysis Results and Familiarity with Failure Analysis techniques
• Experience with Power Packaging including Assembly and Reliability issues
• Experience in Backend (BGBM, STM, etc.) Processes
• Experience in Development of Process, Technology and Design FMEA’s
• Skills DoE Design and Data Analysis Tools (JMP, Spotfire)
• TCAD Process Simulations
• Reading and Interpretation of Design Layouts
• Abilities Working with and Interpreting Information/Data between Design and Process Teams Driving for Solutions and Collaborating on Cross‑functional Teams
• Technical Leadership Ability (Education, experience and communication skills) Typically requires a Masters or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics or Material Science and 5+ years of experience in a relevant job function.

What We Offer

Salary: $125,000-$165,000 per year (good‑faith estimate)

• Benefits & Other Eligible Compensation: Includes health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, annual bonus, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Polar Semiconductor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

About Us

At Polar Semiconductor, we’re on a mission to fulfill our future as the U.S. based manufacturing partner of choice for differentiated power and sensor technologies. With a $525M investment from the CHIPs Act, the state of Minnesota, and private equity, we are looking for the best in the industry to help Polar transform from a captive fab to a pure‑play foundry.

We are doubling our manufacturing capacity and investing in advanced BCD and Wide Bandgap technology such as GaN. Polar has a long history in manufacturing automotive grade semiconductors and we are expanding in strategic markets such as national defense and AI data centers. We pride ourselves on state‑of‑the‑art semiconductor manufacturing, a collaborative culture, and a commitment to helping our customers succeed.

Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, Polar Semiconductor has over 60 years of integrated circuit and power semiconductor experience—but we’re more than just a manufacturing facility. We are a highly specialized pure‑play foundry capable of complex, custom orders. Our flexibility and tailored support allow us to collaboratively partner with customers of all sizes, capabilities, and capacities to produce the next wave of industry‑disrupting technology.

At Polar Semiconductor, talented professionals grow and excel in a progressive, technical environment that empowers you to make the most of your training and experience. Every Polar Semiconductor employee knows that our organizational success requires a solid commitment to the highest quality in every task we undertake and to satisfying our customers with every project, every time. Our team members are encouraged to be proactive in evaluating processes and making improvements, and our culture is inclusive, team‑oriented, and open to new ideas and differing viewpoints.

To ensure top quality, we provide employees with extensive training and use statistical process control, failure mode effect analysis, and other quality tools as standard practice. We are a dynamic organization, where you can maximize your potential and achieve all of your goals.