Principal Process Engineer

ASM; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dormont Manufacturing Co is seeking a Principal Process Engineer in Phoenix, Arizona. You will be responsible for developing and optimizing semiconductor processes, utilizing your expertise in materials characterization, and providing mentorship to junior engineers.

The ideal candidate should have a Master's or PhD degree, with at least 7 years of experience in semiconductor processing and a strong background in CVD and ALD techniques. This is a key role that involves complex problem-solving and innovation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in semiconductor processing and materials characterization.
• Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or Physics.
• Knowledge of dielectric and metal film application for logic and memory structures.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize processes for advanced semiconductor applications.
• Conduct experiments and interpret complex data.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills

Process project management

Problem-solving

Materials characterization

Communication skills

Education

Master’s or PhD in related field

Tools

XPS

TEM

CVD

ALD

Job description

Principal Process Engineer

As a Principal Process Engineer at ASM, you will work with semiconductor processing and analytical equipment to research, develop and optimize processes focused on oxidation, annealing, curing, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD, PEALD), Epitaxy, or PECVD for logic, memory, analog, power, and MEMS applications. You will utilize your extensive technical domain expertise to deliver innovative solutions to our product teams. You will design and conduct complex experiments, measurements and perform the interpretation of complex experimental output. While you deliver creative and inventive solutions, technical publications and generation of Intellectual Property (IP) are an essential function of this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Creative problem solver with experience in developing new films for emerging applications and experience in chemistry/materials characterization.
• Works with semiconductor processing equipment to research, develop and optimize unit processes focused on the deposition of metal and dielectric films via ALD, PEALD, Epitaxy, and/or PECVD.
• Brings innovative ideas, staying abreast of state-of-the-art processing applications in the semiconductor industry to be effective.
• Process consulting and accountability including technical papers on advanced process applications and Intellectual Property creation.
• Provides mentorship to other Process Engineers within the team.
• Participates in and drives technical problem-solving sessions using the related scientific method and industry tools, such as Ishikawa diagrams.
• Designs and conducts experiments, in addition to measuring and interpreting experimental output, aimed at fulfilling stated objectives using Design of Experiments (DOE) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM).
• Troubleshoots equipment problems and is personally and actively engaged in problem via “hands‑on” modalities.
• Works with customers and central marketing to understand and define requirements to successfully execute and document customer demonstrations.
• Develops methods and techniques for integrating metal and/or oxide films into existing and future device technologies.
• Ensures successful product transfer to customer base by performing demonstrations, training field service personnel, traveling to support remote sites (up to 10% travel required), and drafting documentation regarding process development, tool operation and maintenance.
• Produces technical papers on process, equipment, and device integration improvement strategies and presents to professional audience.
• You may be assigned supervisory duties over supporting process engineering technicians and aides. These supervisory duties could include direct input into employees’ performance evaluations, discipline, and discharge.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or Physics.
• 7+ years of combined education, research, and work experience with:
  • Cure, oxidation, ALD, CVD, Epitaxy, PECVD and/or other thin film deposition.
  • Materials characterization techniques such as XPS, SIMS, RBS, AFM, XRR, XRD, TEM, SEM and ellipsometry.
• Knowledge of electrical characterization techniques for CMOS devices.
• Application of dielectric and/or metal films for logic and memory structures.
• Training in CFD (computational fluid dynamics), either theoretical or practical is preferred.
• Knowledge of electrical characterization techniques for CMOS devices is preferred.

Skills

• Ability to independently manage complex process development projects, including personnel, project schedules, experimental thrusts, hardware procurement and budgetary oversight.
• Ability to be a process consultant to internal and external customers.
• An authority on interplay between hardware design (e.g., chemical reactor design) and operation and process outputs.
• Understanding of requirements for integration of metals as work function materials and barrier layers in FEOL and BEOL process flows.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and completely characterize deposition processes using first principles and experimental design techniques (e.g., DOE, RSM).
• Experience with the theory, practice, and interpretation of materials characterization techniques such as XPS, SIMS, RBS, AFM, XRD, HRTEM, FESEM, Auger, Raman and ellipsometry.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to clearly communicate advanced technical constructs in direct and concise manner.

ASM is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.