Principal Process Engineer – Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.; Saint Petersburg (FL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. in Saint Petersburg, FL seeks a Principal Process Engineer to lead MEMS manufacturing initiatives and standardization across processes.

You will mentor engineers, drive cross‑functional problem solving, and translate data into scalable manufacturing strategies. Responsibilities include designing MEMS devices, evaluating performance with modeling tools, developing production methods, drafting specifications, and sharing best practices with design teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience 10-15 years of Microsystems Engineering or related experience.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops Microelectromechanical devices/sensors, schematics and physical layouts of integrated MEMS components or packaged assemblies.
• Assesses performance and process capabilities of potential MEMS device designs using modeling or simulation software.
• Tests and evaluates devices using a variety of tools, protocols, and software.
• Analyzes and addresses issues such as reliability, yield improvement, and/or failure.
• Develops production methods and fabrication processes for MEMS.
• Drafts documentation such as operating instructions, performance specifications, and manuals.
• Shares performance experience and operating characteristics with designers or other engineers for new product development purposes and/or training.
• Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
• Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in their discipline.
• Able to provide insight and suggest design or process modifications based on quantitative data or results.
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.

Skills

Technical leadership

Semiconductor processes

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Problem solving

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Physics

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MEMS fabrication tools

Metrology tools

Simulation software

Job description

Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

This role is intended for a recognized technical expert who can operate beyond the scope of an individual process engineer and serve as a technical leader across the broader manufacturing organization. We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Process Engineer to provide technical leadership across advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes, metal etch, copper plating, sputter deposition, MEMS DBI, process integration, yield improvement, process standardization, and new product introduction (NPI). The Principal Process Engineer will lead complex technical initiatives, establish process direction, mentor engineers, drive cross-functional problem solving, and develop scalable manufacturing processes and standards.

Process Engineering & Technical Leadership

Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise for semiconductor manufacturing processes, with emphasis on:

• Demonstrated practical experience with fab processes including integration of problem solving across processes even those outside of primary expertise. Provide technical breadth (best practice incorporation, problem solving, creativity, technical communication) across Metal etch, Copper plating/electroplating, MEMS DBI, Sputter deposition, and upstream, downstream process flows.
• Demonstrated and sustained hands‑on experience with innovation across multiple projects to solve problems. Identifies opportunities to build new capabilities and grow existing capabilities through deep understanding of appropriate or novel solutions and technologies.
• Demonstrated confidence and success leading meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Establish technical direction for process development, optimization, qualification, and continuous improvement activities.
• Translate technical findings into actionable manufacturing strategies and process improvements.

Manufacturing Process Standardization

• Lead efforts to standardize semiconductor manufacturing processes across the organization.
• Partner with engineering and operations leadership to ensure standardized processes are implemented and sustained.

Mentoring & Engineering Development

• Mentor Senior Process Engineers, Process Engineers, and developing technical staff.
• Help establish engineering best practices and expectations across the process engineering organization.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Designs and develops Microelectromechanical devices/sensors, schematics and physical layouts of integrated MEMS components or packaged assemblies.
• Assesses performance and process capabilities of potential MEMS device designs using modeling or simulation software.
• Tests and evaluates devices using a variety of tools, protocols, and software.
• Analyzes and addresses issues such as reliability, yield improvement, and/or failure.
• Develops production methods and fabrication processes for MEMS.
• Drafts documentation such as operating instructions, performance specifications, and manuals.
• Shares performance experience and operating characteristics with designers or other engineers for new product development purposes and/or training.
• Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
• Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in their discipline.
• Able to provide insight and suggest design or process modifications based on quantitative data or results.
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with the fabrication and metrology tools and instrumentation related to MEMS component fabrication.
• Proficient with software tools and systems used for device design, modelling, and performance testing.
• Proficient with software tools and systems used for statistical process control, and reliability and failure analysis, including yield improvement.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience 10-15 years of Microsystems Engineering or related experience.

Additional Job Description

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret clearance is preferred.

Job Location

City: St. Petersburg
State: Florida
Postal Code: 33716

Salary and Compensation

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $95,000.00 - $245,000.00 Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Inclusive Environment

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].

We are in the business of redefining what is possible. Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team to engineer the groundbreaking solutions of tomorrow. Explore life at Draper with our unique culture and benefits at draper.com.