Process Engineer 2

Lam Research; Tualatin (OR); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Lam Research in Oregon seeks a Metrology Engineer to advance topography and material-property characterization. You will own application development for AFM, nanoindentation, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and optical coupling measurements, collaborating with equipment and process engineers to enable next‑generation technology.

You’ll contribute to metrology strategy, expand capabilities across platforms, and drive vendor engagements and innovative solutions for complex characterization challenges in

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Materials Science, Optics, Chemistry or Physics or related field.
• 2+ years hands-on metrology experience with AFM or nanoindentation or optical characterization.
• Proven ability to solve complex characterization challenges in R&D.
• Vendor management experience with tool downtime escalation.
• Strong program and project management with cross-team collaboration.
• Excellent communication across teams and levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide metrology software and application support across AFM, nanoindentation, UV-Vis and optical measurements.
• Develop metrology solutions for high‑level challenges and complex characterization tasks.
• Collaborate with equipment and process engineers to enable advanced process R&D.
• Contribute to metrology strategy, capability expansion, and roadmap development.

Skills

AFM

Nanoindentation

Optical characterization

Surface metrology

Materials analysis

Vendor management

Project management

Communication

Education

Master’s or PhD in Materials Science/Optics/Chemistry/Physics

Tools

JMP

Matlab

Job description

In the Global Products Group, we are dedicated to excellence in the design and engineering of Lam’s etch and deposition products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting‑edge solutions are helping to solve the biggest challenges in the semiconductor industry.

Responsibilities May Include a Combination Of The Following

• Hardware Development: Directs, leads, and manages the technical activities of a hardware development function for electronic design, mechanical design, and/or hardware reliability.
• Software Development: Directs, leads, and manages the technical activities of a software development function for software systems, applications, and/or software quality assurance.
• Systems Design: Directs, leads, and manages the technical activities of an integrated hardware/software systems design function.

What You’ll Do

This is a Metrology Engineer role focused on topography and material property characterization, with opportunities to expand into additional metrology disciplines over time. In this role, you will own application development and metrology solution development for techniques including AFM, nanoindentation, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and optical coupling measurements. You will work closely with equipment engineers, process engineers, and laboratory operations teams to support advanced process research and development, enabling the characterization and optimization of next‑generation technologies.

Key Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Provide high‑quality, efficient application support and solution development across a range of metrology techniques, including AFM, nanoindentation, UV-Vis spectroscopy, optical coupling measurements, and other characterization methods as needed.
• Work with the team in delivering metrology solutions for complex, high‑level challenges.
• Serve as a technical subject‑matter expert in topography and material property characterization, contributing to metrology strategy, capability expansion, and roadmap development across multiple metrology platforms.
• Work closely with the equipment engineering to manage vendor engagements (including leading vendor escalations when necessary to ensure the productivity of the tools).
• Drive innovation by thinking beyond traditional approaches, leveraging internal and external expertise to identify, develop, and implement metrology solutions for emerging characterization challenges across a broad range of technologies and applications.

Who We’re Looking For

• Master’s degree or PhD in Materials Science, Optics, Chemistry or Physics or related field with no previous professional experience; or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience in advanced metrology and characterization techniques, with expertise in one or more areas such as AFM, nanoindentation, optical characterization, surface metrology, or materials analysis.
• Demonstrated technical depth in metrology application and solution development, with a proven track record of solving complex characterization challenges and supporting advanced research and development programs.
• Proven experience in vendor management, particularly in tool downtime situations and escalation management.
• Strong program and project management skills, with demonstrated effectiveness in managing multiple projects/priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and organizational levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in advanced technology with an on‑going desire to learn and explore new areas.
• Background in AFM and nanoindentation is a plus.
• Strong interest in hands‑on experimentation, data analysis, and data‑driven problem solving, with a systematic approach to troubleshooting, critical thinking, and decision‑making.
• Programming/scripting experience is a plus.
• Experience with statistics and statistical tools (JMP, Matlab, etc.) is a plus.
• In‑depth understanding of physics behind the metrology techniques.

Our Commitment

We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.

Lam Research ("Lam" or the "Company") is an equal opportunity employer. Lam is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non‑discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.

Lam offers a variety of work location models based on the needs of each role. Our hybrid roles combine the benefits of on‑site collaboration with colleagues and the flexibility to work remotely and fall into two categories – On‑site Flex and Virtual Flex. ‘On‑site Flex’ you’ll work 3+ days per week on‑site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, with the opportunity to work remotely for the balance of the week. ‘Virtual Flex’ you’ll work 1‑2 days per week on‑site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, and remotely the rest of the time.

Our Perks And Benefits

At Lam, our people make amazing things possible. That’s why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits.