Process Engineer, Staff - Plasma Etch

Tower Semiconductor; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Tower Semiconductor’s San Antonio fab seeks a process development engineer to lead development, transfer, and improvement initiatives in a high-volume manufacturing environment. The role emphasizes hands-on experimentation and collaboration with process, integration, and yield teams.

The ideal candidate has strong plasma etch expertise, advanced degrees, and demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, drive improvements, and deliver cost-effective solutions while maintaining quality and

Qualifications

• PhD or MS/BS with years of experience in Plasma Etch.
• 3+ years industry experience in silicon, dielectric or conductor etch.
• Major in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, materials science, or chemistry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Team oriented, able to solve difficult problems with others.
• Strong skills in statistics, SPC, DOE, and data analysis techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the area by setting directions for improvements, sustaining, and operations.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with process, integration, and yield engineers to improve metrics (SPC, yield, parametrics, defects).
• Strive for first-pass success in technology transfers.
• Define and execute projects for process development and improvement.
• Work with process technicians on projects and sustaining activities.
• Ensure newly installed equipment meets ramp requirements.
• Partner with equipment engineering to improve uptime and tool utilization.
• Implement advanced process control to improve Cpk at critical levels.
• Identify cost savings opportunities and drive projects to reduce costs.
• Define and execute projects to complete, improving cost, quality, and productivity.
• Develop and optimize processes for new product introduction and manufacturability.
• Engage in hands-on fab work running carefully designed experiments.
• Multitask and adapt to changing conditions while identifying problems and opportunities.
• Make technically informed decisions and communicate across teams.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Experimentation

Teamwork

Problem solving

Data analysis

Communication

Multitasking

Education

PhD in a plasma/etch related field

MS in related field

BS in related field

Tools

Plasma etch tools

LAM tools

Vacuum equipment

Job description

In this role, you will lead process development, process transfer, and process improvement initiatives within our high-volume manufacturing facility located in San Antonio, TX. Our Tower fab in San Antonio is an expanding manufacturing site dedicated to delivering specialty electronic devices across diverse applications while maintaining exceptional quality standards, competitive costs, and efficient cycle times.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent hands-on experience with both processes and equipment, coupled with strong experimental skills. Candidates with prior experience working with plasmas and a solid understanding of plasma physics will be given preference. Manufacturing or industrial experience is considered a significant advantage.

This Job Is For You If

• Lead the area by establishing directions for improvements, sustaining, and overall operations
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians
• Collaborate closely with process, integration, and yield enhancement engineers to improve process metrics including SPC, yield, parametrics, and defects
• Strive to achieve first-pass success for technology transfers
• Identify and define projects for process development and improvement
• Work with a team of process technicians on projects and daily sustaining activities
• Ensure newly installed equipment matches requirements to support production ramp
• Partner with equipment engineering to improve uptime and tool utilization
• Implement advanced process control to improve Cpk at critical levels
• Identify cost savings opportunities and drive projects to reduce overall costs
• Define and execute projects to completion, improving cost, quality, and productivity
• Develop and optimize processes to support new product introduction and demonstrate manufacturability
• Enjoy hands-on fab work, spending time running carefully designed experiments
• Multitask effectively and react quickly to changing conditions while recognizing problems, limitations, and opportunities
• Make decisions with strong technical implications
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing due to extensive cross-team collaboration

Job Requirements

Must Have:

• Ph.D. with 1+ years of experience, M.S. with 5+ years or B.S with 10+ years of experience in Plasma Etch.
• 3+ years of industry experience in silicon, dielectric or conductor etch.
• Major in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, materials science, or chemistry
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Able to work closely and cordially with others as part of a team to solve difficult problems
• Proven strong skills in statistics, SPC, DOE, and data analysis techniques
• Hands-on experience with plasma tools and processes, experience with LAM tools is a plus.
• Good understanding of vacuum technology, plasma reactors, and plasma physics
• Some knowledge of device physics and device architecture
• High degree of discipline and organization with the ability to multi-task and successfully drive multiple projects simultaneously
• Understand cycle time, process flows, and material management
• Analyze problems and develop effective solutions
• Willingness to seek out information and advice from all members of the org. chart to get unstuck from challenging problems
• Willingness to design, execute, and analyze difficult experiments.
• This position requires an engineer who is willing to spend time in the fab working with equipment engineers and technicians to troubleshoot and solve difficult problems.
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.