Process Engineer (Wafer)

Qcells North America; Cartersville (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Q CELLS North America in Cartersville, GA is seeking a Wafer Process Engineer to optimize wafer manufacturing processes for capability, reliability, and capacity, while managing day‑to‑day wafer production to ensure a stable supply for internal Cell production and external wafer customers.

The role requires hands‑on shop floor leadership, collaboration with Equipment, Quality, and Utility teams, and ongoing documentation of improvements, SOPs, and technical reports to drive reduced cycle times

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in a process/manufacturing environment.
• Experience in semiconductor or related industries is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive stable mass production ramp-up and manage on-site operations.
• Lead floor follow-up to troubleshoot and resolve process issues.
• Strengthen process monitoring to prevent defect escapes.
• Collaborate with Equipment, Utility, Quality and other teams.
• Address equipment-related issues with vendors and internal teams.
• Optimize processes for capability, reliability and capacity.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce cycle time and defects.
• Develop, revise, and deploy SOPs for wafer processes.
• Support design, development, validation and mass production readiness.
• Plan tests and support smooth transfer to mass production.
• Conduct PFMEA-based evaluations and document results.
• Manage real-time production issues and escalation tracking.
• Communicate results through reports and technical docs.
• Provide training to Development Engineers and operators.

Skills

Semiconductor experience

Process optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

CAD

Minitab

Excel

Job description

Wafer Process Engineer

Classification: Salary

Description

Wafer Process Engineer

Direct Supervisor: Wafer Process & Technology Team Leader

Location: Cartersville, GA

Classification: Salary

Job Overview

The Wafer Process Engineer will be responsible for optimizing wafer manufacturing processes in terms of capability, reliability, and capacity de-bottlenecking, while managing day-to-day wafer production to ensure a stable supply for both internal Cell production and external wafer customers. This role includes overseeing production line operations, coordinating with vendors, and supporting training and administrative activities as assigned. The Process Engineer will be a key member of the Wafer Process team and will work closely with cross-functional departments to ensure stable and efficient wafer production across the facility.

Responsibilities

• Drive stable mass production ramp-up by proactively managing on-site operations and responding to real-time issues
• Lead hands-on shop floor follow-up (F/U) to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve production and process-related issues in a timely manner
• Strengthen process monitoring to detect recurring defects and prevent defect escapes
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Equipment, Utility, Quality, and other related functions) to ensure stable and continuous production
• Work with equipment vendors and internal teams to address equipment-related issues and implement effective countermeasures
• Optimize manufacturing processes in terms of capability, reliability, and capacity (de-bottlenecking)
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle time, defects, process variation, and chemical/water usage
• Develop, revise, and standardize SOPs for each wafer process, and ensure effective deployment and communication across production teams
• Support process design, development, validation, and mass production readiness activities
• Plan and execute small-scale and large-scale tests, and support smooth transition into mass production
• Conduct PFMEA-based process evaluations and implement new process improvements on the shop floor, documenting results in technical reports
• Manage real-time production issues, including escalation, tracking, and follow-up to closure
• Communicate key results and updates through reports, technical documentation, and presentations
• Provide training and guidance to Process Development Engineers and operators to enhance overall process capability
• Support product qualification and technical activities for external customers while ensuring stable wafer supply for both internal Cell production and external customers.

Physical Qualifications

• Proficiency in English (written and verbal) is required
• Ability to travel internationally as required
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the production area
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods while working at a desk and using a computer
• Ability to reach, push, pull, and lift items within limits established by Qcells
• Ability to perform tasks in a manufacturing environment, including wearing required PPE

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, material, electrical, chemical and others engineering.
• Relevant experience in an industrial engineering environment (e.g., semiconductor, solar wafer slicing, or related industries)
• 3-5 years’ experience within a process / manufacturing environment
• Strong technical capability on both chemistry and chemical engineering discovering for new process
• Assist with the training of new employees as requested.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
• Proficiency in Engineering tools (CAD, Statics, Minitab, etc.)

Hanwha Q CELLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.