Process Integration Engineer

Semtech; Alhambra (CA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Semtech is seeking a Process Integration Engineer for the InP wafer fab in Alhambra, CA. You will own the end-to-end InP process flow and drive cross-functional integration, yield improvements, and root-cause resolution for high-yield photonic devices.

Responsibilities include process flow integrity, FA leadership, NPI support, and robust documentation to enable stable manufacturing and new product introductions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related engineering field.
• 5+ years of semiconductor process integration or device fabrication experience.
• Hands-on InP or III-V wafer fabrication exposure and process knowledge.
• Experience with yield analysis, defect reduction, and root-cause methods.
• Ability to operate across multiple wafer fab process modules in manufacturing.
• Strong systems-level understanding of semiconductor fabrication and process interactions.
• Proficiency in data analysis and SPC; able to drive cross-functional decisions.
• Experience with DFB lasers, SOAs, gain chips, or photonic devices is preferred.
• Familiar with reliability testing, qualification flows, and lifecycle support.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end InP wafer fabrication flow from epitaxy to backend processing.
• Ensure compatibility and robust integration across lithography, etch, deposition, metallization, and test.
• Define integration requirements, limits, margins, and sequence dependencies.
• Serve as primary owner for flow integrity and change impact assessment.
• Lead yield analysis to identify limiters and process interactions.
• Drive excursion response with containment, root-cause, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate FA activities using structured problem solving (8D/Six Sigma).
• Provide support for NPI, process transfers, and technology changes.
• Document process flows, travelers, and control plans; ensure PCM/TLM implementation.

Skills

InP wafer fabrication

Yield analysis

Root-cause methodologies

Data analysis

Statistical process control

Six Sigma

Cross-functional collaboration

DFB lasers / SOAs / photonic devices

Reliability testing

Device fabrication knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

SEM

FIB

SIMS

Electrical test equipment

Job description

Location

Alhambra, CA (Onsite)

Position Summary

The Process Integration Engineer – InP Wafer Fab position is responsible for end-to-end ownership of Indium Phosphide (InP) wafer fabrication process flows supporting the manufacturing of DFB lasers, Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (SOAs), and Gain Chip (GC) products. This role serves as the technical integrator across all wafer fab process modules, ensuring compatibility, robustness, and high-yield performance of the complete device fabrication flow. The position focuses on cross-module coordination, yield analysis, failure analysis, and root-cause resolution to enable stable manufacturing operations and successful new product introduction. The role requires strong systems-level understanding of InP device fabrication, data-driven problem solving, and close collaboration with process, device, reliability, and manufacturing teams.

End-to-End Process Flow Ownership and Integration (35%)

• Own and manage the complete InP wafer fabrication process flow from epitaxy through backend processing
• Ensure process compatibility and robust integration across lithography, etch, deposition, metallization, and test modules
• Define and maintain integration requirements including layer interactions, thermal budgets, process margins, and sequence dependencies
• Serve as the primary technical owner for process flow integrity and change impact assessment

Yield Analysis, Excursion Response, and Continuous Improvement (25%)

• Lead yield analysis efforts to identify yield limiters, systematic defects, and process interactions
• Drive excursion response activities, including rapid containment, root-cause identification, and corrective action implementation
• Analyze inline and electrical test data to identify process trends and emerging risks
• Partner with manufacturing and process teams to implement yield improvement and defect reduction initiatives

Failure Analysis and Root-Cause Resolution (20%)

• Lead and coordinate failure analysis (FA) activities using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma)
• Identify defect mechanisms and process-induced failure modes through cross-functional investigation
• Leverage FA techniques such as optical inspection, SEM, FIB, SIMS, and electrical analysis (directly or via partners)
• Ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented and verified for effectiveness

New Product Introduction and Technology Support (10%)

• Support new product introduction (NPI), process transfers, and technology changes within the InP wafer fab
• Evaluate integration risks associated with new designs, materials, or process changes
• Collaborate with device and design teams to ensure manufacturability and integration robustness

Documentation, Process Control, and Manufacturing Support (10%)

• Author and maintain process flows, integration specifications, travelers, and control plans
• Define requirements for process control monitor structures (PCM/TLM) and ensure implementation in design layouts
• Support day-to-day manufacturing operations by providing technical guidance and integration expertise
• Ensure documentation accuracy and compliance with internal quality and manufacturing standards

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field required
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in semiconductor process integration or device fabrication
• Strong hands-on understanding of InP-based or III-V compound semiconductor wafer fabrication processes
• Demonstrated experience with yield analysis, defect reduction, and root-cause methodologies
• Experience working across multiple wafer fab process modules in a manufacturing environment
• Strong systems-level understanding of semiconductor device fabrication and process interactions
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical process control (SPC)
• Ability to drive alignment and decision-making across cross-functional engineering teams
• Preferred experience with DFB lasers, SOAs, gain chips, or photonic device manufacturing
• Familiarity with reliability testing, qualification flows, and product lifecycle support preferred
• Experience supporting high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments preferred

The intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically included in this description. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. A reasonable estimate of the pay range for this position is $93,000 - $135,000. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base salary, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education and experience, as well as job location and the value of other elements of an employee’s total compensation package.