Process Technician

Aleron; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions is seeking a Process Technician in Fremont, CA to support semiconductor process development, customer demonstrations, and engineering experiments in a cutting‑edge R&D environment.

You will execute wafer processing experiments, operate advanced equipment, collect metrology data, and collaborate with process engineers to improve product quality and process performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline is required.
• Experience in semiconductor processing or lab operations is required.
• Experience with metrology and process data analysis is expected.

Responsibilities

• Perform process engineering laboratory activities supporting customer demonstrations, evaluations, and process development experiments.
• Prepare samples, perform chemical treatments, and execute wafer flows on semiconductor processing equipment.
• Operate metrology tools to collect experimental data, including thin‑film measurements, CD measurements, and SEM imaging.
• Develop, modify, and optimize process recipes to improve process robustness and performance.
• Monitor equipment performance, clear basic tool alarms, and troubleshoot issues to minimize downtime.
• Conduct Statistical Process Control (SPC) studies, etch rate monitoring, data analysis, and performance reporting.
• Analyze process trends and identify potential out‑of‑spec conditions while recommending corrective actions.
• Support sample preparation, wafer cleaving, microscopy evaluations, and SEM analysis activities.
• Train engineers, technicians, and field service personnel on laboratory procedures, equipment operation, sample preparation, and safety protocols.
• Assist in developing metrology recipes, laboratory best practices, safety improvements, and customer IP protection procedures.

Skills

Process equipment operation

Metrology data analysis

SPC analysis

Laboratory safety

Training engineers

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electronics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related

Tools

SEM

CD metrology systems

Thin‑film measurement systems

Job description

Job Title: Process Technician

Location: Fremont, CA

Employment Type: Contract

Industry: Semiconductor

Compensation: $38.32/ hour

About the Opportunity:

We’re seeking an experienced Process Technician to support semiconductor process development, customer demonstrations, and engineering experiments within a cutting-edge R&D environment. In this highly hands‑on role, you’ll execute wafer processing experiments, operate advanced semiconductor equipment, collect and analyze metrology data, and collaborate closely with process engineers to improve process performance and product quality.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Work with advanced semiconductor process technologies in a state‑of‑the‑art laboratory environment.
• Collaborate directly with engineers, metrology teams, and field service professionals on innovative R&D projects.
• Gain exposure to process development, equipment troubleshooting, and customer‑facing demonstration activities.
• Play a key role in improving process quality, equipment performance, and laboratory operations.

Why This Opportunity is Exciting:

This role offers an excellent opportunity to combine process engineering support, equipment troubleshooting, metrology analysis, and technical problem‑solving in a fast‑paced semiconductor environment. You’ll work on experiments that directly influence process development, customer success, and future technology advancements.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider‑we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

What You’ll Do:

• Perform process engineering laboratory activities supporting customer demonstrations, evaluations, and process development experiments.
• Prepare samples, perform chemical treatments, and execute wafer flows on semiconductor processing equipment.
• Operate metrology tools to collect experimental data, including thin‑film measurements, CD measurements, and SEM imaging.
• Develop, modify, and optimize process recipes to improve process robustness and performance.
• Monitor equipment performance, clear basic tool alarms, and troubleshoot issues to minimize downtime.
• Conduct Statistical Process Control (SPC) studies, etch rate monitoring, data analysis, and performance reporting.
• Analyze process trends and identify potential out‑of‑spec conditions while recommending corrective actions.
• Support sample preparation, wafer cleaving, microscopy evaluations, and SEM analysis activities.
• Train engineers, technicians, and field service personnel on laboratory procedures, equipment operation, sample preparation, and safety protocols.
• Assist in developing metrology recipes, laboratory best practices, safety improvements, and customer IP protection procedures.

Job Requirements

What You’ll Bring:

• 4+ years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing, process engineering support, equipment engineering, laboratory operations, or equipment troubleshooting.
• 3+ years of experience operating semiconductor process equipment, wafer processing systems, or related manufacturing tools.
• 2+ years of experience performing metrology analysis using tools such as SEM, CD metrology systems, thin‑film measurement systems, or comparable equipment.
• 2+ years of experience supporting process development, engineering experiments, process characterization, or process optimization initiatives.
• 2+ years of experience utilizing Statistical Process Control (SPC), process monitoring techniques, or engineering data analysis.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electronics, Materials Science, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

What Sets You Apart:

• Experience creating semiconductor process recipes from scratch and optimizing existing process recipes.
• Knowledge of plasma etch, thin‑film, deposition, metrology, or semiconductor process technologies.
• Experience troubleshooting semiconductor equipment and resolving process‑related issues.
• Familiarity with cleanroom protocols, customer demonstration environments, and R&D laboratory operations.
• Experience training technical personnel and creating process documentation or operational instructions.
• Strong understanding of process control methodologies, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement principles.
• Experience working with microscope‑based analysis, wafer cleaving, and SEM sample preparation techniques.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities.

Additional Information:

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check.
• Overtime: May be required to support customer demonstrations, experiments, and project deadlines.
• Lifting Requirements: Must be able to safely perform the physical requirements of the role.
• Cleanroom Requirements: Ability to work in a cleanroom environment while wearing PPE, including bunny suits, shoe covers, safety glasses, masks, face shields, and gloves.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to install components at heights ranging from 12" to 71" and reach into equipment to perform maintenance and operational tasks.
• Work Environment: Semiconductor R&D laboratory and cleanroom environment supporting customer demonstrations and advanced process development activities.
• Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.