Process Technician

Planet Pharma Group; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a hands-on Process Technician in Menlo Park to support thin-film deposition, sample prep, metrology, and equipment maintenance in an advanced materials R&D setting.

You will operate deposition tools, prepare wafers, collect data, and keep meticulous records while ensuring cleanroom compliance and safety across shifts. This contract role supports experimental development and instrument qualification.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on experience operating thin-film deposition equipment and semiconductor process tools.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills in a lab environment.
• Experience with metrology, characterization systems, and cleanroom protocols.
• Ability to interpret metrology data and troubleshoot process issues.
• Mechanical aptitude for equipment maintenance and preventive actions.

Responsibilities

• Operate vacuum-based thin-film deposition equipment and load substrates.
• Prepare wafers and coupons, perform cleaning and cross-section prep.
• Collect and review characterization data, maintain tool qualification.
• Perform preventative maintenance on deposition and metrology equipment.
• Document process conditions, deviations, and results in LIMS-like systems.
• Support experimental process development and parameter sweeps.

Skills

Independent worker

Documentation

Mechanical aptitude

Multi-priority

Education

Associate Degree / Technical Certificate

Tools

Thin-film deposition equipment

Semiconductor process tools

Metrology systems

Vacuum systems

Cleanroom equipment

Job description

Process Technician

Location: Menlo Park, CA (100% onsite)
Duration: 6-month contract with extension/possible conversion
Schedule: Swing shift with weekend flexibility

Position Overview

Seeking a hands-on Process Technician to support thin-film deposition, sample preparation, metrology, and equipment maintenance within an advanced materials R&D environment. This individual will be responsible for operating deposition equipment, performing wafer and coupon preparation, supporting characterization activities, maintaining tool qualification, and ensuring accurate documentation of all laboratory activities.

Key Responsibilities

Thin-Film Deposition Operations

• Execute deposition processes according to established SOPs.
• Operate vacuum-based thin-film deposition equipment.
• Load and unload substrates and wafers.
• Verify process conditions, chamber state, and recipe parameters.
• Review run performance and document results accurately.

Sample Preparation

• Dice and cleave coupons from wafers.
• Prepare samples for cross-sectioning and imaging.
• Perform substrate cleaning and preparation activities.
• Execute wet cleaning, oxide strip, dehydration bake, and conditioning procedures.
• Handle delicate materials without introducing contamination or artifacts.

Characterization & Metrology

• Operate material characterization and metrology equipment.
• Collect structural, optical, electrical, and film property data.
• Review test results for anomalies and identify potential equipment issues.
• Escalate tool-related concerns appropriately.
• Maintain accurate records of measurements and observations.

Equipment Maintenance & Qualification

• Perform preventative maintenance activities on deposition and characterization equipment.
• Complete chamber cleans, consumable changes, leak checks, calibration verification, and routine service activities.
• Maintain equipment qualification and monitor process performance.
• Track deposition rate, film thickness, and process uniformity.
• Support vendor service visits and maintain maintenance documentation.

Experimental Support

• Assist process engineers with experimental and non-standard process development activities.
• Support parameter sweeps, new material evaluations, and custom substrate configurations.
• Document process changes and experimental outcomes.

Documentation & Data Integrity

• Maintain detailed electronic and written records.
• Document actual process conditions, deviations, corrective actions, and results.
• Ensure compliance with lab data collection and traceability requirements.
• Support integration of data into laboratory tracking systems.

Safety & Laboratory Operations

• Follow cleanroom, chemical handling, contamination control, and safety protocols.
• Support hazardous waste management and chemical inventory activities.
• Perform lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures when required.
• Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, and inventory levels.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience operating:
  • Thin-film deposition equipment
  • Semiconductor process tools
  • Metrology or characterization systems
• Strong understanding of vacuum-based deposition processes.
• Experience with wafer and coupon preparation, including:
  • Dicing
  • Cleaving
  • Mounting
  • Cross-section preparation
  • Cleaning procedures
• Ability to interpret metrology data and identify process or equipment issues.
• Mechanical aptitude with experience performing equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate Degree, Technical Certificate, military technical training, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience in semiconductor R&D or high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience with:
  • Vacuum system troubleshooting
  • RF matching
  • Plasma tuning
  • Mass flow controller calibration
  • Pressure control systems
• Familiarity with:
  • LIMS
  • MES
  • Sample tracking systems
• Wafer-level metrology experience including:
  • Thickness mapping
  • Resistivity measurements
  • Film stress analysis
  • Wafer warpage characterization
• Experience with in-situ process monitoring systems.
• Prior work in university nanofabrication facilities or shared cleanroom environments.