PVD Process Engineer

Tower Semiconductor; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Tower Semiconductor in Newport Beach is seeking an experienced Process Engineer to support Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) processes in a high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of experience and a relevant Bachelor's degree.

This role involves sustaining production, driving process improvements, and collaborating with various teams to ensure efficiency. Responsibilities include troubleshooting yield issues and managing multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in HiVac/metal deposition process engineering.
• Strong knowledge of PVD systems and metal/liner integration.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, FMEA, and 8D methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Sustain and improve metal and liner processes in a high-volume fab environment.
• Troubleshoot yield issues and drive root cause analysis.
• Support tool qualification, process matching, and chamber optimization.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Collaboration

Data analysis

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Tools

PVD systems

JMP

AMAT Endura

Job description

Looking for a career path in the high-tech industry? Become part of a team focused on delivering the most exciting semiconductor technology in the world! If you enjoy working with others in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and are looking for an opportunity to grow your career in this exciting industry, then Tower Semiconductor is the place to be!

Tower Semiconductor, the leading foundry of high-value analog semiconductor solutions, provides technology, development, and process platforms for analog integrated circuits to more than 300 customers worldwide across growing markets such as communications, mobile, infrastructure, consumer, industrial, automotive, medical, and aerospace and defense, among others.

Join Tower and become part of a dynamic organization with exceptionally talented and dedicated team members who work collaboratively to provide best-in-class technological solutions to our clients.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Process Engineer to support and enhance Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) processes in a high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environment. This role focuses on sustaining production, driving process improvements, and supporting new technology qualifications.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in vacuum-based deposition systems, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate across multiple teams to ensure high yield, reliability, and on-time delivery.

This Job Is For You If

• You can sustain and improve metal and liner processes in a high-volume fab environment
• You can troubleshoot yield issues and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions
• You can support tool qualification, process matching, and chamber optimization
• You can lead or support process transfers and technology ramps into production
• You can analyze data and implement improvements using DOE and statistical methods
• You can collaborate with Integration, Equipment, Yield, and Quality teams
• You can manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• You can drive continuous improvement in yield, defectivity, and tool performance
• You can perform process characterization and qualification for new tools, chambers, and upgrades
• You can lead excursion response and troubleshooting using structured problem-solving methods (8D, FMEA)
• You can support preventive maintenance optimization and tool matching
• You can work with global teams to benchmark and standardize processes

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in HiVac/metal deposition process engineering (2+ years with an advanced degree)
• Strong knowledge of PVD systems and metal/liner integration
• Experience with tools such as AMAT Endura, SIP, or similar HiVac platforms preferred
• Proficiency in data analysis, DOE, and statistical tools (e.g., JMP)
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Experience with metal deposition and barrier/liner processes
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, FMEA, and 8D methodologies
• Familiarity with MES systems (e.g., PROMIS)