R & D Applications Engineer

REC SOLAR GRADE SILICON; Butte (MT); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Medical/Dental/Vision

FSA and HSA option

Annual bonus plan

401(k) with company match

Life & disability insurance

Job summary

REC Silicon in Albany, NY is seeking an Applications Engineer to support formulation evaluation and performance testing for precursor and formulated wet chemical portfolios. This hands-on role blends chemistry, process engineering and data analysis to translate test results into clear reports for internal teams and customers.

The role collaborates with regional R&D partners to drive product development, application optimization and customer satisfaction in Albany, NY, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience (at least 3 years) operating wet bench equipment and working within cleanroom environments.
• Familiarity with semiconductor processes, substrates and purity standards.
• Experience with wet chemical formulations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute formulation evaluation experiments on semiconductor substrates using wet bench and cleanroom equipment.
• Perform hands-on wet chemical processing under cleanroom protocols.
• Operate and maintain analytical/metrology tools to characterize formulation performance.
• Translate data into technical reports and presentations for internal teams and customers.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with chemists, engineers and Marketing to align testing priorities.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher (Materials Science/Engineering/C Chemistry)

Tools

Wet bench equipment

Analytical/metrology tools

Job description

REC Silicon is committed to the holistic approach to our company benefits. Once you’re here, your family and we want you to be safe, healthy, and engaged during your rewarding career. Designed not just for our team, but also families, our benefits offer the following:

• Generous PTO:Your off time is important. We offer 144 hours of PTO per year for the first 5 years of employment. Year six, 184 hours. High maximum balance and cash out option.
• Medical/Dental/Vision:Majority of premiums paid by REC Silicon for you and your dependents. Includes virtual medical and mental health options.
• Additional Health Coverage:FSA and HSA available. Voluntary insurance options include life and AD&D, accident, hospitalization and critical illness.
• Earn More:We offer a generous annual company bonus plan in addition to salary/wage.
• 401(k) Savings Plan:Jump start your retirement with REC Silicon’s discretionary contribution does not require an employee contribution. Match also available.
• Company-Paid Benefits:Life insurance, short & long-term disability insurance, Life Flight, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness reward program, pharmacy advocacy and disease management program.
• Flexibility:We support employees through flexible work schedules and limited work from home options.
• Additional Benefits: We provide position-based clothing, travel expenses, training and additional materials needed on a case-by-case basis.

Summary

The Applications Engineer will support formulation evaluation and performance testing for REC Silicon R&D’s precursor and formulated wet chemical portfolios. This hands‑on role combines chemistry, process engineering, and data analysis to evaluate candidate formulations on semiconductor substrates in cleanroom and wet bench environments. The engineer will analyze test results and translate them into clear, actionable reports for internal teams and customers.

Based in Albany, New York, this position will collaborate closely with regional semiconductor R&D partners to support product development, application optimization, and customer needs in Albany, NY.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following examples of duties and responsibilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistently with the general scope of the position.

• Design and execute formulation evaluation experiments on semiconductor substrates (wafers, coupons, patterned test structures) using wet bench and cleanroom equipment
• Perform hands‑on wet chemical processing: etching, cleaning, stripping and related unit operations under controlled cleanroom protocols
• Operate and maintain analytical/metrology tools used to characterize formulation performance (e.g., surface characterization, particle/defect counts, trace metal contamination, etch rate/selectivity measurements)
• Compile, organize and analyze performance data across multiple test conditions and formulation variants
• Translate raw data into structured technical reports, summaries and presentations for internal R&D, business development and customer‑facing use
• Track experimental trends and flag anomalies, contamination issues or process deviations
• Maintain rigorous documentation of experimental protocols, safety procedures and results in compliance with cleanroom and EHS standards
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with formulation chemists, process engineers and Marketing to align testing priorities with commercial and technical goals
• Support customer/partner interactions by preparing technical data packages and participating in technical discussions

Qualifications

Incumbents must have demonstrated knowledge and abilities in these areas. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a closely related specialized field
• Hands‑on experience(at least 3 years) operating wet bench equipment and working within cleanroom environments (growing protocols, contamination control, tool operation)
• Demonstrated familiarity with the semiconductor industry, such as process flows, substrate types, relevant terminology and quality/purity standards
• Experience with wet chemical formulations preferred
• Familiarity with trace metal contamination control(ppb to ppt level) and relevant analytical techniques
• Exposure to advanced node process requirements preferred
• Prior experience in a fast‑paced start up or new business unit environment preferred

Other Skills and Abilities

• Strong data analysis skills(Excel and/or statistical/analytical software) with the ability to synthesize experimental data into clear technical reports
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for cross‑functional and customer‑facing reporting

Location

Albany, NY

Work Environments

This role requires work in cleanroom and wet bench laboratory environments, including the use of personal protective equipment and strict adherence to safety and contamination‑control protocols. This position requires approximately 10–20% domestic and international travel.

Occasional work from home is permitted in accordance with company policy.

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to stand or sit for extended periods, perform laboratory tasks requiring manual dexterity and close visual attention, and occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 10 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.