Senior ALD Process Engineer & Technology Lead

Forge Nano, Inc.; Thornton (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

FSA

401(k)

PTO

Paid holidays

Job summary

Forge Nano Inc. in Thornton, Colorado, seeks a Principal Process Engineer, R&D to lead ALD materials development and advance the TEPHRA technology roadmap. This senior technical leadership role drives next-generation coating materials, processes, and equipment for advanced semiconductor architectures.

The candidate should have a Ph.D. with 10+ years in semiconductor process tech, deep ALD/CVD expertise, and a track record in leading complex R&D programs from concept to commercialization.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• 10+ years of industry or applied research experience, including significant semiconductor process technology experience.
• Deep expertise in vacuum systems, thin-film deposition technologies, including Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
• Demonstrated success leading complex R&D programs from concept through commercialization.
• Proven experience developing advanced materials and semiconductor manufacturing processes.
• Strong leadership experience within cross-functional technical organizations.
• Demonstrated customer-facing experience supporting technical evaluations, integration efforts, and strategic partnerships.
• Strong project management skills, including resource planning, timelines, budgets, and technical risk management.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of next-generation coating materials, semiconductor processes, and equipment utilizing Forge Nano's ALDx platform.
• Define and execute the strategic technology roadmap for the TEPHRA production platform to support evolving customer and market requirements.
• Drive innovation initiatives that enable advanced semiconductor device architectures and differentiated process capabilities.
• Identify emerging technology opportunities and guide research activities that support long-term product and platform advancement.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, competitive technologies, and scientific advancements to inform strategic decision-making.
• Lead complex process development and optimization programs focused on improving throughput, particle reduction, film performance, and thickness uniformity.
• Establish process improvement strategies that enhance equipment performance, manufacturing efficiency, and product quality.
• Analyze process data and implement corrective actions to improve repeatability, reliability, and scalability.
• Drive process validation activities and ensure successful implementation of new technologies into production environments.
• Support technology transfer initiatives from research to manufacturing through robust development, qualification, and deployment methodologies.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for ALD integration within semiconductor manufacturing environments.
• Advise customers on alternative integration strategies for ALD solutions across a variety of semiconductor applications and device architectures.
• Identify and resolve integration challenges associated with ALD films and thin-film process implementation.
• Lead technical discussions, demonstrations, and customer engagements to support technology adoption and commercialization efforts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, development partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Lead complex multidisciplinary programs involving R&D, Engineering, Operations, Applications Engineering, and Business Development teams.
• Define project objectives, allocate resources, manage schedules, and ensure successful execution of technical milestones.
• Drive collaboration across functions to accelerate commercialization and operational readiness.
• Provide technical leadership during program reviews and support strategic decision-making across the organization.
• Ensure execution aligns with company goals, customer requirements, and business priorities.
• Guide the development and application of advanced analytical, metrology, and characterization techniques.
• Collaborate with analytical teams to validate materials performance, process capability, and product reliability.
• Utilize data-driven methodologies to support process optimization and technology development efforts.
• Establish metrics and evaluation methods for process and materials performance assessment.
• Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, and Business Development teams to identify market opportunities and technical growth strategies.
• Support customer proposals, technical publications, conference presentations, and commercialization initiatives.
• Represent Forge Nano at industry conferences, technical forums, customer meetings, and professional organizations.
• Publish and present technical research to strengthen company visibility and industry leadership.
• Contribute technical insights that support strategic partnerships and future business opportunities.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and technical leadership to scientists, engineers, and cross-functional teams.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
• Support talent development through knowledge sharing, technical training, and professional growth opportunities.
• Promote best practices in process development, documentation, and technical execution.
• Drive the development and protection of intellectual property through innovative research and rigorous technical documentation.
• Maintain high-quality records that support patent filings and proprietary technology development.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to OSHA standards and company safety protocols.

Skills

Semiconductor process tech

Vacuum systems

Thin-film deposition

ALD

CVD

R&D program leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Customer-facing

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in relevant field

Tools

ALDx platform

Job description

Forge Nano Inc. in Thornton, Colorado, seeks a Principal Process Engineer, R&D to lead ALD materials development and advance the TEPHRA technology roadmap. This senior technical leadership role drives next-generation coating materials, processes, and equipment for advanced semiconductor architectures.

The candidate should have a Ph.D. with 10+ years in semiconductor process tech, deep ALD/CVD expertise, and a track record in leading complex R&D programs from concept to commercialization.