Senior Engineer II, Systems Engineering - Plasma

ASM International N.V.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ASM International N.V. is seeking a Systems Engineer II, Plasma, to drive development and deployment of plasma-based sensing, diagnostics, and process control across semiconductor manufacturing equipment in the Sensor Technology Group.

The role emphasizes understanding plasma behavior, experimental design, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to improve process performance and yield. You will work with Process, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Firmware, and Manufacturing teams to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline as listed.
• 5+ years semiconductor plasma process engineering experience.
• Experience with plasma physics, RF power systems, and process optimization.
• Ability to design and execute engineering experiments and analyze data.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy plasma-based sensing, diagnostics, and process control technologies across ASM equipment.
• Characterize plasma behavior and correlate diagnostic measurements with process performance.
• Design experiments, collect and analyze complex datasets, and identify performance drivers.
• Collaborate across Process, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Firmware, and Manufacturing Engineering teams.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Plasma physics

RF power systems

Chamber matching

Process optimization

Engineering experiments

Statistics & data interpretation

Troubleshooting & root-cause analysis

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics/Electrical/Materials/Mechanical Engineering

MS or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

Tools

OES

RGA

RF diagnostics

Langmuir probes

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Step into a career with ASM, where cutting edge technology meets collaborative culture.

For over 55 years ASM has been ahead of what’s next, at the forefront of innovation and what’s technologically possible. With more than 4,500 ASMers representing 70 nationalities, our people and our advanced semiconductor devices are playing a crucial role in trends such as 5G, cloud computing, AI, and autonomous driving.Butwe’re more than just a tech company. We value diversity, inclusion and sustainability as we strive to make a positive impact on the world. Our development programs help support your growth, shaping your future and pushing the boundaries of innovation to unleash potential.

We are seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineer II, Plasma to join the Sensor Technology Group. This role combines plasma science, systems engineering, process diagnostics, and technology development to drive innovation and continuous improvement across ASM product platforms.

Job Mission

The Systems Engineer II, Plasma is responsible for the development, characterization, integration, and deployment of plasma-based sensing, diagnostics, and process control technologies across ASM semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This role focuses on understanding plasma behavior, developing diagnostic methodologies, and leveraging process and equipment data to improve process performance, reliability, and product outcomes.

Working closely with Process, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Firmware, and Manufacturing Engineering teams, this individual will develop experimental strategies, analyze complex datasets, troubleshoot plasma-related challenges, and support the qualification of new technologies from concept through deployment.

What You Will Be Working On

• Support development and characterization of plasma-based processes and subsystems across ASM product platforms.
• Evaluate plasma behavior, plasma-surface interactions, and process performance under varying operating conditions.
• Develop and execute experiments to improve plasma stability, uniformity, repeatability, and process capability.
• Support plasma system integration and qualification activities for new products and technology upgrades.
• Participate in requirements definition, test planning, and technology validation activities.
• Develop and implement diagnostic methodologies for plasma process characterization.
• Utilize plasma diagnostic tools including:
• Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES)
• VI probes
• Residual Gas Analysis (RGA)
• Pressure and flow diagnostics
• Temperature monitoring systems
• Analyze plasma characteristics and correlate diagnostic measurements with process performance.
• Characterize hardware performance and identify opportunities for process optimization.

Data Analysis & Process Optimization

• Design experiments and collect, analyze, and interpret complex process and equipment datasets.
• Apply statistical methods and engineering analysis techniques to identify process relationships and performance drivers.
• Support development of process windows, operating ranges, and optimization strategies.
• Generate technical reports and recommendations based on data-driven findings.
• Assist in development of monitoring methodologies and key process indicators.

Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis

• Troubleshoot complex plasma-process and hardware-related issues.
• Conduct root cause investigations utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Identify failure mechanisms affecting process performance, repeatability, reliability, and yield.
• Develop and implement corrective actions for recurring technical issues.
• Support field issue investigations and customer escalations as required.
• Evaluate new plasma technologies, diagnostic techniques, and process-monitoring solutions.
• Support proof-of-concept studies and technology demonstrations.
• Collaborate with suppliers and technology partners to assess new capabilities and technologies.
• Contribute to future technology roadmaps and product development initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Process, Product, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Firmware, and Manufacturing Engineering teams.
• Support customer-facing technical activities related to plasma characterization and process performance.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to engineering teams and management.
• Generate internal documentation, design reviews, qualification reports, and technical presentations.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical support and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Promote best practices in experimental design, process characterization, and root cause analysis.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts across products and engineering processes.
• Lead project activities and workstreams as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of semiconductor plasma process engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of:
• Plasma physics
• RF power systems
• Chamber matching
• Process optimization
• Thin-film deposition or plasma-enhanced processes
• Experience designing and executing engineering experiments.
• Experience with statistical analysis and data interpretation.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with ALD, PEALD, CVD, PECVD, epitaxy, or related semiconductor manufacturing processes.
• Experience using OES, RGA, RF diagnostics, Langmuir probes, or other plasma diagnostic tools.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, JMP, Minitab, or similar data-analysis tools.
• Knowledge of semiconductor equipment architecture and systems engineering methodologies.
• Experience supporting technology development from concept through product qualification.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical projects.

What Makes You Successful

• Strong understanding of plasma behavior and semiconductor process technology.
• Ability to connect experimental observations to equipment and process performance.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause investigation skills.
• Data-driven decision-making and problem-solving approach.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder-management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Demonstrated ownership, technical curiosity, and continuous improvement mindset.
• Passion for developing innovative solutions that improve process capability, equipment performance, and customer outcomes.

We make the tech that enables the chips in devices which improve lives around the world. We do this with an eye to the future, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through cutting-edge innovation, and driving the next wave of technological breakthroughs that shape how we live, work, and connect.

ASM is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify or expression, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.