Senior MOCVD Engineer

Semtech; Alhambra (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Semtech is seeking a MOCVD Engineer in Alhambra, CA to oversee daily sustaining operations, monitor material measurements, and ensure clean room compliance. The role requires strong teamwork, problem-solving, and dedication to quality.

You will manage instrument maintenance, data recording, and cross-functional collaboration with R&D and wafer fab teams. The position emphasizes safety, data analysis, and continuous improvement in MOCVD processes, with a competitive salary and comprehensive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Materials Science, EE, Photonics, or related field.
• 5+ years in InP-based bulk/MQW growth with MOCVD tools.
• Hands-on MOCVD maintenance and sustaining experience.
• Strong knowledge of characterization tools (PL, XRD, SEM, SIMS, TEM, AFM).
• Familiar with SPC, DOE and data analysis; JMP a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set up daily operation schedules, create recipes, monitor process/status, review results.
• Lead engineering efforts in safety, maintenance, and process sustainment.
• Compile data for technical reports; collaborate with R&D and facilities.
• Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Drive yield improvement and process/tuning decisions.

Skills

MOCVD tools

InP material growth

Sustaining & maintenance

SPC/DOE/data analysis

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Materials Science/EE/Physics

Tools

Aixtron MOCVD

Veeco MOCVD

XRD

PL

SEM

TEM

AFM

FIB

SIMS

Job description

Location: Alhambra, CA (Onsite)

Position Summary: The MOCVD Engineer position is responsible for daily MOCVD sustaining operations and monitoring of material measurements and data records. This position will also involve equipment maintenance activities, environmental sustaining and strictly complying with the clean room rules. The role requires teamwork, efficiency orientation, quality pursuit, and a diligent attitude.

Responsibilities

Daily Schedule and Process sustaining

• Set up daily operation schedule, create recipes, monitor process and equipment status, review measurement results, keep the material results satisfied with the specification requirement
• Perform as a Member of Emergency Response Group (ERT), and keep MOCVD run under safety requirement
• Responsible for raw material inventory update, order and change such as InP substrate, MO bubbler, hydride cylinder.
• Responsible for maintenance service for MOCVD, and characterization tools

Quality control and Documentation

• Compile data for use in technical reports and presentations to present to internal and external audience.
• Work Closely with R&D, facilities and wafer fab processing groups.
• Set up and manage SPC charts, monitor the change of process and equipment
• Create ISO compliant documentation for MOCVD procedures and processes.
• Provide technical training and support for operators or technicians.

Failure Analysis and Solution to Issue

• Lead and coordinate failure analysis (FA) activities using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., DOE, Six Sigma)
• Identify defect mechanisms and growth-induced failure modes through cross-functional investigation
• Leverage FA techniques such as optical inspection, SEM, FIB, SIMS, and electrical analysis
• Provide the solutions to issues and perform the effectiveness

Yield improvement and Root-Cause Analysis

• Lead defect reduction and yield improvement initiatives related to equipment and process
• Perform root-cause investigations using data analysis, and failure analysis inputs
• Implement corrective and preventive actions and verify long-term effectiveness
• Make decision for processing tuning and equipment maintenance after comprehensive trouble shooting

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Semiconductor Physics, Photonics, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in InP based bulk/MQW material growth with Aixtron/Veeco MOCVD tools
• Hands-on experience in sustaining and maintenance of MOCVD tools
• Broad experience and knowledge in material characterization equipment and techniques, including but not limited to: PL, XRD, ECV SEM, SIMS, Hall, TEM, and AFM.
• Familiarity with SPC, Gage, DOE, and other aspects of manufacturing and data analysis. JMP experience a plus
• Deep understanding the effect of process/equipment status on the measurement results
• Solid background knowledge in optoelectronic device physics, and wafer processing
• Strong problem-solving capability in equipment and material issues such as contamination, epi defect, and process fluctuation, etc.
• Self-motivated and a strong team player.

The intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically included in this description.

All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

A reasonable estimate of the pay range for this position is $94,000 - $134,000. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base salary, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education and experience, as well as job location and the value of other elements of an employee’s total compensation package.