SMTS Quantum Etch Engineer

GLOBALFOUNDRIES U.S. INC.; Town of Malta (NY); On-site; USD 118,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

GlobalFoundries is seeking an Etch Advanced Manufacturing Engineering SMTS to lead plasma etch and pattern-transfer technologies for quantum devices. You will bridge device requirements with equipment capability, process development, and supplier roadmaps.

You will develop robust etch processes across silicon, dielectrics, metals, and specialty materials, while mentoring engineers and driving cross-functional reviews to advance QTS programs.

Qualifications

• Significant semiconductor process development, technology development, or advanced manufacturing experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in the relevant process sector and semiconductor process optimization.
• Experience integrating the process with adjacent unit processes and metrology.
• Experience using DOE, statistical analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead technically complex development programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across engineering, supplier, and leadership organizations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the QTS technical authority for plasma etch, dry etch, and advanced pattern-transfer technologies.
• Develop and optimize etch processes supporting quantum device and module integration.
• Develop processes for silicon, dielectric, metal, compound-semiconductor, and specialty-material applications.
• Optimize profile, critical dimension control, uniformity, loading, residue, surface condition, and defectivity.
• Partner with lithography, deposition, cleans, metrology, and integration engineers to develop complete pattern-transfer solutions.
• Understand and manage plasma-induced damage and surface/interface effects on quantum structures.
• Design and execute DOEs to establish robust process windows and identify fundamental interactions.
• Define etch-equipment requirements and assess capabilities against QTS needs.
• Lead evaluation of new chambers, hardware configurations, process options, and upgrades.
• Establish chamber/hardware requirements for specialty materials and roadmaps.
• Lead technical engagement with etch-equipment suppliers and translate roadmaps into plans.
• Provide etch leadership supporting quantum PDKs, module development, experiments, and demos.
• Develop processes compatible with unique quantum-device materials and integration sequences.
• Lead root-cause investigations and establish process-of-record conditions.
• Support process transfer and manufacturing-location matching.

Skills

Semiconductor process development

DOE & statistical analysis

Technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Etch and pattern-transfer knowledge

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry

Tools

ICP plasma-processing

RIE/CCP equipment

Etch-equipment suppliers knowledge

Job description

About GlobalFoundries

GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com.

Summary of Role

The Etch Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) SMTS will serve as a senior technical leader responsible for plasma-etch and pattern-transfer technologies supporting next-generation quantum devices and manufacturing platforms. This individual will develop advanced etch processes spanning conventional semiconductor materials and specialty materials required for emerging quantum technologies. The role will bridge device and integration requirements with equipment capability, process development, contamination control, manufacturing readiness, and supplier technology roadmaps.

Essential Responsibilities

Etch Technology Development

• Serve as the QTS technical authority for plasma etch, dry etch, and advanced pattern-transfer technologies.
• Develop and optimize etch processes supporting quantum device and module integration.
• Develop processes for silicon, dielectric, metal, compound-semiconductor, and specialty-material applications relevant to QTS programs.
• Optimize profile, selectivity, critical dimension control, uniformity, loading, residue, surface condition, and defectivity.
• Partner with lithography, deposition, cleans, metrology, and integration engineers to develop complete pattern-transfer solutions.
• Understand and manage plasma-induced damage and surface/interface effects that can impact sensitive quantum structures.
• Design and execute DOEs to establish robust process windows and identify fundamental process interactions.

Equipment and Capability Development

• Define etch-equipment requirements for emerging quantum applications.
• Assess existing Fab 8 and Fab 9 capabilities against QTS technology requirements and identify gaps.
• Lead technical evaluation and qualification of new chambers, hardware configurations, process options, and equipment upgrades.
• Establish process chamber and hardware requirements for specialty or contamination-sensitive materials.
• Develop QTS etch technology and equipment roadmaps.
• Lead technical engagement with strategic etch-equipment suppliers and translate supplier roadmaps into QTS capability plans.

Quantum Program Execution

• Provide etch leadership supporting quantum PDKs, module development, engineering experiments, prototypes, and customer demonstrations.
• Develop processes compatible with unique quantum-device materials and integration sequences.
• Lead root-cause investigations involving etch profile, residues, selectivity, defects, process drift, chamber condition, or downstream electrical/device performance.
• Establish process-of-record conditions and manufacturing-control strategies.
• Support process transfer and matching across equipment and manufacturing locations when required.

Technical Leadership

• Function as a senior etch expert across QTS and its fab AME interfaces.
• Mentor engineers and provide technical direction for complex etch-development problems.
• Lead cross-functional technical reviews and structured problem-solving activities.
• Influence long-range QTS etch-equipment and capability strategy.
• Drive supplier technical reviews, demonstrations, and technology evaluations.
• Generate intellectual property through invention disclosures, patents, publications, and novel process/equipment concepts.

Other Responsibilities

Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs.

Required Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Significant semiconductor process development, technology development, or advanced manufacturing experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in the relevant process sector and semiconductor process optimization.
• Experience integrating the process with adjacent unit processes and metrology.
• Experience using DOE, statistical analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead technically complex development programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across engineering, supplier, and leadership organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ICP, CCP, RIE, and/or other advanced plasma-processing platforms.
• Experience etching silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, metals, superconducting materials, compound semiconductors, or other specialty materials.
• Experience with low-damage plasma processing and highly sensitive surface/interface requirements.
• Experience with atomic-layer etch or other highly controlled pattern-transfer approaches.
• Knowledge of photonics, superconducting devices, quantum devices, MEMS, heterogeneous integration, or advanced packaging.
• Experience working directly with major semiconductor etch-equipment suppliers.
• Experience transferring development processes to manufacturing.

Expected Salary Range

Expected Salary Range $118,000.00 - $210,000.00 The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.

Accommodation

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

Pre-Employment Conditions

An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.

Equal Opportunity

GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential.

GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people.

Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory.

All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law.

Company Culture

We shape what's essential At GlobalFoundries you will find a vibrant work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. Our diverse and global team shares a culture of respect and inclusivity, representing the best in the industry. We celebrate success together and are united by our dedication to excellence and our desire to improve and empower the world.