Sr. Engineer, Process Development

Semtech; California; On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Semtech in Rowland, CA is seeking a Process Engineer to develop, optimize, and sustain wafer fabrication processes for InP BH DFB lasers and BH GC devices. You will own one or more process modules (photolithography, PECVD, dry etch, wet etch, and metallization) to drive yield, quality, and throughput in volume production.

The role applies advanced materials science and statistical methods to resolve excursions, improve device performance, and enable DOE-driven improvements.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related engineering field.
• 2–5 years in semiconductor/photonics wafer processing.
• Experience with photolithography, PECVD, dry etch, wet etch, or metallization.
• Strong data analysis and DOE skills.
• Ability to lead root-cause investigations and drive corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Own process modules and ensure yield, capability, and stability.
• Develop, characterize, and optimize lithography, dielectric films, Mesa etch, and surface prep.
• Define process windows, specifications, and control limits via designed experiments and statistical analysis.
• Evaluate new materials, chemistries, equipment, and process techniques to improve device performance, yield, throughput, and cost.
• Characterize results using SEM, profilometry, ellipsometry, TLM, and device test data to link parameters to performance.
• Lead root-cause investigations and corrective actions for excursions, yield loss, and drift.
• Plan and execute DOEs, process qualifications, and NPI runs, and transition to volume production.

Skills

Wafer processing

Statistical analysis

DOE planning

Root-cause analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in materials science or related

Tools

JMP

Minitab

Python

Job description

Position Summary

The Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining wafer fabrication processes that support yield, quality, and throughput for InP photonic device lines, specifically InP Buried Heterostructure (BH) DFB lasers and BH Gain Chips (GC). The Process Engineer owns one or more fab process modules (photolithography, PECVD, dry etch, wet etch, and metallization), including the Mesa etch and surface preparation steps that support MOCVD epitaxial regrowth of InP current-blocking layers used to form the buried heterostructure. This role applies advanced technical training in materials, semiconductor processing, and statistical methods to resolve process excursions, improve device performance and yield, and transition new processes into volume production.

Location

Rowland, CA (Onsite)

The Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining wafer fabrication processes that support yield, quality, and throughput for InP photonic device lines, specifically InP Buried Heterostructure (BH) DFB lasers and BH Gain Chips (GC). The Process Engineer owns one or more fab process modules (photolithography, PECVD, dry etch, wet etch, and metallization), including the Mesa etch and surface preparation steps that support MOCVD epitaxial regrowth of InP current-blocking layers used to form the buried heterostructure. This role applies advanced technical training in materials, semiconductor processing, and statistical methods to resolve process excursions, improve device performance and yield, and transition new processes into volume production.

Responsibilities

Process Development & Module Ownership

• Own assigned process modules (photolithography, PECVD, dry etch, wet etch, and/or metallization) for InP BH DFB laser and BH GC production, with responsibility for process capability, stability, and yield performance
• Develop, characterize, and optimize processes such as lithography CD and overlay control, dielectric film properties, Mesa etch profile and depth control, surface preparation for MOCVD regrowth, and ohmic contact formation
• Define process windows, specifications, and control limits using designed experiments and statistical analysis
• Evaluate new materials, chemistries, equipment, and process techniques to improve device performance, yield, throughput, and cost
• Characterize process results using SEM, profilometry, ellipsometry, TLM, and device electrical and optical test data to link process parameters to device performance

Excursion Response, Root Cause & Yield Improvement

• Lead root-cause investigation and corrective action for process excursions, yield loss, and drift (e.g., CD shift, film stress or thickness non-uniformity, etch rate or profile drift, contact resistance shift)
• Analyze in-line, wafer-level, and device-level data to identify yield detractors and prioritize improvement projects
• Use structured problem-solving methods (8D, fishbone, FMEA) and short-loop experiments to isolate root cause and verify corrective actions
• Work with Equipment Engineering to resolve tool-related issues and to qualify tools after maintenance or modification

Process Control, Documentation & Change Management

• Define and review SPC charts, control limits, and monitor strategies for assigned process modules, and ensure out-of-control events are addressed in a timely manner
• Author and maintain POR documentation, process specifications, and work instructions for assigned process areas
• Approve and manage process changes through the change control system, including qualification and post-change verification of process stability
• Provide technical guidance, training, and process-specific direction to Wafer Fab Supervisors, Technicians, and Operators

NPI, DOE & Cross-Functional Support

• Plan and execute DOEs, process qualifications, and NPI process runs, and transition new or modified processes into volume production
• Partner with Device Engineering, MOCVD/Epitaxy, Test, Quality, and Production Planning to align process capability with product requirements and customer commitments
• Prepare technical reports, data summaries, and presentations for fab management and cross-functional teams
• Support customer and supplier technical reviews, audits, and failure analysis activities as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in materials science, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, physics, or a related engineering or science field required
• 2 - 5 years of experience in semiconductor/photonics wafer processing, with direct III-V/InP process experience preferred; relevant graduate research in III-V device fabrication will be considered toward experience
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following process areas: photolithography, PECVD, dry etch, wet etch, and metallization
• Experience with InP-based laser or photonic integrated circuit fabrication preferred
• Strong working knowledge of semiconductor process physics and chemistry, including lithography, thin film deposition, plasma and wet etch, and metallization/ohmic contact formation for III-V materials
• Proficiency in statistical analysis, SPC, and design of experiments (DOE) using tools such as JMP, Minitab, Python, or equivalent
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead root-cause investigations and drive corrective actions to closure
• Ability to correlate process data with device electrical and optical performance
• Familiarity with fab metrology and characterization tools (CD-SEM, profilometer, ellipsometer, XRD, SEM, TLM test structures)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical results to management and cross-functional teams
• Ability to work effectively with technicians, supervisors, and engineers in a team environment
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment for extended periods across multiple process bays
• Ability to work around chemicals (acids, solvents), process gases, and precious metals with proper safety procedures
• May require flexibility to support engineering runs or excursions outside standard shift hours

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 $95,000 – $135,000. 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.