Sr. Process Development Engineer (Spector)

Veeco Instruments Inc.; Plainview (NY); On-site; USD 143,201 - 188,422; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

401(k) with Company Match

Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Time

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Life and Accident Insurance

Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Identity Theft Remediation

Emergency Travel Assistance

Job summary

Veeco Instruments Inc. in Plainview, NY seeks a Sr. Process Development Engineer to lead lab-based deposition experiments, develop BKMs, and support customer qualification activities for ion beam deposition and etch systems.

You will work with advanced optical, semiconductor, and photonics applications, transfer processes to manufacturing, and provide technical training and mentorship to field teams. Travel 10–20% may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience designing experiments, analyzing process data, and interpreting technical results.
• Experience working with customers in technical development or applications engineering.
• Willingness to travel ~10–20% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and characterize thin-film deposition processes.
• Design and execute experiments to improve process performance and customer outcomes.
• Establish BKMs, procedures, and qualification methodologies.
• Plan customer demonstrations, process evaluations, and proof-of-concept activities.
• Analyze process data and generate technical reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with product, engineering, and field teams for new product introductions.
• Support qualification efforts through process transfer and technical consultation.
• Investigate process-related issues and perform root cause analysis.
• Evaluate new applications and materials aligned with Veeco's roadmap.
• Provide training and mentorship to field engineers and customers.

Skills

Thin-film deposition

DOE methodologies

Process optimization

Statistical analysis

Troubleshooting

Customer communication

Project management

Laboratory experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or Chemistry

Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience

PhD with 3+ years of experience

Job description

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Sr. Process Development Engineer (Spector)

Location: US - NY - Plainview

Requisition ID: 20089

You probably don’t realize it, but what we do at Veeco touches the lives of every person, every day. It’s a bold statement, but it’s true. From the smartphones in our pockets that access the world’s collective knowledge, to the cloud-based services where all that information lives, to high-speed wireless communication and computing power needed to drive artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, gaming and so much more, our technology is all around us.

We design, develop, manufacture, and service highly complex, cutting-edge machines used by our customers to create the essential devices that drive the digital age, connect the world, and improve the human experience. Along with the world’s leading technology companies, many of which are household names, we help solve their most difficult material science challenges, enabling technologies for a more connected, sustainable, and convenient world.

We’re looking for material difference-makers to join our growing team.

OVERVIEW

When a Veeco ion beam deposition or etch system encounters a critical issue at a customer fab halfway around the world, you are the person who figures out what went wrong and drives it to resolution. Veeco's semiconductors served available market is projected to more than double, from $1.3 billion to $2.7 billion, driven by advancements in AI and high-performance computing.

As Process Development Engineer based in Plainview, NY, you will combine hands-on process development, customer engagement, and technical problem solving. The Process Development Engineer will lead laboratory-based process development activities, conduct customer demonstrations, establish process best-known methods (BKMs), and provide technical support for customer qualification efforts. The position offers opportunities to work with advanced optical, semiconductor, and photonics applications while helping shape future product capabilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, optimize, and characterize thin-film deposition processes using Veeco ion beam deposition systems.
• Design and execute experiments to improve process performance, manufacturability, and customer outcomes.
• Establish and document process best-known methods (BKMs), operating procedures, and qualification methodologies.
• Plan and conduct customer demonstrations, process evaluations, and proof-of-concept activities.
• Analyze process data and generate technical reports, recommendations, and customer-facing presentations.
• Collaborate with product management, engineering, and field teams to support new product introductions and customer adoption activities.
• Support customer qualification efforts through process transfer, technical consultation, and occasional onsite assistance.
• Investigate process-related issues and perform root cause analysis to improve process performance and reliability.
• Evaluate new applications, materials, and process opportunities aligned with Veeco's technology roadmap.
• Support conference presentations, technical publications, and customer-facing technical engagements as required.
• Provide technical training and mentorship to field applications engineers, field service engineers, and customers.
• Maintain a strong understanding of system hardware, diagnostics, and process interactions to support effective troubleshooting.
• Take ownership of the sputtering systems at Veeco’s R&D location and ensure proper maintenance and high up-time.

QUALIFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical field with 8+ years of experience; Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience; or PhD with 3+ years of experience in thin-film deposition, semiconductor processing, optical coating.
• Experience designing experiments, analyzing process data, and interpreting technical results.
• Experience working directly with customers in technical development, applications engineering, process engineering, or related roles.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 10–20% domestically and internationally for customer visits, conferences, and qualification support activities.
• Demonstrated experience developing, optimizing, and qualifying manufacturing processes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of thin-film deposition processes, vacuum systems, optical coatings, or semiconductor manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with process characterization, statistical analysis, DOE methodologies, and process optimization techniques.
• Strong troubleshooting skills involving both process performance and equipment operation.
• Ability to translate customer requirements into practical process solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical information to customers, management, and engineering teams.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and capable of working independently in a laboratory and customer-facing environment.
• Experience with photonics, optical communications, semiconductor devices, or advanced materials applications is preferred.

Salary and Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $143,201.00 - $188,422.00, plus a bonus opportunity. We will consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors when determining your pay.

Other benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Time
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life and Accident Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Identity Theft Remediation
• Emergency Travel Assistance

Veeco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics. Veeco is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.