Technologist, CMP Process Engineer

Western Digital; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is looking for a skilled CMP Process Engineer to enhance their semiconductor manufacturing team. In this pivotal role, you will develop and optimize Chemical Mechanical Planarization processes essential for advanced HDD production. You will troubleshoot issues, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and stay updated on industry trends. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology in a dynamic environment. If you have a strong background in chemical engineering and a passion for problem-solving, this role is perfect for you!

Benefits

Paid vacation time

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Employee stock purchase plan

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible spending accounts

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D in Chemical Engineering or related field required.
• 3+ years of experience in CMP process engineering or semiconductor manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize CMP processes for HDD manufacturing.
• Analyze CMP-related issues to improve yield and performance.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate CMP processes.

Skills

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Statistical tools

Process optimization

Communication

Teamwork

Analytical skills

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Ph.D in Materials Science

Tools

JMP

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Design of Experiments (DOE)

Job description

Company Description

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

Salary Range: 142,715.00-202,200.00

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital, G-Technology, SanDisk and WD brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled Technologist, CMP Process Engineer to join our innovative semiconductor manufacturing team in San Jose, United States. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) processes crucial to our advanced HDD production.

• Develop and optimize CMP processes for various materials and applications in HDD manufacturing
• Analyze and troubleshoot CMP-related issues to improve yield and performance
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate CMP processes into the overall manufacturing flow
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate new CMP consumables, equipment, and processes
• Monitor and analyze CMP process data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
• Develop and maintain process control strategies to ensure consistent CMP performance
• Participate in new technology development and implementation projects
• Provide technical support and training to manufacturing personnel on CMP processes
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in CMP and semiconductor manufacturing

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in CMP process engineering or related semiconductor manufacturing role
• Strong knowledge of CMP processes, equipment, and consumables
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical tools (e.g., JMP, Script)
• Experience with process optimization and troubleshooting in a semiconductor manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with metrology tools and techniques relevant to CMP processes
• Knowledge of thin film deposition and etching processes
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities
• Experience with design of experiments (DOE) methodologies
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) techniques
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Willingness to work flexible hours as required by manufacturing schedules
• 6 Sigma greenbelt and beyond is preferred

Additional Information

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law poster.

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
• You will be eligible to participate in Western Digital’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance. Depending on your role and your performance, you may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program, employee stock purchase plan, and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Seniority level
Mid-Senior level

Employment type
Full-time

Job function
Industries: Computer Hardware Manufacturing, Computers and Electronics Manufacturing, and Semiconductor Manufacturing