Thin-Film Process Technician - Onsite R&D Role

Planet Pharma; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a hands-on Process Technician in Menlo Park to support thin-film deposition, sample prep, metrology, and equipment maintenance in an advanced materials R&D setting.

You will operate deposition tools, prepare wafers, collect data, and keep meticulous records while ensuring cleanroom compliance and safety across shifts. This contract role supports experimental development and instrument qualification.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on experience operating thin-film deposition equipment and semiconductor process tools.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills in a lab environment.
• Experience with metrology, characterization systems, and cleanroom protocols.
• Ability to interpret metrology data and troubleshoot process issues.
• Mechanical aptitude for equipment maintenance and preventive actions.

Responsibilities

• Operate vacuum-based thin-film deposition equipment and load substrates.
• Prepare wafers and coupons, perform cleaning and cross-section prep.
• Collect and review characterization data, maintain tool qualification.
• Perform preventative maintenance on deposition and metrology equipment.
• Document process conditions, deviations, and results in LIMS-like systems.
• Support experimental process development and parameter sweeps.

Skills

Independent worker

Documentation

Mechanical aptitude

Multi-priority

Education

Associate Degree / Technical Certificate

Tools

Thin-film deposition equipment

Semiconductor process tools

Metrology systems

Vacuum systems

Cleanroom equipment

Job description

Planet Pharma is seeking a hands-on Process Technician in Menlo Park to support thin-film deposition, sample prep, metrology, and equipment maintenance in an advanced materials R&D setting.

You will operate deposition tools, prepare wafers, collect data, and keep meticulous records while ensuring cleanroom compliance and safety across shifts. This contract role supports experimental development and instrument qualification.