Thin Films Process Engineer

Coherent Corp.; Sherman (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is seeking a seasoned Semiconductor Process Engineer to develop and optimize sputtering, evaporation, CVD, and RTA processes for metal and dielectric films.

You will own process windows, transfer to production, and collaborate on yield improvements and new product development. The role requires hands-on experience with sputtering, CVD, RTA, and thin-film metrology, and involves process qualification, data analysis, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and maintain sputtering, evaporation, CVD, and RTA processes for metal and dielectric films.
• Establish robust process windows and transfer new processes into production.
• Support process integration, yield improvement, and new product development.
• Serve as the process owner for sputtering, evaporation, CVD, and RTA equipment.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues to improve reliability, uptime, and yield.
• Support equipment qualifications, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement activities.
• Characterize thin films using profilometry, four-point probe, ellipsometry, SEM, XRD, and AFM.
• Monitor film thickness, sheet resistance, stress, uniformity, adhesion, and surface morphology.
• Utilize SPC, DOE, and statistical analysis to improve process capability and reduce variation.
• Support recipe development, automated recipe download, and recipe verification.
• Work with automation and equipment teams to maintain process limits, alarms, and fault detection systems.
• Analyze equipment and process data to identify trends, prevent excursions, and improve manufacturing consistency.
• Develop process documentation, work instructions, control plans, and FMEAs.
• Support technology transfers, new equipment installations, and technician training.

Skills

Thin-film metrology

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Cleanroom protocol

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Materials Science/EE/ChE/Physics or related

Tools

Sputtering systems

CVD/RTA equipment

Profilometry

Four-point probe

Ellipsometry

SEM/XRD/AFM

Job description

Job Description

• Develop, optimize, and maintain sputtering, evaporation, CVD, and RTA processes for metal and dielectric films.
• Establish robust process windows and transfer new processes into production.
• Support process integration, yield improvement, and new product development.
• Serve as the process owner for sputtering, evaporation, CVD, and RTA equipment.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues to improve reliability, uptime, and yield.
• Support equipment qualifications, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement activities.
• Characterize thin films using profilometry, four-point probe, ellipsometry, SEM, XRD, and AFM.
• Monitor film thickness, sheet resistance, stress, uniformity, adhesion, and surface morphology.
• Utilize SPC, DOE, and statistical analysis to improve process capability and reduce variation.
• Support recipe development, automated recipe download, and recipe verification.
• Work with automation and equipment teams to maintain process limits, alarms, and fault detection systems.
• Analyze equipment and process data to identify trends, prevent excursions, and improve manufacturing consistency.
• Develop process documentation, work instructions, control plans, and FMEAs.
• Support technology transfers, new equipment installations, and technician training.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and maintain sputtering, evaporation, CVD, and RTA processes for metal and dielectric films.
• Establish robust process windows and transfer new processes into production.
• Support process integration, yield improvement, and new product development.
• Serve as the process owner for sputtering, evaporation, CVD, and RTA equipment.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues to improve reliability, uptime, and yield.
• Support equipment qualifications, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement activities.
• Characterize thin films using profilometry, four-point probe, ellipsometry, SEM, XRD, and AFM.
• Monitor film thickness, sheet resistance, stress, uniformity, adhesion, and surface morphology.
• Utilize SPC, DOE, and statistical analysis to improve process capability and reduce variation.
• Support recipe development, automated recipe download, and recipe verification.
• Work with automation and equipment teams to maintain process limits, alarms, and fault detection systems.
• Analyze equipment and process data to identify trends, prevent excursions, and improve manufacturing consistency.
• Develop process documentation, work instructions, control plans, and FMEAs.
• Support technology transfers, new equipment installations, and technician training.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of semiconductor process engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience with sputtering (DC, RF, reactive), thermal and/or e-beam evaporation, CVD, and RTA systems.
• Experience processing GaAs, InP, and/or silicon wafers.
• Experience supporting semiconductor manufacturing in a high paced production environment.

Skills

• Experience with thin-film metrology, including profilometry, four-point probe, ellipsometry, SEM, XRD, and AFM.
• Experience measuring film thickness, sheet resistance, stress, uniformity, adhesion, and surface morphology.
• Experience with manufacturing automation, recipe management, automated recipe download, and equipment data collection.
• Familiarity with SPC, DOE, FDC, and statistical analysis tools such as JMP.
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and process optimization skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Working Conditions

• Will be exposed to areas where hand tools and power tools are being operated
• Will be exposed to areas where hazardous chemicals or gases are stored
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment per semi-conductor protocol/requirements

Physical Requirements

• Work in a class 100/1000 clean room for extended periods
• Wear full cleanroom attire (smock, mask, etc.)
• Work with and/or around chemicals (such as solids and acids)
• Stand for up to 4 hours at a time
• Lift up to 16-30 Pounds
• Push/Pull up to 16-30 pounds
• Sit for up to 4 hours at a time

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality And Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

I Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

C Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

A Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

R Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

E Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

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