Thin Films Scientist, Xray Windows

Moxtek; Orem (UT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Moxtek in Orem, UT is seeking a Development engineer to advance X-ray Windows based on stacks of thin films and supporting structures. You will own process improvements for PVD/CVD, collaborate with production, and lead key projects from design to deployment.

The role focuses on innovation in thin coatings, DFAs, and MEMS-like membranes, with hands-on lab work and documentation of results for product roadmaps.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS in materials science or equivalent; GPA 3.0–4.0 for recent graduates.
• Laboratory equipment experience and experimental setups.
• Basic understanding of X-ray generation and detection is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with PVD and CVD equipment is a plus.
• Must have US work authorization and not require sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects: plan, schedule, and coordinate initiatives.
• Develop and test thin film coatings and membranes for X-ray Windows.
• Collaborate with production and process engineering on new designs.
• Design for manufacturability (DFM) and knowledge transfer to operations.
• Document new production processes and train engineers, technicians, and operators.
• Conduct empirical testing and design of experiments; write technical reports.
• Hands-on laboratory work and component/tool selection.

Skills

Thin film deposition

PVD/CVD/ALD

Vacuum equipment

Lithography

Process development

Design for manufacturability

Laboratory work

Project leadership

Experiment design

Root cause analysis

Communication in English

Education

PhD or MS in materials science

Tools

PVD

CVD

ALD

Job description

Job Summary

Work in the Development group focusing on the development and innovation of X-ray Windows based on stacks of thin films (membranes) and supporting structures. Develop robust new window materials to meet x-ray transmission specifications. Provide ownership and continuous improvement support on existing PVD and CVD processes and equipment.

Essential Functions

1. Work well in a development team environment
2. Be a Project Lead on priority projects. Plan, schedule, and coordinate projects
3. Innovate in the area of thin coatings and self‑standing thin films with a focus on leak and light tightness
4. Innovate and collaborate with production and process engineering on new product designs
5. Design for manufacturability (DFM)
6. Develop and document new production processes and train engineers, technicians, and operators on those processes.
7. Empirical testing, complete root cause analysis, and design of experiments
8. Write technical reports
9. Devise new approaches to problems encounteredResearch and select components, tools, and equipment.
10. Hands on laboratory work

Key Competencies

• Technical Ability - Experience in deposition of thin film layers: metals, alloys, dielectrics and polymers, on rigid, flexible and patterned substrates. Experience with vacuum equipment, plasma etch/processing, lithography, PVD, CVD, ALD and spin‑on processes. Understanding of mechanics of materials and joining of dissimilar materials
• Research - Willingness to learn new subjects, develop new skills under supervision of senior members, read and analyze research papers. Actively search out new developments in the industry and help build the product roadmap. Experience using the scientific method to develop optimized unit processes and process integration flows. Experience taking thin film products and equipment from the concept stage to production is a plus
• Adaptability: Understands changes in work group tasks, situations, and the department as well as the logic or basis for change. Considers changes, production issues, and new situations as opportunities for learning or growth.
• Engineering Processes: Working knowledge of responsibilities and tasks performed by various engineering departments/disciplines (e.g., design, test, software, technology). Working knowledge of the interaction between departments/ disciplines and how their products/processes affect one another and impact non‑engineering processes (e.g., operations, logistics, business). Some experience in testing films, membranes and composite structures for structural/environmental integrity and desired performance
• Motivation: Self‑starter able to function with minimal supervision. Actively coordinates with other team members to proactively identify and resolve manufacturing quality issues.
• Communication: Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Statistical Background: Experience with various statistical tools and software.

Education and Experience

1. Education: PhD or MS in material science or equivalent. For recent graduates GPA 3.0 - 4.0.
2. Familiarity with laboratory equipment and experience in experimental setups.
3. Basic understanding of X-ray generation and detection is a plus.
4. Hands‑on experience with PVD and CVD equipment is a plus
5. Must have US work authorization and not need sponsorship now or in the future.