Wafer Process Shift Engineer (7am - 7pm. 3-4 days a week)

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible health plans

401(k) matching

Generous PTO policy

Relocation package

Immigration sponsorships

Job summary

A leading semiconductor manufacturer is seeking a Wafer Process Shift Engineer in Sugar Land, Texas. This on-site role involves maintaining various wafer process steps and performing process improvement analysis. A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field is required, along with strong problem-solving skills. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, including health plans and a 401(k) matching program. Ideal candidates will be comfortable in a cleanroom setting and handling chemicals safely.

Qualifications

• 1 year experience in a laboratory environment preferred.
• 1+ years in compound semiconductor process desired.
• Comfortable working under cleanroom conditions.
• Knowledge and/or hands-on experience of Six Sigma and/or SPC is a plus.
• Robust critical analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented; committed to quality and safety.
• Self-sufficient learner, works well in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable working under a cleanroom hood and without makeup.
• Comfortable handling chemicals with PPE.
• Must be willing to be on-call after-hours and weekends; able to work overtime for rush/urgent projects.

Responsibilities

• Maintain wafer process steps including photolithography and chemical polishing.
• Establish and analyze Statistical Process Control daily.
• Review process yield and investigate yield loss.
• Track tool performance/uptime metrics.
• Generate/update SOPs, work instructions, drawings, 5S docs, and other production documentation.
• Respond to wafer disposition requests; maintain wafer flow and schedule; handle minor tool issues to resume production.
• Analyze and compile experimental data into reports for process improvement projects.
• Perform basic maintenance and calibration of production machines (mask aligner, hot plates, ovens, PECVD, ICP/RIE, E-beam evaporators, etc.).
• Verify process conformance using inspection tools (optical microscopes, profilometers, ellipsometers, SEM, AFM, wafer inspection tools).
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Critical analysis skills

Problem-solving skills

Detail-oriented

Knowledge of Six Sigma

Ability to handle chemicals safely

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Mask aligner

Hot plates

Ovens

PECVD

ICP/RIE dry etchers

E‑beam evaporators

SEM

AFM

Profilometers

Ellipsometers

Job description

Wafer Process Shift Engineer (7am - 7pm)

Job Duties

• Maintain various wafer process steps, including photolithography, wet and dry etching, PECVD, metal deposition, electrolytic plating, and chemical/mechanical polishing of compound semiconductor wafers.
• Establish or analyze Statistical Process Control (SPC) on a daily basis and report on any issues.
• Review process yield and report on any yield loss, investigating the root cause.
• Track tool performance/uptime metrics.
• Generate/update Standard Operating Procedures, work order instructions, drawings, 5S documentation, and other production‑line‑related documentations.
• Promptly respond to the production line requests of wafer dispositions, maintain wafer flow, track daily schedule and report if there are any idle or deviations from the schedule, handle minor tool issues to resume production in a timely manner.
• Analyze and compile experimental data into reports for process improvement projects.
• Responsible for the basic maintenance and calibration of production machines, including mask aligner, hot plates, ovens, PECVD, ICP/RIE dry etchers, E‑beam evaporators, thermal processing, microscopes, SEM, AFM, etc.
• Verify process conformance to the controls and specifications by utilizing inspection tools, such as optical microscopes, profilometers, ellipsometers, SEM, AFM, wafer inspection tools, etc.
• Perform other work‑related tasks as required and assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, Chemical, or related discipline is required.
• 1 year experience in the laboratory environment is preferred.
• 1+ years of experience in the compound semiconductor process is desired.
• Knowledge and or hands‑on experience of Six Sigma and/or SPC is a plus.
• Robust critical analysis and problem‑solving skills.
• Detail‑oriented; committed to quality and safety.
• Self‑sufficient learner, work well in the fast‑paced work environment.
• Comfortable to work under cleanroom hood and without any makeup.
• Comfortable handling chemicals, including corrosive acids, bases, and solvents with Personal Protective Equipment.
• Must be willing to be on‑call after‑hours and weekends for issues affecting the production line, and ability to work overtime for rush/urgent projects.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the associate may need the ability to lift and carry loads up to 20 pounds, stand and or walk for 10+ hrs. daily and climb stairs.

Subject to noise, vibration, and odors.

Subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, or exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.

Location

This position will be on‑site based in Sugar Land, Texas.

WHY AOI?

In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs.
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals.
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year.
• Relocation package available within US.
• Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US).

We do not accept unsolicited proposals from third‑party recruiters or agencies. Contacting hiring managers directly may result in disqualification of submissions.