Yield Engineer, Senior Principal

SkyWater Technology; BLOOMINGTON (MN); On-site; USD 159,000 - 238,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Life insurance

Job summary

SkyWater Technology in Minnesota seeks a highly skilled Yield Senior Principal Engineer to lead the integration of new technologies into our fab, with a primary focus on optimizing yield and quality.

You will collaborate with process, device, and manufacturing teams to ensure smooth technology transfer, design experiments, analyze yield data, and develop predictive yield models. Mentorship and staying current with industry trends are key.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Advanced degree (MS/Ph.D.) preferred.
• Experience with photolithography, etch, deposition, metrology.
• Strong statistical analysis and yield modeling skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization (JMP/Python/R).
• Excellent problem solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Proven track record leading projects in fast-paced settings.
• Experience with 90nm Bulk Silicon and SOI is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration strategies for new semiconductor technologies in the fab.
• Collaborate with process, device, and manufacturing teams for smooth tech transfer.
• Design experiments to characterize new processes and identify yield limits.
• Analyze yield data and perform root cause analysis to improve performance.
• Develop and maintain yield models to optimize new technology nodes.
• Drive yield improvement projects with objectives, timelines, and milestones.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in yield analysis techniques.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and evaluate potential technologies for adoption.
• Work with suppliers and partners to assess new tools for the fab.

Skills

photolithography

etch

deposition

metrology

statistical analysis

yield modeling

simulation tools

data analysis

Python

R

JMP

project leadership

cross-functional collaboration

mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Advanced degree (MS/Ph.D.) preferred

Tools

JMP

Python

R

Job description

Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location — employees join together to improve the world.

Explore what’s possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning “science fiction” into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.

Step into the future. SkyWater’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees — and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds.

Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!

SkyWater is hiring a highly skilled and experienced Semiconductor Yield Senior Principal Engineer to lead the integration of new technologies into our fab. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth transition of new processes and technologies into production, with a primary focus on optimizing yield and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of strategies for integrating new semiconductor technologies into the fab environment.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including process engineers, device engineers, and manufacturing teams, to ensure seamless technology transfer and successful ramp-up to production.
• Design and execute experiments to characterize new processes and technologies, identifying potential yield-limiting factors and developing solutions to address them.
• Analyze yield data and perform root cause analysis to identify opportunities for improvement and drive continuous yield enhancement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive yield models to predict and optimize yield performance for new technology nodes.
• Drive yield improvement projects through effective project management, including setting objectives, timelines, and milestones, and ensuring timely execution.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians in yield analysis techniques and methodologies.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies, continuously evaluating their potential impact on yield and recommending appropriate actions.
• Work closely with equipment suppliers and external partners to evaluate new tools and technologies for potential adoption in the fab.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; advanced degree (MS/Ph.D.) preferred.
• 14+ years’ experience with BS, 10+ years of experience with MS, 7+ years of experience with PhD experience in semiconductor yield engineering, with a proven track record of success in yield improvement and technology integration.
• Expertise in semiconductor fabrication processes, including photolithography, etch, deposition, and metrology.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis techniques and familiarity with yield modeling and simulation tools.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools such as JMP, Python, or R.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a systematic approach to troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to lead projects and drive initiatives to successful completion in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Extensive hands‑on experience in 90nm Bulk Silicon (Si) and Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) technologies is a plus.

The annual salary range for this role is $158,960 - $238,440. Pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate.

SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results.

We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well as other employee financial benefits:

• 401k match
• life insurance

Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes

• benefit eligibility day one
• medical
• dental
• mental health benefits
• vision
• legal planning
• short- and long-term disability
• paid time off
• paid holidays
• an on-site fitness facility
• an on-site self-serve market

SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. To request reasonable accommodations, to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or [e-mail].