R&D Application Engineer

R & D Application Engineer

Location:

Albany, New York
Department:
Research & Development
Position Type:
Full-Time

Position Summary
The Applications Engineer will support formulation evaluation and performance testing for REC Silicon R&D’s precursor and formulated wet chemical portfolios. This hands-on position combines chemistry, process engineering, semiconductor applications, and data analysis to evaluate candidate formulations on semiconductor substrates in cleanroom and wet bench environments.

The Applications Engineer will analyze experimental and performance data and translate results into clear, actionable technical reports and presentations for internal R&D teams, business development, and customers.

Based in Albany, New York, this position will collaborate closely with regional semiconductor R&D partners to support product development, application optimization, and customer requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following examples of duties and responsibilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position.

• Design and execute formulation evaluation experiments using semiconductor substrates, including wafers, coupons, and patterned test structures.
  Perform hands-on wet chemical processing, including etching, cleaning, stripping, and related unit operations in controlled cleanroom and wet bench environments.
• Operate and maintain analytical and metrology equipment used to characterize formulation performance, including tools for surface characterization, particle and defect counts, trace metal contamination, etch rate, and selectivity measurements.
• Compile, organize, and analyze performance data across multiple test conditions and formulation variants.
• Translate raw experimental data into structured technical reports, summaries, presentations, and data packages for internal R&D, business development, and customer-facing applications.
• Monitor experimental trends and identify anomalies, contamination issues, process deviations, and other factors that may affect test results.
• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of experimental protocols, procedures, safety requirements, and test results in accordance with cleanroom, laboratory, and EHS standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with formulation chemists, process engineers, R&D personnel, and Marketing to align testing priorities with technical and commercial objectives.
• Support customer and partner interactions by preparing technical data packages and participating in technical discussions related to formulation performance and application requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of testing methods, experimental protocols, data analysis, and application evaluation processes.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and contamination-controlled laboratory environment.

Qualifications
Candidates must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. The requirements below are representative of the qualifications required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience operating wet bench equipment and working in semiconductor cleanroom environments.
• Demonstrated experience with cleanroom protocols, contamination control, equipment operation, and laboratory safety procedures.
• Familiarity with the semiconductor industry, including semiconductor process flows, substrate types, industry terminology, and quality and purity standards.
• Experience with wet chemical formulations preferred.
• Familiarity with trace metal contamination control at ppb-to-ppt levels and related analytical techniques preferred.
• Exposure to advanced-node semiconductor process requirements preferred.
• Previous experience working in a fast-paced startup, new business unit, or developing R&D environment preferred.

Other

Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills…