Fab Process Engineer; Semiconductor

Position: Staff Fab Process Engineer (Semiconductor)
Company Description

Job Description

We are seeking a Staff‑level Process Engineer to provide technical leadership and ownership of Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) and Diffusion / Thermal Processing modules within a high‑volume semiconductor wafer fabrication facility. This role is accountable for process stability, yield improvement, defect reduction, cost optimization, and technology scaling, while serving as a technical mentor and cross‑functional leader across manufacturing, equipment, yield, and integration teams.

The ideal candidate brings deep hands‑on process expertise, strong data‑driven problem‑solving skills, and the ability to lead complex excursions and continuous improvement initiatives with factory‑level impact.

Key Responsibilities

Process Ownership & Technical Leadership

* Serve as module owner for CMP and diffusion/thermal processes with accountability for process capability (Cp/Cpk), yield, reliability, and cost of ownership

* Define, maintain, and continuously improve process recipes, specifications, and control plans

* Lead root cause analysis and containment for excursions, parametric shifts, and yield detractors using structured problem‑solving methodologies

* Drive long‑term process improvements aligned with technology roadmaps and product requirements

CMP Process Responsibilities

* Own and optimize CMP processes, including:

* Oxide, silicon, and Poly Silicon

* Slurry selection, pad conditioning strategies, and consumables lifecycle

* Defectivity reduction (scratches, dishing, erosion), WIWNU, and surface quality control

* Interface with equipment and materials suppliers to drive tool matching, material optimization, and cost reduction

* Lead CMP‑related yield learning, defect reduction, and tool/process qualification activities

Diffusion / Thermal Process Responsibilities

* Own diffusion and thermal process flows, including:

* Oxidation (dry and wet)

* Furnace and RTP anneals (spike, soak, and drive‑in)

* Dopant activation, junction depth control, and thermal budget optimization

* Improve sheet resistance control, uniformity, repeatability, and process margins

* Drive equipment performance improvements and recipe optimization for high‑volume manufacturing

Manufacturing & Cross‑Functional Engagement

* Partner closely with manufacturing, equipment engineering, yield, and device integration teams to maximize line performance

* Provide rapid technical response to production issues and line interruptions

* Lead process change management, including qualification plans, documentation, and FMEA‑based risk assessments

Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement

* Apply statistical methodologies (SPC, DOE, regression, multivariate analysis) to guide process decisions

* Analyze inline metrology, defect inspection, parametric, and electrical test data to identify trends and opportunities

* Develop and deploy robust process control strategies to prevent recurrence of known failure modes

Mentorship & Organizational Impact

* Act as a technical mentor for senior‑ and mid‑level process engineers

* Contribute to fab‑wide best practices, documentation standards, and knowledge sharing

* Influence technical direction beyond assigned modules through experience, judgment, and credibility

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline

* 8-12+ years of experience as a process engineer in a semiconductor wafer fabrication facility

* Demonstrated hands‑on expertise in CMP and diffusion/thermal processing in a high‑volume manufacturing environment

* Strong understanding of:

* Defect mechanisms and yield learning

* Equipment‑to‑process interactions

* Statistical process control and data‑driven problem solving

* Proven track record of sustained yield, cost, reliability, or cycle‑time improvement

* Ability to work independently while leading complex, multi‑disciplinary technical efforts

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience in analog, mixed‑signal, or specialty semiconductor technologies

* Direct experience interfacing with equipment and materials suppliers

* Experience supporting technology transfers, capacity ramps, or major…