Vacuum Deposition Process Engineer

The primary role of the Vacuum Deposition Process Engineer is to support the development of perovskite-based solar modules for production on high-speed roll-to-roll sputter coating equipment. Primary duties include developing and optimizing the vacuum sputtering processes used to deposit thin films on polymer substrates. This role involves hands-on work with roll-to-roll vacuum systems, planning and executing experiments to enable multiplayer depositions, troubleshooting and maintaining equipment, implementing process controls, and ensuring consistent film quality to support R&D and manufacturing.

REPORTS TO:Director of R&Dor Senior Scientist

• Operate and maintain vacuum sputter systems
• Optimize deposition parameters for thin film depositions of the desired materials.
• Develop, refine, and document sputtering processes.
• Analyze process data to ensure stability, repeatability, and conformance to specifications.
• Work with cross functional teams to scale processes from pilot to full scale production.
• Manage preventive maintenance on pumps, power supplies, targets, and vacuum components.
• Manage target swaps, conditioning, and chamber cleanings to maintain uptime and stable deposition performance.
• Diagnose and resolve equipment malfunctions to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate closely with equipment vendors and field service teams on upgrades and tool calibrations.
• Train operators and technicians on sputtering processes and safety procedures.

• Hands on experience with vacuum sputtering systems for thin film deposition
• Solid understanding of thin film physics, plasma processes, and vacuum technology.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze metrology data and optimize deposition processes for uniformity and repeatability.
• Experience with FMEA, high volume manufacturing methodologies, androll-to-roll thin film manufacturing are highly preferred.
• Detail-oriented with strong ownership of tasks.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to work both independently and in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment

• Bachelor’s degreein Materials Science,Physics, Electrical Engineering,Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with 3+ years relevant working experience.
  
  M.S. with 2+ years of relevant experience is preferred.
• Proven work experience in R&D, pilot, or manufacturing environments.

• Bending/twisting/pulling/pushing
• Lifting upto 40 lbs.

$90,000 – $125,000 depending on experience and education.