Principal Engineer, Exploratory Materials and Devices Research

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Overview of Role

As a Principal Engineer in TSMC Corporate Research you will pursue world-class research in a team setting, advancing the state-of-the-art for exploratory materials and devices. This role will be “hands-on” to experimentally explore concepts for future generations of semiconductor electronics technology built on exploratory materials. You will report to the Deputy Director of Exploratory Materials and Devices Corporate Research Team. You would be expected to carry out hands‑on laboratory work in process development for selective etching, deposition by ALD/CVD, as well as device fabrication and characterization.

A background with selective‑area chemistry and/or etch process development is a strong plus. You will have the opportunity to significantly impact the expansion of TSMC’s business and grow as a future technical leader of the global research community. This role is based in San Jose, CA. We are currently operating in a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in office.

Responsibilities

• Seeking world‑class researcher to develop processes for exploratory materials & devices.
• Work closely with device engineers to achieve performance targets
• Drive university and consortia collaboration on topics relevant to the job assignment
• Periodic reporting and internal communication of work
• Perform hands‑on experiments both on‑site and at off‑site locations.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or similar.
• Hands‑on experience developing advance processes for materials deposition and etching recipes.
• Experience with characterization methods and data analysis
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience in an industrial environment involving lab work
• Using AI/ML to enhance process discovery
• Experience in setting up research equipment and programming on tool control and data collection
• World‑class publication track record and excellent communication skills.

Company Description

As a trusted technology and capacity provider, TSMC is driven by the desire to be:

• The world’s leading dedicated semiconductor foundry
• The technology leader with a strong reputation for manufacturing excellence
• Advancing semiconductor manufacturing innovations to enable the future of technology

TSMC pioneered the pure‑play foundry business model when it was founded in 1987 and has been the world’s leading dedicated semiconductor foundry ever since. The Company supports a thriving ecosystem of global customers and partners with the industry’s leading process technologies and a portfolio of design enablement solutions to unleash innovation for the global semiconductor industry. With global operations spanning Asia, Europe, and North America, TSMC serves as a committed corporate citizen around the world.

In North America, TSMC has a strong sales and service organization that works with customers by helping them achieve silicon success with cutting‑edge technologies and manufacturing excellence. The Company has continued to accelerate its R&D investment and staffing in recent years and is expanding its manufacturing footprint to support customer innovation with 3D IC technologies and optimal manufacturing capacity.

For positions requiring access to technical data subject to export control regulations, including Export Administration Regulations, TSMC Technology, Inc. may have to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Government for certain individuals. All employment is contingent upon TSMC Technology, Inc. obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by the U.S. Government.

Diversity statement

TSMC Technology, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable…