Application Development Engineer; Semiconductor

The successful candidate will focus on developing and advancing Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) applications for semiconductor and display manufacturing processes. Working closely with major customers and INFICON field application teams globally, this individual will investigate process and equipment challenges, develop and validate QCM-based solutions, and demonstrate the value of QCM technology in real-world applications.

As the team's QCM application specialist, the successful candidate will also serve as a technical consultant to field application engineers and customers, develop application best-known methods (BKMs), troubleshoot complex application and product performance issues, and collaborate closely with Product Management and R&D to improve existing solutions and investigate new QCM sensor concepts.

• Develop product applications on various semiconductor and display manufacturing equipment and process tools. Interpret sensor data to characterize, optimize and troubleshoot semiconductor equipment and processes.
• Work with field applications to create custom integration solutions for new and existing INFICON solutions. Act as a technical consultant and advise field Engineers or customers on application BKMs.
• Interact cross-functionally with local Sales & Support team, factory engineering and product management to ensure alignment with customer needs.
• Troubleshoot critical product performance issues at the hardware level and monitor health of equipment installed base via periodic audits.
• Participate in customer meetings, escalations and new opportunity discussions
• Interface internally with Product and Account Management to communicate technical requirements and recommendations as part of the solution development process where off-the-shelf solutions may not be an ideal fit
• Routinely interface with counterparts in other locations to leverage new opportunities.
• Design and execute experiments (DOEs), analyze and present data and findings, and quantify the technical and business value of INFICON solutions, including customer return on investment (ROI).
• Document laboratory work and equipment evaluations of INFICON and competitor instruments.
• Develop and present presentations to customers regarding products and applications
• Write application bulletins and technical articles to be published in conjunction with the Corporate Communications Department

• Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or a related technical field with 5 or more years of experience in the area of commercial semiconductor manufacturing process or equipment engineering. Ph.D. in related technical field is desirable.
• Experience in semiconductor fabs is desired
• Ability and drive to develop a strong understanding of semiconductor processes and tools, yield improvements and have the ability to think outside the box
• Hands‑on experience in the research lab or with semiconductor process equipment in a fab, equipment supplier, or laboratory environment is strongly preferred.
• Direct experience with Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) technology is strongly preferred. Experience with thin-film deposition, chamber clean monitoring, semiconductor process monitoring, or other applications relevant to QCM technology is highly desirable.
• Experience with Residual Gas Analysis (RGA), Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), RF sensing, and/or other semiconductor process monitoring technologies is a plus.
• Strong curiosity and technical initiative, with the ability to investigate complex process and equipment problems, develop hypotheses, design experiments, analyze data, and drive problems toward practical solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving, listening, written and verbal communication,…