CalTek is a national engineering and manufacturing staffing agency with a specialty in recruiting talent for the Semiconductor and Electronic industries. Our client is a global leader in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing technologies, providing state-of-the-art equipment, services, and software solutions that enable the production of semiconductor chips, flat panel displays, solar products, and flexible electronics. With a focus on innovation, precision engineering, and process optimization, this company partners with the world’s leading technology manufacturers to drive breakthroughs in computers, smartphones, automotive electronics, consumer devices, and renewable energy systems. Operating in a highly regulated and competitive environment, the company is seeking a senior-level Process Development Engineer with a proven track record of advancing process technologies in semiconductor manufacturing.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of semiconductor manufacturing processes for wafer fabrication, deposition, etching, lithography, CMP (Chemical Mechanical Planarization), and metrology.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in yield enhancement, defect reduction, and process stability using DOE (Design of Experiments), SPC (Statistical Process Control), and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Equipment Engineering, Quality, and Operations to design, validate, and implement new process technologies.
- Utilize advanced simulation and modeling tools (COMSOL, MATLAB, Synopsys, ANSYS, Silvaco) for process design and optimization.
- Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and work instructions in compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and JEDEC industry standards.
- Conduct FMEA, root cause analysis, and CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) for process-related issues.
- Evaluate and integrate new materials, chemistries, and equipment platforms to improve performance and scalability.
- Oversee technology transfer from lab-scale to high-volume manufacturing (HVM) environments.
- Provide technical leadership for supplier qualification, customer audits, and technology roadmaps.
- Train and mentor junior engineers and technicians on best practices in semiconductor process development.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required.
- Master’s or Ph.D. strongly preferred.
Required Skills and Experience
- 10+ years of experience in semiconductor process development, wafer fabrication, or electronics manufacturing.
- Expertise in one or more core semiconductor processes: PVD, CVD, ALD, photolithography, wet/dry etch, ion implantation, electroplating, or CMP.
- Strong knowledge of semiconductor device physics, thin films, microfabrication, and nanotechnology.
- Proficiency with statistical analysis tools such as Minitab, JMP, or MATLAB for DOE, SPC, and data analysis.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, RoHS, REACH, and JEDEC standards.
- Hands-on experience with equipment troubleshooting, process integration, and tool characterization.
- Strong technical writing and documentation skills in compliance with semiconductor quality standards.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects, present technical findings, and collaborate with global teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in flat panel display, OLED, or photovoltaic (solar cell) manufacturing.
- Knowledge of automation, robotics, Industry 4.0, and smart factory integration.
- Familiarity with cleanroom protocols (ISO 14644), ESD controls, and contamination management.
- Experience with advanced metrology tools such as SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, or ellipsometry.
- Working knowledge of EDA (Electronic Design Automation) software and DFM (Design for Manufacturability) principles.
- Certifications such as Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Manufacturing, or PMP.
- Published research, patents, or contributions to SEMICON/IEEE conferences a strong plus.
