Process & Defect Engineer

Role Summary

The Senior Staff / Principal Process & Defect Engineer is responsible for driving defect reduction, process development, and cross-functional project execution across wafer fabrication operations. This role owns defect strategy, excursion response, and process improvement initiatives, while partnering with integration, equipment, and operations teams to improve yield, stability, and manufacturability.

About the role

• Own defect performance across assigned process areas (FEOL/BEOL integration loops)
• Lead defect excursion response, lot disposition (MRB / ICAR support), and root cause analysis
• Drive defect reduction strategy using Pareto, correlation, and signature mapping
• Define monitoring strategies (KLA / inspection layers) and OCAP triggers
• Process Development & Optimization
• Design and execute DOE experiments and split lot analysis
• Optimize inspection strategies, recipes, and tool conditions
• Develop Best Known Methods (BKM)
• Support new process introduction and evaluate defect risks
• Cross-Functional Project Leadership
• Lead multi-discipline yield and defect reduction projects
• Coordinate across process, equipment, operations, and defect teams
• Drive project execution, timelines, and technical deliverables
• Present findings and recommendations to leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher in: Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 8+ years (Senior) or 12+ years (Principal) in: Semiconductor manufacturing, Defect engineering, Yield, or process integration
• Strong background in: Defect inspection (KLA, SEM review), Data analysis (JMP, Python, SQL, or equivalent), DOE and statistical analysis
• Preferred Experience with: Cross-functional fab leadership, Project/program management, new product development (NPD) learning cycles, Knowledge of: SPC systems, Yield modeling and defect classification systems

What We Offer

• Salary: The estimated base salary range for the position is $111,000-$154,000. The pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, job-related experience, skills and level of the position.
• Benefits & Other Eligible Compensation: Includes health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, annual bonus, and tuition reimbursement.

About Minneapolis/St. Paul Area

• Our offices and manufacturing facility are located in Bloomington, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis.
• Living in the Minneapolis / Saint Paul area offers a strong sense of community, a vibrant arts and music scene, and abundant outdoor activities year-round.
• The city boasts a lower cost of living than many major metros, excellent parks and lakes, and a well-educated workforce with diverse job opportunities.
• Its distinct seasons bring variety, from colorful autumns to lively summers filled with festivals and waterfront activities.