Process Engineer, Metrology

About the Role

The Process Engineer for Metrology is responsible for supporting the development of manufacturable, repeatable, and reliable Metrology for state-of-the-art highly specialized devices in Aerospace, Defense, Bioelectronics, and High-Speed Communications.

80%+ of work is performed in a temperature-controlled cleanroom (Fab) environment requiring full-body gowning, PPE, and frequent gowning/de-gowning. The role involves exposure to static noise, alarms, and hazardous materials.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Integration Engineers, Customers, Development Engineers, and other Metrology Engineers to measure experiment outcomes and optimize wafer characterization.
• Collaborate with Product Engineering and Integration to ensure effective Metrology for new product introductions and consistent performance on production lots.
• Guide and assist Metrology Technicians through challenging process steps.
• Analyze metrology results and disposition lots based on data and pass/fail criteria.
• Report and summarize metrology analysis results, providing guidance to Integration and Process Development teams.
• Provide effective pass-downs to support uninterrupted operations.
• Sustain and improve wafer fabrication characterization.
• Partner with equipment engineering, operations, and management to improve cycle time, tool availability, quality, repeatability, and reproducibility of Metrology measurements.
• Maintain working knowledge of codes and standards for assigned Metrology equipment using Document Control, Process Work Instructions, and Manufacturing Execution Systems.
• Ensure manufactured products conform to specifications and application requirements.
• Collaborate with Senior Development and Integration teams to resolve technical issues by establishing hypotheses, defining experiments, identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, documenting improved processes, and training operations.
• Sustain wafer characterization, recipe creation, inspections, defect control, and relevant metrology for effective process control.
• Create and maintain operating specifications for production Metrology.
• Monitor Metrology health with Statistical Process Control (SPC) and respond to out-of-control events following action plans.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or Chemistry with 10+ years of experience, or
• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or Chemistry with 7+ years of experience, or
• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or Chemistry with 4+ years of experience.
• Processing experience in a fab in the respective areas and tool sets.
• Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Basic understanding of algebraic concepts and semiconductor processing.
• Data extraction, analysis, and reporting experience.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and address root causes.
• Understanding of maintenance activities required to ensure healthy and repeatable Metrology.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and perform multiple overlapping tasks to meet goals and timelines.
• Ability to operate characterization tools, write and run recipes, inspect wafers under a microscope, and perform characterization related to particles/defects, thickness/uniformity, material composition, surface roughness, trench depth, and contamination.
• Must be able to work offset shifts: Front-End Days (Sundays–Thursdays) or Back-End Days (Tuesdays–Saturdays).

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or Chemistry with 4+ years of experience in a development environment.

Skills

• Hands-on mindset
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Quick learner and self-starter
• Prioritization and accountability
• Innovative problem-solving

Physical Demands

• Frequently in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for prolonged periods (3+ hours).
• Frequently viewing a computer monitor for prolonged periods (3+ hours).
• Frequently walking in the Fab for prolonged periods (3+ hours).
• Occasionally pushing/pulling or lifting/carrying 50+ lbs objects (e.g., tool components).
• Occasionally reaching, bending, twisting, squatting, kneeling, or stooping to access tools.
• Often performing repetitive motions (wrists, hands, fingers).
• Working in tight/confined spaces with varying motion ranges (small to full-arm).
• Constantly wearing PPE (gown, over-boots, hood, safety glasses, etc.).

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) savings plan
• Company-paid life insurance and disability
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Gym membership discounts

Pay

Expected salary range: $100,000 – $140,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Schedule

• Front-End Days: Sunday–Thursday
• Back-End Days: Tuesday–Saturday

This position is subject to ITAR regulations; applicants must be U.S. persons (U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee).