Yield Principal Engineer

Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S.-made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics, and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location, employees join together to improve the world.

Explore what’s possible. Joining our U.S.-based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning “science fiction” into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems, and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer, and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.

Step into the future. SkyWater’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment, and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees—and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds.

About the role

SkyWater is hiring a highly skilled and experienced Semiconductor Yield Principal Engineer to lead the integration of new technologies into our fab. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth transition of new processes and technologies into production, with a primary focus on optimizing yield and quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of strategies for integrating new semiconductor technologies into the fab environment.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including process engineers, device engineers, and manufacturing teams, to ensure seamless technology transfer and successful ramp-up to production.
• Design and execute experiments to characterize new processes and technologies, identifying potential yield-limiting factors and developing solutions to address them.
• Analyze yield data and perform root cause analysis to identify opportunities for improvement and drive continuous yield enhancement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive yield models to predict and optimize yield performance for new technology nodes.
• Drive yield improvement projects through effective project management, including setting objectives, timelines, and milestones, and ensuring timely execution.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians in yield analysis techniques and methodologies.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies, continuously evaluating their potential impact on yield and recommending appropriate actions.
• Work closely with equipment suppliers and external partners to evaluate new tools and technologies for potential adoption in the fab.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; advanced degree (MS/Ph.D.) preferred.
• 10+ years’ experience with BS, 7-10 years of experience with MS, 5+ years of experience with PhD in semiconductor yield engineering, with a proven track record of success in yield improvement and technology integration.
• Expertise in semiconductor fabrication processes, including photolithography, etch, deposition, and metrology.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis techniques and familiarity with yield modeling and simulation tools.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools such as JMP, Python, or R.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a systematic approach to troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to lead projects and drive initiatives to successful completion in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Extensive hands-on experience in 90nm Bulk Silicon (Si) and Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) technologies is a plus.

Pay

The annual salary range for this role is $136,960 - $205,440. Pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and opportunity to participate in incentive plans.
• Employee financial benefits including 401k match, life insurance, and opportunities to purchase SkyWater stock at a discounted rate.
• Comprehensive benefits package promoting a healthy life, including:
  • Benefit eligibility from day one.
  • Medical, dental, mental health benefits, and vision.
  • Legal planning.
  • Short- and long-term disability.
  • Paid time off and paid holidays.
  • On-site fitness facility.
  • On-site self-serve market.