Diffusion Process 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. Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!

Position Summary: We are looking for an experienced, hardworking and passionate Diffusion Process Engineer. An engineer in this role is responsible for ensuring quality output, timely processing of product through the equipment and assistance with developing next generation processes on their tools. Seeking an individual that can operate with high degree of autonomy leading process development, handson troubleshooting, and a structured continuousimprovement roadmap to improve yield, reliability, and cost.

Excellent analytical, oral and written communication skills are required to effectively and efficiently communicate ideas with foundry customers, colleagues, and management. Responsibilities: Serve as process module owner for pre-clean and rapid thermal processing equipment (RTP). Lead root-cause analysis investigations of excursions with practical, data driven solutions utilizing common engineering tools (SPC, FDC, BKMs).

Execute structured problem solving (5Whys, Fishbone, 8D) with clear containment, corrective actions, and verification of effectiveness. Partner with Integration/Yield/PIE on experiments, risk assessments, and POR updates. Design, execute, and analyze DOEs to solve complex problems and develop next generation solutions for our platform and non-platform customers.

Develop, setup, qualify and document processes for newly acquired equipment or tool upgrades. Drive tool matching and recipe standardization across multiple platforms. Deploy APC/FDC thresholds and health dashboards; reduce alarms and false positives while increasing early warning sensitivity.

Improve Cp/Cpk, defect density, tool uptime (MTBF/MTTR), throughput, chemistry consumption, and cost per wafer metrics. Author and maintain specs, BKMs, work instructions, training, FMEAs and SPC charts; mentor junior engineers/technicians. Work with minimal supervision, balancing competing priorities, to serve the needs of the company.

Required Qualifications: Education: B.S. in Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical/Materials Engineering, Physics or related 8 years; MS 6 years; PhD 3 years. Experience and/or Training: Demonstrated knowledge of pre-clean and RTP process troubleshooting using structured problem-solving methodology. Proven autonomy leading process development via DOE with ability to solve unfamiliar process issues.

Fluent with fab systems and analytics: MES, SPC/FDC, JMP or Minitab (Python/SQL a plus). Positive interpersonal skills, highly energetic and self-motivated. Demonstrated ability to meet commitments and deliver results.

Ability to manage and execute multiple projects simultaneously and shift priorities to meet business needs. US Citizenship Required: This position will require the holding of or ability to obtain a government security clearance which requires U.S Citizenship Preferred Qualifications: Experience with FEOL interface prep, native oxide removal and rapid oxidation of thin films. Experience with silicidation and temperature curve optimization for densification/anneal.

Familiarity with preclean and/or RTP equipment configurations, options and upgrades. The annual salary range for this role is $110,000 - $165,000. Pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate.

SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well other employee financial benefits including 401k match, life insurance and opportunities to purchase SkyWater stock at a discounted rate. Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life.

This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site fitness facility, and an on-site self-serve market. SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability.

To request reasonable accommodations, to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or [email protected]. EOE, including disability/vets