Chemical Engineer

Tokyo Ohka Kogyo America, INC•Hillsboro, OR

62d

About The Position

TOK America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd., serves as a supply hub for semiconductor photoresists and high-purity chemical agents for customers in the United States and Europe. The Chemical Engineer safely and efficiently conducts critical testing of prototype products, development samples, and raw materials in a laboratory and/or clean-room environment while following established standard operating procedures and company policies. The role develops materials that meet customer requirements using laboratory instruments and equipment, works under general supervision, and maintains paperwork and quality documents. The position conducts research and development of formulations, evaluates formulations and raw materials on customer wafers, troubleshoots technical problems, establishes test methods, and documents and communicates technical data. It collaborates with TOK-Japan’s R&D team and may participate in customer meetings and demonstrations. The engineer also supports scaling prototypes toward manufacturing, prepares chemical inventory and waste documentation, provides custom chemical-solution manufacturing, supports equipment setup and maintenance, evaluates new equipment, assists with new projects and continuous improvement, and helps maintain facility operations. The role supervises R&D technicians. Work includes potential exposure to hazardous conditions and materials, requires appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to safety protocols, and may involve extended periods in a stationary position while handling documents, supplies, computer equipment, tools, and materials. On-site instruction or on-the-job training must be completed. A reliable means of transportation to and from work is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, materials engineering, chemical engineering, or relevant education.
At least 3 years of experience in chemical research and development, or at least 1 year of such experience with a master’s degree or higher.
Strong background and sufficient experience in materials characterization using XPS, electrochemistry, XRF, ellipsometer, goniometer, zeta-potential analyzer, optical microscope, SEM, TEM/STEM, electron diffraction, and EDS.
Ability to maintain ISO document and record control.
Ability to generate and/or maintain monthly equipment documentation.
Stable, verifiable work history and excellent attendance record.
Comfort working with chemicals, including corrosives and organic solvents.
Ability to work as part of a team with other professionals.
Good time-management skills.
Ability to complete required on-site classroom instruction or on-the-job training.
Reliable transportation to and from work.
Successful background check and pre-employment drug screening, including THC, in accordance with federal guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, materials engineering, chemical engineering, or relevant education.
Semiconductor industry experience.
Practical working knowledge of requirements for scaling up and manufacturing new chemical products and processes.
Previous laboratory experience and demonstrated understanding of product-development concepts.
Proficiency in JMP.
Ability to communicate effectively in both spoken and written English and Japanese.

Responsibilities

Inspect job-site conditions and equipment for hazards or malfunctions.
Use computers and office technology to manage and present documents and data.
Analyze and interpret data and communicate technical information clearly.
Follow corporate, state, and federal requirements and procedures for hazardous materials, safety, and PPE.
Conduct research and development of formulations to meet customer requirements.
Solve technical problems and recommend solutions.
Test and analyze new formulations and raw materials on customer wafers using analytical and performance equipment.
Establish test methods that correlate with customer results.
Demonstrate performance of new formulations, with or without customer attendance.
Document and report internal and external technical data.
Read and interpret patents, research articles, and developing documentation.
Communicate and collaborate with the R&D team in TOK-Japan.
Participate in external technical meetings with customers when necessary.
Obtain data and documentation needed to scale laboratory prototypes to mid- or high-volume manufacturing.
Create chemical inventory and waste documentation after testing or processing.
Provide custom manufacturing of chemical solutions for customers and internal evaluations.
Set up laboratory instruments and equipment when necessary.
Support troubleshooting and maintenance of analytical and laboratory equipment and notify tool owners about repairs and malfunctions.
Evaluate new equipment and establish standards.
Assist with operations for new projects.
Pursue continuous-improvement activities related to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
Perform related facility-operation duties, including cleaning and housekeeping.
Assist with shipping management of samples and products.
Demonstrate employee engagement, coachability, and accountability for personal performance and its impact on others.
Perform other necessary duties as requested.
Attend periodic refresher courses on hazardous-waste management and handling, general safety, quality management, and environmental management.
Supervise R&D technicians and participate in data analyses and research studies.
Maintain ISO documents and records and generate or maintain monthly equipment documentation.