Dry Etch Manufacturing Engineer (53146)

Headway Technologies•Milpitas, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dry Etch Manufacturing Engineer develops and implements dry/plasma etch processes—including RIE, IBE, and ashing—for next-generation magnetic recording heads. The role includes designing and conducting wafer experiments, analyzing data, and reporting results; improving process performance, cost, and operational efficiency; investigating process failures and implementing corrective actions; and supporting the transition of new products into production. The engineer maintains process documentation and instructions, works with suppliers and internal manufacturing teams, trains operators and technicians, and partners with equipment, maintenance, process, and product engineering groups to minimize downtime, improve yield, and reduce scrap. This position is based in Milpitas, California. Work is primarily in an office Monday through Friday, with possible schedule changes to meet business or operational needs and travel between buildings. The role may also involve work in a Class 100 ESD-sensitive wafer fabrication facility, where safety and dress standards apply. Facility conditions may include occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals, fumes, vapors, and excessive noise. The role involves standing, walking, fine grasping, bending, twisting, computer and office-equipment use, and occasional pushing, pulling, or lifting up to 10 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.
At least three years of experience working as a Process Engineer in the magnetic recording head, hard disk drive, or semiconductor industry.
Experience working in a wafer fab manufacturing environment.
Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Knowledge of semiconductor or HDD industry principles, practices, and techniques.
Knowledge of wafer fabrication processing techniques, including process development and integration practices.
Knowledge of plasma etch principles, practices, and techniques, including RIE, IBE, and ashing.
Knowledge of TEM, SEM, and FIB, and ability to analyze data from these sources to determine failure root causes.
Ability to use Excel, JMP, or other software such as VBA to analyze data, create reports, present findings, and recommend appropriate action.
Ability to use Microsoft Office applications to create reports and presentations.
Effective verbal and written communication with contractors, consultants, employees, and management at all levels.
Ability to work productively and collaboratively with employees and management at all levels.
Ability to comply with safety policies and procedures.
Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills.
Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Flexibility and ability to prioritize.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Experience in plasma etch process development, including RIE, IBE, or ashing, preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement dry/plasma etch processes, including RIE, IBE, and ashing, for next-generation magnetic recording heads.
Review FIB, SEM, and TEM characterization data to conduct root cause analysis and recommend corrective actions.
Implement process-control schemes or methodologies that ensure product manufacturability.
Develop and implement practices or methodologies to reduce cost and improve operational efficiency.
Develop and implement processes or procedures for transitioning new products into the production line.
Review, update, and maintain documentation and process instructions.
Interact with suppliers and vendors to ensure appropriate materials and supplies are available for production.
Instruct operators and technicians on processes and procedures, including changes to existing procedures.
Partner with equipment and maintenance personnel to minimize tool downtime and integrate new tools into the production line.
Design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and recommend performance improvements or cost reductions based on test results.
Partner with other groups and departments, including process and product engineering, to develop and implement processes that reduce scrap and improve yield.
Respond to inquiries from team members, managers, and departments.
Adhere to required safety policies and procedures.