Equipment Engineer, Plasma Processes

QCi•Tempe, AZ

22d•Onsite

About The Position

The Equipment Engineer – Plasma Processes is responsible for ownership, uptime, and continuous improvement of plasma process tools supporting QCi’s thin‑film lithium niobate wafer line. This role focuses on etch and deposition equipment such as PECVD, ICP, RIE, and IBE systems, ensuring safe, stable, and high‑yield production operations in a semiconductor‑style cleanroom environment. The engineer will partner closely with process engineering, operations, and EHS to maximize tool availability, process stability, and overall fab performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
3–7+ years of hands‑on experience as an equipment engineer or field service engineer on plasma etch and/or deposition tools in a semiconductor, photonics, or related manufacturing environment.
Direct experience with one or more plasma platforms such as PECVD, ICP etch, RIE, IBE, or comparable plasma etch/deposition systems; strong understanding of plasma generation, RF power delivery, and vacuum systems.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex electromechanical systems using schematics, manuals, logs, and structured problem‑solving methods.
Experience developing and executing preventive maintenance plans, qualifications, and equipment change control.
Proficiency with common software tools for logging, reporting, and basic data analysis (e.g., Excel, SPC tools, equipment logging systems).
Familiarity with cleanroom protocols and safety practices, including working with hazardous gases and chemicals.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with technicians, engineers, and external vendors in a fast‑moving production environment.

Nice To Haves

7–10+ years of equipment engineering experience in a wafer fab, integrated photonics foundry, or similar high‑tech manufacturing environment.
Experience with thin‑film lithium niobate or other photonic/compound semiconductor processes.
Experience with photolithography equipment.
Experience implementing equipment‑related continuous improvement projects (availability, cost of ownership, process stability, or yield).
Familiarity with SEMI standards, 5S, SPC, and structured problem‑solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma).

Responsibilities

Own day‑to‑day performance of assigned plasma tools (e.g., PECVD, ICP, RIE, IBE or similar plasma etch/deposition platforms), including uptime, mean time between failure, and mean time to repair.
Perform and improve preventive and predictive maintenance procedures, including chamber cleans, part replacements, calibrations, and qualifications.
Troubleshoot complex equipment issues across RF, vacuum, gas delivery, temperature control, motion, and software subsystems; drive root‑cause analysis and long‑term corrective actions.
Work closely with process engineers to enable stable, repeatable process windows and to support process changes, hardware trials, and new product introduction on plasma tools.
Create and maintain detailed equipment documentation, including operating procedures, maintenance procedures, PM checklists, and recovery guides.
Train and mentor technicians on safe operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance best practices; provide on‑call or off‑hours support as needed for critical tools.
Coordinate service activities with vendors, including field service visits, upgrades, parts management, and warranty/contract support.
Monitor and analyze equipment health and performance data (SPC charts, fault logs, sensors) to identify trends, prevent excursions, and increase tool reliability.
Support EHS compliance and best practices, including safe handling of process gases and chemicals, adherence to lockout/tagout, and participation in risk assessments.
Develop and maintain documentation for building systems and Plasma Chambers, including SOPs, P&IDs, interlock matrices, functional specifications, and operating/maintenance procedures.