Process Engineer

Tokyo Ohka Kogyo America, INC•Hillsboro, OR

82d•$80,000 - $83,000

About The Position

TOK America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd., is hiring a Process Engineer in its Research & Development department. The role designs, develops, and optimizes wet chemical and manufacturing processes for new and existing materials to meet customer requirements and improve efficiency and safety. Under general supervision, the engineer conducts testing of prototype products, development samples, and raw materials in laboratory and/or clean-room settings, follows standard operating procedures and company policies, and maintains quality and general documentation. The Process Engineer develops and modifies processes, materials, and equipment; assesses risks and resolves technical problems; documents technical data; and helps scale lab prototypes to higher-volume manufacturing. The role provides custom chemical-solution manufacturing, equipment troubleshooting and maintenance, sample or product shipping support, and assistance with new projects and facility operations. It also collaborates with R&D teams in Japan, Taiwan, and the Americas, and may participate in customer technical meetings. The position supervises R&D technicians and participates in data collection, analysis, and sample manufacturing. It requires adherence to safety requirements and regulations when handling hazardous materials, use of required PPE, and participation in periodic refresher training. Work may involve hazardous conditions and materials, extended stationary periods, additional hours, and various shifts as directed by supervisors. The schedule is listed as Monday through Friday.

Requirements

Internal candidates: B.A. or B.S. in chemistry, physics, materials science, electronics, or relevant education; an M.S. is a plus.
Internal candidates: two years of experience working in the TOKA R&D department.
External candidates: B.A., B.S., or M.S. in chemistry, physics, materials science, electronics, or relevant education.
External candidates: three years of process-engineering or chemical-engineering work experience with a B.A./B.S.; alternatively, no experience is required with an M.S. degree or higher that includes a research thesis.
Experience working independently and taking ownership of projects from initiation through completion.
Previous laboratory experience in a research setting involving wet chemicals (external candidates); laboratory experience and understanding of product-development concepts are preferred for internal candidates.
Knowledge of wafer and wet-process tools; external candidates should have experience with semiconductor equipment such as WET TOOL, CMP, or Clean Track.
Practical working knowledge of scaling up and manufacturing new chemical products and processes is preferred.
Strong background and sufficient experience in materials characterization.
Ability to maintain ISO documents and records and generate and/or maintain monthly equipment documentation.
Strong written and verbal English communication skills and the ability to communicate technical information to customers and diverse audiences.
Japanese oral and written skills are preferred.
Stable, verifiable work history and excellent attendance record.
Comfort working with chemicals, including corrosives and organic solvents.
Teamwork, time-management skills, and the ability to work with other professionals.
Proficiency with MS Office, Adobe or Foxit, and JMP.
Ability to work safely with required PPE and follow applicable safety regulations and protocols.
Ability to complete required on-site instruction or on-the-job training.
Reliable transportation to and from the work site.
Successful background check and pre-employment drug screening, including THC, in accordance with federal guidelines.

Nice To Haves

M.S. degree for internal candidates.
Previous laboratory experience and demonstrated understanding of product-development concepts (internal candidates).
Understanding of product-development concepts (external candidates).
Practical working knowledge of scale-up and manufacturing of new chemical products and processes.
Japanese oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize wet chemical and manufacturing processes for new and existing materials.
Conduct testing of prototype products, development samples, and raw materials in laboratory and/or clean-room settings while following standard operating procedures and company policies.
Create documentation and standards for new processes, materials, and equipment; modify and optimize existing processes and equipment.
Ensure compliance with internal and external regulations, procedures, and safety requirements.
Perform risk assessments for equipment and processes, solve complex technical problems, and recommend solutions.
Document and report internal and external technical data; read and interpret patents, research articles, and developing documentation.
Collaborate with R&D teams in TOK-Japan, TOW-Taiwan, and TOW-AM; participate in external technical meetings with customers when necessary.
Obtain data and documentation needed to scale lab-level prototypes to mid- or high-volume manufacturing.
Create chemical inventory and waste documentation for materials generated after testing or processing.
Manufacture custom chemical solutions for customers and internal evaluations.
Troubleshoot and maintain equipment, and assist with operations for new projects.
Pursue continuous-improvement activities related to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
Perform facility duties as needed, including cleaning, housekeeping, and assisting with sample and/or product shipping.
Supervise R&D technicians and participate in data collection, data analysis, and sample manufacturing.
Monitor job-site conditions and equipment functionality, identify hazards or malfunctions, and raise concerns to support safe and efficient work.
Use computers and office and technological equipment to review, analyze, create, transmit, and present business documents and data.
Analyze, process, manipulate, record, interpret, and communicate technical and other data accurately and understandably.
Maintain ISO document and record control, including monthly equipment documentation.
Attend periodic hazardous-waste, safety, quality-management, and environmental-management refresher courses.
Complete other duties and tasks as requested, and work additional hours or various shifts as directed by supervisory staff.