Senior Equipment Engineer

Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany•San Jose, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Equipment Engineer will be part of a cross-functional unit process development team consisting of integration, process, systems, and software engineers tasked with developing standardized processes and methodologies This role involves engaging with the equipment support group to ensure the reliability of unit process equipment and to advance the equipment in alignment with the team's roadmap. You will tackle a variety of challenges related to design, reliability, process control, and data integrity. By closely collaborating with the rest of the unit process team, you will contribute to the creation of standardized process methodologies for the company.

Requirements

BS in materials science, chemical engineering, physics or related technical discipline; semiconductor fab experience required.
8+ years working experience with semiconductor equipment and process experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of safe handling practices for hazardous chemicals and materials.
Practical (hands on) expertise in troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, robotic, vacuum, gas delivery, thermal, and control systems.
Ability to debug systems with the help of schematics and manuals.
Capability to work in a rapidly changing environment requiring leadership, self-motivation, flexibility, consistency, and decisiveness.
In-depth knowledge of instrumentation and data collection methods.
Coordinate equipment installations leading to the release of the tool to process engineering.
Ability to use full face mask respirator and SCBA for extended periods and pass medical exam.
Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
Ability to work in confined spaces.
Pass respirator certification including annual renewals.
Can sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 8 hours per day.
Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis.
Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
May reach above shoulder height and below the waist on a frequent basis.
Capacity to wear personal protective equipment is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with PVD, CVD, ALD, or wet chemistry processing tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide in-depth knowledge of preparing circuit diagrams, troubleshooting, and repairing vacuum systems, gas delivery systems, cathode power delivery, thermal and robotics controls with attention to safety interlocks.
Comprehensive knowledge of the standard principles and concepts of mechanical design and machine automation.
Provide technical assistance in the installation and maintenance of ALD and PVD equipment.
Lead efforts to reduce PM downtime at targeted levels on a variety of equipment.
Write Standard Operating Procedures for servicing various lab equipment.
Train technicians to maintain and repair ALD and PVD systems.
Rebuild pumps and chambers utilizing safe work habits with hazardous chemicals and materials.
Conduct daily walk throughs to check support equipment; create and update maintenance charts.
Document Maintenance and Test Qualification Procedures.
Active member of ERT
Collaborate with design engineers to conduct prototype builds and testing.
Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, and Operations personnel to determine root cause on equipment failures.
Work with tool vendors for upgrades, call-in service, and parts procurement while ensuring that parts availability and pricing information are up to date through effective communication.