Staff Scientist, Deposition Processes

Air Liquide•Newark, DE

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Customer Processes - Electronics group at the Innovation Campus Delaware (ICD) focuses on Semiconductor material development and supports AL Electronics businesses. Material development comprises of (1) design, synthesis, characterization electronic materials, (2) development of Atomic layer deposition processes for Air Liquide precursors and (3) design, characterization and development of various etching processes for Etchants. The team is is both multidisciplinary and multinational from a variety of countries around the world including the US, Canada, India, China, Taiwan, Vietnam. The successful candidate will drive innovation by spearheading the design and development of next-generation precursor molecules and deposition processes for the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Acting as a primary technical authority, they will autonomously drive independent, hands-on R&D investigations focused on the deposition of dielectric materials, metals, and complex alloys via ALD and CVD techniques. Deep, hands-on mastery of ALD tools, advanced metrology, and film characterization is essential, as this role is expected to conduct rigorous experimental work, solve complex multidisciplinary problems, and integrate state-of-the-art knowledge to advance Air Liquide's competitive position. As a global market leader in gases, technologies, and services for the tech sector, Air Liquide Electronics is the engine driving the next generation of digital evolution. We partner with the world's foremost semiconductor, flat panel display, and photovoltaic manufacturers, supplying the ultra-pure carrier gases and advanced molecules essential to making technology smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient. Our innovations sit at the heart of today's most exciting tech megatrends—from Artificial Intelligence and 5G to autonomous mobility—all while actively advancing sustainability and decarbonization within the semiconductor ecosystem. By joining our passionate global team, you will enter a collaborative, learning-focused environment where your unique talents are championed and your everyday work directly shapes the future of how the world connects.

Requirements

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Material Science with specialization in ALD processes and ALD precursors or a Master’s degree with 7+ years of industry relevant experience in the field of ALD processes for semiconductor applications.
Hands-on experience with plasma-based and/or thermal ALD tools including troubleshooting/maintenance is highly desired.
Hands-on experience with chemical and gas handling.
Strong expertise and hands-on experience with multiple analytical and film characterization techniques (e.g., FTIR, Ellipsometry, XRR, XPS, AES, SEM, etc).
Proven ability to work efficiently on multi-disciplinary, international teams and build internal/external networks.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong publication or presentation track record in technical conferences or journals.
Self-motivated individual with the ability to define and solve complex problems in collaboration with business units and external partners.

Nice To Haves

Ability to manage the overall scope of design interpretation and customer interface to define project scope, and manage resources for successful completion.
Capacity to anticipate business needs for new technology and products, and understand the relationship between current and future competitive technologies and market position.

Responsibilities

Lead work groups to ensure compliance and drive continuous improvement by applying technical expertise and a sound understanding of IMS requirements.
Demonstrate autonomous management of complex ALD thin film initiatives, utilizing deep technical insight to develop and propose innovative solutions. This role demands extensive, hands-on practical experience in the field of ALD, specifically encompassing ALD hardware engineering, precursor molecule design, and thin film metrology.
Support leadership by identifying critical technology trends for the Group; champion new R&D directions and play a pivotal role in defining the technical roadmap across various business lines.
Distribute specialized technical knowledge throughout the organization; act as a subject matter expert for project and business managers while fostering the growth of junior scientists.
Cultivate a robust internal network across Air Liquide functions; build external partnerships with academic and industrial peers while maintaining high engagement with customers and marketing teams.
Drive faster commercialization and improve internal efficiency through active participation in external technical work groups and a deep understanding of the patent landscape.
Leverage deep technical proficiency to guide internal and external strategic decisions.