Surface & Materials Characterization Technician IV

Seagate Technology•Fremont, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Our team at Seagate’s Fremont USA Research Center supports materials, process, and reliability development through surface and nanoscale characterization. We work closely with engineering and failure analysis teams to generate high-quality characterization data that supports product development and issue resolution. This role involves hands-on operation of surface and materials characterization tools, including XPS (ESCA), SEM, AFM, and Candela, following established procedures. The technician will support engineering, R&D, and failure analysis activities by executing measurements and collecting data on thin films, surfaces, and interfaces. Responsibilities include assisting engineers with sample preparation, measurement setup, and routine data processing, as well as performing basic data review and reporting, flagging anomalies or potential issues for further engineering analysis. The role also entails conducting routine tool checks, calibrations, and preventive maintenance to ensure equipment readiness and data quality, and helping troubleshoot common instrument or measurement issues, escalating complex problems to engineers or specialists as needed. Clear documentation in lab notebooks, tracking systems, and standard reports is essential.

Requirements

Hands-on laboratory experience in materials, surface, or analytical characterization (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Practical experience operating one or more of the following tools: XPS / ESCA, SEM, AFM, or Candela systems.
Familiarity or understanding of supporting R&D, process development, or failure analysis through measurement execution and data collection.
Familiarity with laboratory safety practices, documentation standards, and quality requirements.
Ability to recognize measurement artifacts or abnormal results and communicate findings clearly to engineers.
Hands-on, detail-oriented technician who enjoys working in a laboratory environment.
Comfortable following standard operating procedures while maintaining strong attention to data quality and repeatability.
Reliable team player who communicates clearly with engineers, researchers, and peers.
Able to manage multiple requests and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced lab setting.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in semiconductor, data storage, thin-film, or advanced manufacturing environments.
Exposure to complementary techniques such as optical profiling or other surface-sensitive methods.
Experience training or assisting junior technicians

Responsibilities

Perform hands-on operation of surface and materials characterization tools, including XPS (ESCA), SEM, AFM, and Candela, following established procedures.
Support engineering, R&D, and failure analysis activities by executing measurements and collecting data on thin films, surfaces, and interfaces.
Assist engineers with sample preparation, measurement setup, and routine data processing.
Perform basic data review and reporting, flagging anomalies or potential issues for further engineering analysis.
Conduct routine tool checks, calibrations, and preventive maintenance to ensure equipment readiness and data quality.
Help troubleshoot common instrument or measurement issues, escalating complex problems to engineers or specialists as needed.
Document work clearly in lab notebooks, tracking systems, and standard reports.