Wafer Process Engineer

JST Manufacturing•Meridian, ID

About The Position

JST Manufacturing is seeking a Process Engineer to join its engineering team in Meridian, Idaho. The role focuses on semiconductor wafer processing, process development, equipment qualification, and technical analysis of advanced wet processing and precision cleaning equipment. The engineer supports product and process technology development by conducting experiments, evaluating process performance, troubleshooting equipment, and analyzing technical data. The position involves hands-on work in JST's Applications Lab and at customer facilities, collaborating with engineering teams to develop and optimize wafer cleaning and wet processing solutions. JST's systems support semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, medical devices, and other industries where precision and cleanliness are critical. The work combines laboratory activity, engineering analysis, equipment operation, and technical support at customer facilities, with approximately 25–50% travel, potentially internationally. Employees are expected to demonstrate integrity, simplicity, trust, respect, and shared risk, and to work collaboratively with engineering teams, manufacturing personnel, and customers. The position requires safe chemical handling and adherence to laboratory and manufacturing safety procedures, as well as the physical ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and operating tools or equipment controls.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical field.
Understanding of fundamental chemical processes, material properties, and engineering principles.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret experimental results and technical data.
Ability to conduct experiments, collect data, and document technical findings.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present technical information clearly.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a laboratory, engineering, and manufacturing environment.
Willingness to work hands-on with semiconductor processing equipment, chemicals, and analytical tools.
Ability and willingness to travel approximately 25–50%, including potential international travel.
Ability to learn new processes, technologies, and equipment.
Ability to safely lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 50 lbs; walk, stand, and work on feet for extended periods as needed; and climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, grasp, and operate hand tools, power tools, or equipment controls.
Ability to safely work with chemicals and follow established laboratory and manufacturing safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

Experience or academic exposure to semiconductor manufacturing, wafer processing, or wet chemical processing.
Familiarity with semiconductor wafer cleaning, surface preparation, or contamination control.
Experience with laboratory experimentation, process development, or equipment qualification.
Knowledge of semiconductor process metrology and analytical techniques.
Experience using characterization equipment such as surface scanners, SEM, ICP-MS, AFM, XPS, or thin film measurement tools.
Understanding of chemical interactions, material compatibility, and surface chemistry.
Experience analyzing process performance data and identifying opportunities for process optimization.
Previous experience in a semiconductor fabrication facility, research laboratory, or related manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Operate JST wet processing and precision cleaning equipment in the Applications Lab and at customer sites to evaluate and qualify equipment performance.
Conduct semiconductor wafer processing experiments for process development, engineering testing, equipment qualification, and customer demonstrations.
Develop, execute, and document experiments to evaluate process performance, identify improvement opportunities, and support customer requirements.
Analyze process and metrology data, including particle contamination, metallic and organic contamination, surface roughness, and process uniformity.
Use wafer characterization and metrology equipment, including surface scanners, thin film measurement tools, SEM, ICP-MS, AFM, and XPS.
Troubleshoot equipment and process issues with Field Service Engineers, engineering teams, and other technical personnel.
Safely handle chemicals used in semiconductor manufacturing and wet processing applications.
Support process optimization and continuous improvement to improve equipment performance, process consistency, and overall efficiency.
Prepare technical reports, document experimental results, and present findings and recommendations to engineering teams, JST management, and customers.
Participate in technical discussions, customer demonstrations, and presentations about wafer processing technologies and equipment capabilities.
Travel approximately 25–50% to customer sites for equipment qualification, process development, troubleshooting, and technical support, including potential international travel.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify technical challenges, communicate findings, and develop solutions.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.