Lead R&D Engineer

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Use the results of characterization to establish factors that affect crystal quality and to make recommendations for the technology optimization
• Actively participate in collection, processing, modeling and analyzing the obtained characterization data to establish fundamental trends and correlations and to develop scientifically sound conclusions
• Actively participate in a broad AMD team effort aimed at optimization of the crystal growth technology, which leads to continual improvement of SiC crystal quality and productivity.
• Lead a task team of engineers and technicians working on aspects of SiC crystal growth, such as designing crystal growth apparatus, modeling crystal growth process, scaling up crystal diameter, improving growth process efficiency, enhancing yields and throughput, eliminating crystal defects, etc.
• Participate in proposal and report writing activities and writes sections as assigned by Program Manager. Participate in preparation of presentations to customers and Government contract monitoring personnel
• Transfer R&D processes to Production in a well-organized and documented way including operating procedures, failure mode effect analysis, SPC charting of key parameters
• Contribute to establishing, reviewing and updating both short- and long-term experimental plans
• Readily communicate the ideas, experimental and analytical results to the team in an open and timely manner to accelerate the technology progress
• Quickly respond to the emerging market demands or Government requirements for new types of crystal products by developing innovative engineering solutions and adjusting the growth processes
• Contribute to solving technical and operational problems related to the SiC substrate production in a timely manner
• Actively contribute to R&D Programs by prioritizing, organizing and carrying out project activities. Adhere to the project timelines. Summarize experimental and characterization results in formal or informal written and oral reports
• Utilize statistical tools to characterize of technological processes and determine process reliability and “bottlenecks”. Analyze process/product failure modes. Provide rapid feedback to the SiC production team
• Organize, schedule and participate in characterization of SiC boules and substrates in the context of R&D and commercial manufacturing. Utilize internal and external characterization methods and capabilities
• Contribute to the work of the quality team by providing expertise in process characterization. Serve as a resource to the QA personnel with respect to the characterization techniques, equipment, and procedures.
• Contribute to the development of ideas, approaches and methods leading to the growth process improvement
• Actively participate in R&D meetings and supports them by providing schedules, plans, meeting minutes, action items and other necessary documentation

Education & Experience

• Knowledge of technological processes used in the process of device manufacturing, including crystal growth and epitaxy
• Experience in writing proposals, reports and preparation of presentations in an R&D environment
• Solid background in material science of semiconductors and dielectrics, including crystal structure, doping and defects
• Experience in evaluation and optimization of technological processes
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in the technological fields of semiconductor, electronic, optical or optoelectronic materials and devices. Hands-on experience in crystal growth is a plus
• Hands-on experience in materials characterization using electronic, optical and x-ray methods
• PhD in Semiconductor or Electronic Materials and Devices, Materials Science, Solid State Physics, Solid State Chemistry or similar

Skills

• Understanding of crystal growth principles and related physical/chemical phenomena, including thermodynamics of chemical reactions, heat and mass transfer
• Familiarity with programs and software used for engineering calculations, modeling and data processing
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of theory and practice of vacuum equipment and processes
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and work with employees and customers in a multi-cultural, global team environment
• Knowledge of scientific principles and practice of crystal characterization, including electrical, optical and x-ray characterization methods
• Extensive hands-on experience with statistical tools and their use for process characterization, including failure and error analysis. Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE).

Working Conditions

• Normally 9-5
• May require longer working hours in order to complete mission critical tasks
• ITAR compliance requirement: Individual must be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident Alien, or Protected Individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Physical Requirements

Hands-on work

• Must be able to lift 25 lb. parts

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust

C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

ITAR/Export Compliance

This job requires that an individual come into contact with raw materials, products, equipment / machines, software or technology controlled by the Export Administration Regulations or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. The job must be filled by a U.S. person or a person for whom a valid export control exception has been obtained, or is not required, from the U.S. Government.

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.