Dry Etch Process Engineer - Principal

Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location — employees join together to improve the world.


Explore what’s possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning “science fiction” into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.


Step into the future. SkyWater’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees — and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds.


Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!


Position Summary:
SkyWater Technology is the only pure play, U.S. owned semiconductor foundry. As we expand advanced manufacturing in Austin, we’re building a team of bold thinkers and problem-solvers committed to driving onshore innovation.
We are seeking an experienced Principal Process Engineer – Etch to join our diverse Engineering Team. In this role, you will directly support fab operations and help enable 24/7 high-volume manufacturing. Working collaboratively with the team, you will drive innovation to maintain process controls.
You will serve as a technical leader for etch process development and sustaining, optimize tool performance, and implement robust solutions that enhance yield, reduce defects, and improve overall process stability. This position offers the opportunity to influence cross-functional initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and play a key role in advancing our manufacturing capabilities.
Major Areas of Accountability:
• Work hands on in the fab alongside Process/Equipment Technicians and Engineers to troubleshoot and resolve process excursions, chamber specific issues, and product related abnormalities.
• Drive continuous improvements in process stability, repeatability, yield, and defect performance.
• Develop, implement, and sustain robust process control strategies, including DOE based optimization, chamber matching, and advanced SPC and FDC methodologies.
• Support 24/7 production operations by responding quickly and effectively to process issues, coordinating closely with Manufacturing, Maintenance, and Operations teams.

Required Qualifications:
• Education: BS degree in a STEM-related field
• Experience: 10+ years of relevant engineering experience
• Skills:
◦ Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and root-cause problem solving abilities
◦ Ability to interpret process data, equipment chamber profiles, and etch specific documentation (process flows, SOPs, SPC charts) to identify trends and drive corrective actions.
◦ Experience with DOE, process window optimization, and the use of statistical tools to validate changes and quantify performance improvements
◦ Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) with strong capability in data analysis, pivot tables, and charting to support process control decisions
Desired Qualifications:
• Education. BS degree in Engineering
• Experience: 20+ years in the semiconductor industry with a focus on Etch process, including tools such as:
◦ Mattson & Gasonics plasma strippers
◦ TEL, AMAT, and LAM etchers
◦ SEZ DaVinci
• Experience using analytical tools such as Excel, JMP, and other statistical software to perform SPC analysis, DOE studies, and data driven process optimization.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)
• Demonstrated ability to apply structured problem solving, variation reduction, and process control methodologies in a high volume manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift a minimum of 20 lbs.
• Ability to work 8 hours shifts (Role is Monday through Friday).
• Wear complete fab attire and meet all safety and cleanroom requirements.
• Work on-site full time.