Process Engineer I

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.

Purpose of the Position

This position requires general knowledge of semiconductor fab processes and equipment, data analysis skills, and good verbal and written communication skills. Job activities include equipment improvement, process maintenance, equipment maintenance, lean manufacturing projects, and maintaining fab documentation. 

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Provide engineering equipment ownership via creating and maintaining process documentation, work instructions, equipment operation procedures, training materials and tool qualification procedures.
• Support wafer fab operations team in writing required documentation and leading various wafer fab improvement projects
• Support IT and wafer fab operations team in maintaining and improving all information systems related to the wafer fab.
• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that follows all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding safety, IT security and standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.
• Maintain/improve wafer fab processes used for semiconductor device production facility.  This includes addressing process excursions and designing robust sustainable processes.  Also includes creation and maintenance of all process documentation and training technicians who perform the processes.
• May be responsible for the overall engineering support of specific fab areas by sustaining fab process controls across all product lines.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that follows all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Physical Activities:

Work may be active, could stand or sit for long durations and/or perform repetitious work at times. The employee may lift or move objects up to 20 pounds. Employees must grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts and components that are often very small. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, however, may be noisy at times. Must be able to wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment such as but not limited to masks, glasses, gloves, and specialty garments. The required PPE and training allow for the safe handling and processing of chemicals like adhesives, lubricants and solvents, and safe operation of job-related equipment and tools.  

Requirements

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum of 1 years’ experience with semiconductor fab processes including CVD, Etch, photolithography, and e-beam evaporation (metals and optical coatings) processes.

• Experience with troubleshooting and resolving semiconductor processing and equipment issues, especially repair and maintenance of high vacuum systems. 

Education

• A minimum of bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics.  A combination or education and work experience may be considered to fulfill minimum educational requirements.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills

• Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Semiconductor device physics, especially optoelectronic devices. 
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• General knowledge of semiconductor fab tools and processes
• Statistical Data Analysis.
• Exposure to 1 or more some of the following software/programming languages:  SQL, Visual Basic, C++, Matlab, JMP, R, and