Semiconductor process engineer Jobs in USA

Job Description

We are seeking a Staff‑level Process Engineer to provide technical leadership and ownership of Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) and Diffusion / Thermal Processing modules within a high‑volume semiconductor wafer fabrication facility. This role is accountable for process stability, yield improvement, defect reduction, cost optimization, and technology scaling, while serving as a technical mentor and cross‑functional leader across manufacturing, equipment, yield, and integration teams.

The ideal candidate brings deep hands‑on process expertise, strong data‑driven problem‑solving skills, and the ability to lead complex excursions and continuous improvement initiatives with factory‑level impact.

Key Responsibilities

Process Ownership & Technical Leadership

• Serve as module owner for CMP and diffusion/thermal processes with accountability for process capability (Cp/Cpk), yield, reliability, and cost of ownership
• Define, maintain, and continuously improve process recipes, specifications, and control plans
• Lead root cause analysis and containment for excursions, parametric shifts, and yield detractors using structured problem‑solving methodologies
• Drive long‑term process improvements aligned with technology roadmaps and product requirements

CMP Process Responsibilities

• Own and optimize CMP processes, including:
  • Oxide, silicon, and Poly Silicon
  • Slurry selection, pad conditioning strategies, and consumables lifecycle
  • Defectivity reduction (scratches, dishing, erosion), WIWNU, and surface quality control
• Interface with equipment and materials suppliers to drive tool matching, material optimization, and cost reduction
• Lead CMP‑related yield learning, defect reduction, and tool/process qualification activities

Diffusion / Thermal Process Responsibilities

• Own diffusion and thermal process flows, including:
  • Oxidation (dry and wet)
  • Furnace and RTP anneals (spike, soak, and drive‑in)
  • Dopant activation, junction depth control, and thermal budget optimization
• Improve sheet resistance control, uniformity, repeatability, and process margins
• Drive equipment performance improvements and recipe optimization for high‑volume manufacturing

Manufacturing & Cross‑Functional Engagement

• Partner closely with manufacturing, equipment engineering, yield, and device integration teams to maximize line performance
• Provide rapid technical response to production issues and line interruptions
• Lead process change management, including qualification plans, documentation, and FMEA‑based risk assessments

Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Apply statistical methodologies (SPC, DOE, regression, multivariate analysis) to guide process decisions
• Analyze inline metrology, defect inspection, parametric, and electrical test data to identify trends and opportunities
• Develop and deploy robust process control strategies to prevent recurrence of known failure modes

Mentorship & Organizational Impact

• Act as a technical mentor for senior‑ and mid‑level process engineers
• Contribute to fab‑wide best practices, documentation standards, and knowledge sharing
• Influence technical direction beyond assigned modules through experience, judgment, and credibility

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline
• 8–12+ years of experience as a process engineer in a semiconductor wafer fabrication facility
• Demonstrated hands‑on expertise in CMP and diffusion/thermal processing in a high‑volume manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of:
  • Defect mechanisms and yield learning
  • Equipment‑to‑process interactions
  • Statistical process control and data‑driven problem solving
• Proven track record of sustained yield, cost, reliability, or cycle‑time improvement
• Ability to work independently while leading complex, multi‑disciplinary technical efforts

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in analog, mixed‑signal, or specialty semiconductor technologies
• Direct experience interfacing with equipment and materials suppliers
• Experience supporting technology transfers, capacity ramps, or major process changes

Key Competencies

• Deep technical judgment and analytical rigor
• Ownership mindset with factory‑level impact
• Clear communication across engineering, operations, and leadership
• Ability to balance innovation with manufacturing stability
• Results‑oriented execution in a high‑volume production environment
• This is an ITAR role - the candidate must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. Person.

Additional Information

Renesas is an embedded semiconductor solution provider driven by its Purpose ‘To Make Our Lives Easier.’ As the industry’s leading expert in embedded processing with unmatched quality and system-level know-how, we have evolved to provide scalable and comprehensive semiconductor solutions for automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT industries based on the broadest product portfolio, including High Performance Computing, Embedded Processing, Analog & Connectivity, and Power.

With a diverse team of over 22,000 professionals in more than 30 countries, we continue to expand our boundaries to offer enhanced user experiences through digitalization and usher into a new era of innovation. We design and develop sustainable, power-efficient solutions today that help people and communities thrive tomorrow, ‘To Make Our Lives Easier.’

At Renesas, you can:

• Launch and advance your career in technical and business roles across four Product Groups and various corporate functions. You will have the opportunities to explore our hardware and software capabilities and try new things.
• Make a real impact by developing innovative products and solutions to meet our global customers' evolving needs and help make people’s lives easier, safe and secure.
• Maximize your performance and wellbeing in our flexible and inclusive work environment. Our people-first culture and global support system, including the remote work option and Employee Resource Groups, will help you excel from the first day.

Are you ready to own your success and make your mark?

Join Renesas. Shape Your Future with Us.

Renesas Electronics is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to celebrating diversity and fostering a work environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. For more information, please read our Diversity & Inclusion Statement.

Renesas Electronics deals with dual-use technology that is subject to U.S. export controls regulations. Under these regulations it may be necessary for Renesas to obtain U.S. government export license prior to release of technology to certain persons. The decision whether or not to file or pursue an export license application is at the sole discretion of Renesas.

We have adopted a hybrid model that gives employees the ability to work remotely two days a week while ensuring that we come together as a team in the office the rest of the time. The designated in-office days are Tuesday through Thursday for innovation, collaboration and continuous learning.