Rigaku, USA

Applications Scientist, Semi

Rigaku, USA • $110K — $130K *
Sunnyvale, CA 94087In-Person
Technical Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D or M.S. in Material Science, Physics, Chemistry, Solid State, or related fields.
  • 3+ years of experience as an applications scientist or engineer in semiconductor metrology or process engineering.
  • Hands-on experience with X-ray analytical techniques like T-SAXS or optical methods such as OCD.
  • Familiarity with model-based fitting techniques for dataset analysis.
  • Strong understanding of X-ray physics and semiconductor manufacturing processes.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; familiarity with root cause analysis methodologies.
  • Proficiency in English and knowledge of additional languages like Japanese or Korean is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Act as the main on-site T-SAXS technical contact for a specific customer account.
  • Implement advanced fitting approaches for semiconductor structures.
  • Translate customer needs into production-ready measurement recipes.
  • Develop workflows to ensure measurement repeatability and sensitivity.
  • Provide local support for T-SAXS tools, including installation and calibration.
  • Diagnose measurement issues in collaboration with engineering teams.
  • Monitor tool performance and recommend corrective actions.
  • Assist in recipe development and data analysis, providing both remote and on-site support.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
  • Retirement savings plans with employer contributions.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Flexible working hours and potential for remote work arrangements.
  • Travel opportunities to customer sites, offering exposure to diverse environments.
Full Job Description
Rigaku Semiconductor Metrology Division is seeking an Applications Scientist to provide on-site customer applications support for our advanced x-ray metrology products, with a primary focus on T-SAXS/GI-SAXS. This role centers on developing high-performance measurement recipes, improving repeatability and sensitivity, and advancing data analysis and fitting methodologies to address complex customer challenges. The position works closely with Rigaku service, design, and development groups-both locally and in Japan-to ensure successful deployment and continuous improvement of TSAXS applications.

Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the primary on-site T-SAXS technical contact for a key customer account, responding quickly to support needs and new measurement requirements.
  • Implement advanced fitting approaches for challenging semiconductor structures, including memory and advanced logic.
  • Translate customer process requirements into robust, production-ready recipes that deliver consistent, high-confidence results.
  • Develop robust measurement workflows that ensure repeatability, sensitivity, and stability across varying process conditions.
  • Provide local, hands-on support for T-SAXS metrology tools, including installation support, tool start-up, calibration, and routine operational checks.
  • Diagnose and resolve measurement, modeling, and data-quality issues in collaboration with customer and Rigaku engineering teams.
  • Monitor tool performance, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions to maintain tool stability and uptime.
  • Assist customers with recipe development, tool operation, and data analysis, both remotely and on-site.
  • Write technical documentation and application notes, and create and maintain training material. Clearly and effectively communicate highly technical subject matter to a variety of audiences.
  • Some travel to customer sites located primarily within the United States, but with occasional international trips.


Qualifications:
  • Ph.D or M.S. in Material Science, Physics, Chemistry, Solid State, or related engineering fields.
  • Minimum of three years of work experience as an applications scientist or applications engineer in a semiconductor metrology tool manufacturer or as a process engineer in a semiconductor device manufacturer with thin film quality control/metrology experience.
  • Hands-on experience with X-ray analytical techniques (T-SAXS, GI-SAXS, XRD, XRR, XRF, or related) or optical methods (OCD).
  • Experience with model-based fitting approachesto analyze complex datasets.
  • Strong understanding of fundamentals of X-ray physics, spectroscopy, diffraction and scattering.
  • Strong understanding of semiconductor device manufacturing process.
  • Excellent analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, e.g. root cause analysis, 5 Whys.
  • Proficient in data analysis techniques and skills, including a working knowledge of statistics and statistical process control.
  • Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English. Ability to speak at an intermediate level in Japanese, Chinese, Korean, or Hebrew is a plus.
  • Excellent written and verbal technical communication skills.
  • Ability to travel up to 30% with occasional international travel.
  • U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status required.

About Rigaku, USA

Rigaku, USA is a technology company that specializes in scientific and technical instruments. The company offers a wide range of products, including X-ray diffraction systems, protein crystallography systems, and small angle X-ray scattering systems. Rigaku, USA is committed to providing high-quality products and services to its customers and advancing the field of scientific research. The company is a subsidiary of Rigaku Corporation, a global leader in analytical and industrial instrumentation.
Learn more about Rigaku, USA
Size
1,000 employees
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Revenue
$200 million
* Ladders Estimates

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