Director / MTS, Heaters and Electrostatic Chuck (ESC)

ASM International$150K — $180K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree or PhD in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in semiconductor capital equipment engineering, focusing on ESC or heater technologies.
  • Extensive knowledge of 300mm wafer processing tools and OEM component qualifications.
  • Expertise in high-purity ceramic fabrication techniques (sintering, plasma spray, anodization).
  • Solid understanding of electrostatic clamping mechanisms and their process dependencies.
  • Hands-on experience with electrical characterization equipment (LCR meters, high-voltage testers).
  • Familiarity with thermal management principles in vacuum environments.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop advanced Johnsen-Rahbek and Coulombic-type ESC assemblies for 300mm wafer applications.
  • Select and qualify optimal dielectric materials for ESC components to meet specific compatibility requirements.
  • Define essential performance specifications for ESC functionality in semiconductor processes.
  • Characterize and analyze ESC electrical properties across varying thermal conditions.
  • Mitigate contamination and arcing risks during ESC operation to ensure process integrity.
  • Support the integration of ESC with various power supplies in plasma processing environments.
  • Create multi-zone heater assemblies to achieve consistent temperature control across wafers.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead cutting-edge technology development in the semiconductor industry.
  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources for research and development.
  • Potential for professional growth and advancement in a rapidly evolving field.
Full Job Description
As Director/MTS for Heaters and Electrostatic Chuck (ESC) you will be accountable for the design, and delivery of hardware engineering solutions focused on ESC and heaters technology. This role is responsible for focusing on the development of highly innovative technologies over legacy solutions. Key Responsibilities - Design and develop Johnsen-Rahbek (JR) and Coulombic-type ESC assemblies for 300mm wafer processing applications. - Select and qualify dielectric materials (alumina, AlN, Y2O3) for ESC ceramic layers based on electrical, thermal, and chemical compatibility requirements. - Define ESC clamping voltage, leakage current, and chucking / dechucking performance specifications. - Characterize ESC electrical properties including volume resistivity, dielectric constant, and breakdown voltage across process temperature ranges. - Analyze and mitigate wafer backside contamination, particle generation, and arcing risks associated with ESC operation. - Support ESC integration with RF bias and DC chucking power supplies in plasma processing chambers. - Design multi-zone embedded heater assemblies for uniform wafer temperature distribution across process temperatures (room temperature to 700°C+). - Perform thermal modeling and simulation (FEA) to optimize heater layout, power density, and zone configuration. - Develop and validate closed-loop temperature control systems including thermocouple/RTD sensor selection and PID control tuning. - Characterize heater uniformity, ramp rates, and thermal response using wafer-level temperature mapping tools. - Manage thermal stress and CTE mismatch between heater, ceramic, and base plate materials to ensure long-term reliability Required Qualifications - Master's degree or PhD in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, or related discipline. - 10+ years of experience in semiconductor capital equipment engineering, with direct exposure to ESC or heater technologies. - Experience with 300mm wafer processing tools and OEM component qualification processes. - Knowledge of high-purity ceramic fabrication techniques (sintering, plasma spray, anodization). - Familiarity with reactive process chemistries (fluorine, chlorine plasmas) and their impact on ESC/heater materials - Solid understanding of electrostatic clamping mechanisms (Coulombic and JR force models) and their process dependencies. - Experience with ceramic materials and thin-film dielectric systems used in semiconductor equipment. - Familiarity with thermal management in vacuum environments, including radiation, conduction, and convection heat transfer. - Hands-on experience with electrical characterization equipment (LCR meters, high-voltage testers, curve tracers). - Knowledge of plasma processing systems (etch, CVD, PVD, or ALD) and their requirements for ESC performance. - Experience with FEA thermal simulation tools (ANSYS, COMSOL, or equivalent). - Strong analytical and problem-solving ability with a systematic approach to failure analysis. - Effective communication skills and ability to work in cross-functional teams.

About ASM International

ASM International is a materials science company that provides solutions for the production of advanced materials. The company was founded in 1913 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. ASM International offers a range of products and services, including materials testing, analysis, and consulting. The company serves a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics. ASM International has operations in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Learn more about ASM International
Size
3,312 employees
Industry
NASDAQ

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