As the Principal Crystal Growth Process Engineer, you will lead the operation and optimization of crystal growth equipment, including bulk-growth from a melt and solution-based crystal growth processes. You will support the design and improvement of production equipment and processes, lead equipment or process transfers, and drive initiatives focused on troubleshooting, cost reduction, cycle-time improvement, process stability, and metrics tracking. In addition, you will create and maintain process documentation and play a key role in developing new processes and products that meet internal and external customer requirements.
Responsibilities
• Identifies and monitors critical crystal growth process parameters, addresses factors that impact process control, yield, and throughput.
• Creates/maintains crystal growth procedures, SPC charts and related paperwork.
• Investigates data to establish correlations & trends, improvements, and root cause failure analysis for existing processes.
• Utilizes fundamental understanding of materials science and crystal growth to develop new growth processes to meet internal and external customer requirements.
• Leads the implementation of processes/technology from R&D to manufacturing.
• Supports manufacturing operations in capacity expansion and supplier qualification while maintaining quality and meeting product specifications.
• Generates scientific and technical ideas, contributes to the Intellectual Property Portfolio of Attalon by writing disclosures and patents. Participates in scientific meetings
• Strong oral and written communication; able to adjust communication for varied audiences.
• Frequent travel to other Attalon facilities located in the continental United States.
• Job will initially be located in Port Richey, FL, with expected move to Murrieta, CA in 12-24 months
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelors in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry. Master's or Ph.D. degree in related technical field is a strong plus.
• Minimum 8 years of melt crystal growth experience, preferably with sapphire, YAG, spinel or other high-melting materials. Solution-based crystal growth experience strongly desired. Gradient freeze crystal growth experience desired.
• Hands-on experience in the operation of high temperature furnaces, power supplies, vacuum systems, and infrastructure equipment.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in bringing engineering concepts into production.
• History of analysis and successful resolution of complex engineering issues.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently or working with others.
Preferred Qualifications
• Good command of crystal growth principles, materials science, and their application to crystal growth technology in industrial environment.
• Demonstrates a hands-on, solutions-driven approach to equipment and process maintenance and troubleshooting, rapidly identifying and resolving operational and technical issues to ensure stable, high-quality crystal growth performance
• Working knowledge of crystal growth equipment troubleshooting. Ability to rapidly identify operational, technical problems and emergencies, and to develop quick responses.
• Experience with SPC and DoE, maintaining records, preparing reports and technical summaries, internal and external presentations.
• Proficiency in CAD desired, preferably SolidWorks.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently or working as part of a team, working with employees in a multi-cultural, global team environment.
• Sets a high standard of ethics, professionalism, leadership, and competency.
Working Conditions
• Job operates in production environment on 1st shift, schedule is Mon-Fri. Occasionally working on alternate shifts to meet manufacturing demands is required. On-call support may be required.
• Job will initially be located in Port Richey, FL, with expected move to Murrieta CA in 12-24 months
• Works in areas with fumes, airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Required to function in narrow aisles or passageways.
• Noise level - Usually loud.
