Job Title: Senior Process Engineer
Location: Morrisville, NC
Division: NHanced
Scope of the Job:The Senior Process Engineer provides senior-level ownership of assigned semiconductor fabrication process areas and tools. This role leads Process Development, troubleshooting, documentation, Quality Methods, and continuous improvement while partnering closely with integration engineers, operators, technicians, equipment teams, and management. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in at least one of the following process modules: CMP (chemical mechanical polish), Metal Plating, Dry Etch, Dielectric Deposition, or Metal Deposition.
Duties / Responsibilities:- Own an assigned fab process area and its associated tools, serving as the primary engineering point of contact for process performance, issues, and improvements.
- Lead Process Development, optimization, qualification, and documentation of new semiconductor processes and unit operations using established Quality Methods.
- Partner with the site integration engineering team to translate technical requirements into process plans, experiments, data collection strategies, and executable process flows.
- Plan and execute demonstrations of new products, processes, and process flows; evaluate results and recommend next steps.
- Apply DOE (design of experiments), analyze process data, and use statistical methods to evaluate and improve Process Capability, uniformity, yield, repeatability, and control.
- Maintain accurate process documentation, specifications, recipes, work instructions, and wafer/lot processing records.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to process engineers, associate engineers, operators, and technicians supporting the assigned area.
- Work with equipment engineering and maintenance teams to troubleshoot tool-related process issues and restore stable operation; this position partners on equipment issues but is not primarily responsible for hands-on equipment maintenance.
- Lead cross-functional process development and continuous improvement efforts across process modules.
- Interface effectively with operators, technicians, integration engineers, management, suppliers, and other internal partners.
- Maintain a safe, organized work environment and follow all cleanroom, chemical handling, labeling, housekeeping, and waste-disposal requirements.
Required Skills & Experience:- Bachelor's degree in engineering, technology, physical science, mathematics, or another relevant STEM discipline.
- 10+ years of semiconductor process engineering experience, including substantial depth in at least one of the following areas: CMP (chemical mechanical polish), Metal Plating, Dry Etch, Dielectric Deposition, or Metal Deposition.
- Hands-on experience with the tooling and process fundamentals associated with at least one targeted module, such as wafer polishers or grinders, Metal Plating systems, ICP Dry Etch platforms, Dielectric Deposition tools, or Metal Deposition tools.
- Experience supporting new process development, process transfer, or process optimization in a semiconductor fab or comparable development environment.
- Strong knowledge of semiconductor fabrication processes and demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot complex process problems.
- Experience with data analysis, Quality Methods, DOE (design of experiments), Process Capability, and Statistical Process Control principles and applications.
- Ability to create clear technical documentation, reports, and presentations and communicate effectively across technical and nontechnical groups.
- Ability and willingness to work 100% onsite in Morrisville, North Carolina and in a fully gowned cleanroom environment for extended periods.
Additional Preferred Skills:- 15+ years of semiconductor process engineering experience.
- Experience in an R&D, advanced development, low-volume/high-mix, or other flexible semiconductor fab environment.
- Experience with quality systems, Quality Methods, and continuous improvement methodologies, including Lean or Six Sigma.
- Advanced SPC experience, including control chart creation, statistical limit setting, trend response, and out-of-control reaction planning.
- Experience working with external equipment, parts, materials, chemical, or process suppliers to evaluate new configurations and improve process performance.
- Demonstrated technical leadership, mentoring, or indirect team leadership experience.
Core Competencies - Deep technical judgment and a practical, hands-on approach to process development and troubleshooting.
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to work independently and lead through influence.
- Clear, concise written and verbal communication.
- Strong problem-solving, prioritization, documentation, and follow-through.
- Adaptability and willingness to take on evolving responsibilities in a startup and R&D-oriented environment.
- Commitment to safety, quality, reliability, and continuous improvement.
Work Conditions & Physical Requirements - Work in a fully gowned cleanroom environment.
- Required PPE includes safety glasses, face shield, gloves, and steel-toe shoes.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and work with manufacturing equipment throughout the shift.
- Frequent handling of tools, components, and manufacturing equipment.
- Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 45 lbs.
- Flexible to work alternate shifts based on business needs.
- Position requires a high level of daily physical activity and movement.
Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above. Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
