Principal Engineer, Surface Technology (Surface Modification)

As a Principal Engineer, Surface Technology (Surface Modification) reporting to Surface Technology Group, you will work with other ASM global technology team members including materials scientists, equipment engineers, process, quality and field service engineers as well as external customers to solve time critical or strategic technology challenges and develop unique advanced solutions in collaborative partnerships.

The position requires the individual to:

• Drive improvements in Thermal & Plasma Enhanced ALD system component longevity, emissivity, stability, refurbishment / service strategy and process performance to enable reliable and efficient deposition of a range of next generation advanced thin film materials exhibiting various electrical & physical properties.


• Work independently to develop new approaches to modify surfaces of internal ALD chamber components to improve performance, lifetime, defectivity and CoO for customers processing various materials for use as functional/active layers in semiconductor device stacks.


• Connect process conditions, physical characterization, and electrical response towards understanding of mechanisms.


• Specify, procure and develop state-of-the-art advanced process equipment.


• Formulate new surface texturing and dry coating strip methods.


• Leverage advanced knowledge of media blast, multi-axis automated control systems, e-beam and pulsed laser process technologies.


• Direct / manage projects & relationships with critical 3^rd party suppliers & supporting institutions.


• Have a passion for surface engineering processes, be inquisitive to drive projects & root-cause failure investigations whilst being systematic & entrepreneurial in mind-set.


• Demonstrate experience within a high-volume semiconductor clean room environment.


• Be based within the ASM Phoenix AZ campus but open to travel (<10%) to customer and supplier global sites when necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree studying Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or similar technical / scientific field.


• Minimum 1-5 years of industrial experience preferably using automated blast or industrial laser or e-beam systems.


• Expertise in high volume semiconductor cleaning  environments highly advantageous.


• Solid understanding of Design-of-Experiments execution and statistical data analysis.


• Familiarity with common surface characterization & metrology techniques including: Optical microscopy, SEM, TEM, XPS / AES, profilometry, CMM as well as ICP-MS, particle analysis etc.


• Ability to engage with customers both on a highly technical basis and personally.


• Self-motivated, results-oriented with high commitment to work quality in a fast-paced environment.


• Proven ability to solve complex analytical problems and provide robust solutions based on solid technical background.