Research Development Process Engineer

Principal R&D / Process Engineer – Wafer FabricationLocation: Tempe, Arizona (Onsite)Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Principal R&D / Process Engineer to develop, optimize, and transfer advanced wafer-based manufacturing processes into high-volume production. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in semiconductor wafer fabrication, thin-film deposition, photolithography, and process development.This role will focus on creating highly stable, scalable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes while collaborating closely with product development, manufacturing, and quality teams. The engineer will be responsible for process innovation, equipment selection, validation activities, statistical analysis, and continuous process improvement.Required Technical SkillsWafer Fabrication ProcessesProcess DevelopmentSemiconductor Manufacturing OperationsThin Film Deposition / PVD Metal DepositionPhotolithographyDesign of Experiments (DOE)Statistical Process Control (SPC)Key ResponsibilitiesLead the development, optimization, and transfer of wafer-based manufacturing processes into production.Develop and support fabrication processes involving polymer/organic layer deposition, metal deposition, and process monitoring.Design and execute experiments to establish robust and repeatable manufacturing processes.Apply Design for Reliability Manufacturing (DRM) and data-driven methodologies throughout process development.Evaluate and select materials, equipment, tooling, and fixtures to support manufacturing requirements.Define process controls, metrology requirements, and production strategies for scalable manufacturing.Perform equipment qualifications (IQ), process characterization, Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ).Conduct Gage R&R studies and develop measurement system capabilities.Utilize statistical methods to analyze process performance and drive continuous improvement.Troubleshoot equipment and process issues, perform root cause investigations, and implement corrective actions.Collaborate with product design and development teams to ensure manufacturability and process compatibility.Generate and maintain technical documentation in compliance with quality system requirements.Ensure adherence to applicable quality and regulatory standards.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline with 7+ years of relevant experience, ORMaster’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience.Hands-on experience with wafer fabrication processes, equipment development, process development, or manufacturing operations.Experience developing manufacturing processes from concept through production transfer.Preferred QualificationsExperience in high-volume manufacturing environments.Exposure to microfabrication/MEMS processes, including:PhotolithographyThin-film depositionPatterning technologiesExperience programming, operating, and troubleshooting:Automated manufacturing equipmentMachine vision systemsAutomated metrology toolsKnowledge of DOE, statistical analysis techniques, and data analysis software such as:MinitabJMPExperience with Lean Manufacturing, DFSS, Six Sigma, or Green/Black Belt certification.Advanced degree in:Materials ScienceMechanical EngineeringChemical EngineeringChemistryPhysicsBiomedical EngineeringRelated engineering disciplinesTop 3 Technical SkillsPVD Metal Deposition / Thin Film DepositionPhotolithographyDesign of Experiments (DOE) / Process Development