What are the responsibilities and job description for the Defect Reduction Section Manager position at SkyWater Technology Foundry, Inc.?
Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters or Florida location, employees join together to improve the world.
Explore what’s possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning “science fiction” into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.
Step into the future. SkyWater’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees — and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds.
Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!
Position Summary:
SkyWater Technology is seeking an innovative Section Manager to lead our defect reduction initiatives within high-volume semiconductor manufacturing. This role offers an excellent opportunity for experienced engineers ready to transition into management while maintaining a strong technical focus. You will be responsible for supervising and mentoring a team that includes defect technicians and defect tool engineers—specialists who ensure high-quality defect metrology data, develop advanced defect recipes, and integrate new metrology tools. Additionally, you will drive strategic planning, oversee production floor operations, lead rapid-response investigations, and coordinate cross-functional task forces to optimize yield and process stability.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership & Supervision:
The annual salary range for this role is $110,000 - $165,000. Pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate.
SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well other employee financial benefits including 401k match, life insurance and opportunities to purchase SkyWater stock at a discounted rate.
Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site fitness facility, an on-site, self-serve market.
SkyWater is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applicants for all job openings are welcome and will be considered without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristics, medical conditions, family care or medical leave status, military service or status as a Protected Veteran, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws (“Protected Characteristics”). SkyWater complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws concerning EEO/AA employment. SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or Human.Resources@SkyWatertechnology.com
Explore what’s possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning “science fiction” into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.
Step into the future. SkyWater’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees — and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds.
Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!
Position Summary:
SkyWater Technology is seeking an innovative Section Manager to lead our defect reduction initiatives within high-volume semiconductor manufacturing. This role offers an excellent opportunity for experienced engineers ready to transition into management while maintaining a strong technical focus. You will be responsible for supervising and mentoring a team that includes defect technicians and defect tool engineers—specialists who ensure high-quality defect metrology data, develop advanced defect recipes, and integrate new metrology tools. Additionally, you will drive strategic planning, oversee production floor operations, lead rapid-response investigations, and coordinate cross-functional task forces to optimize yield and process stability.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership & Supervision:
- Manage and mentor defect technicians and defect tool engineers, ensuring high-quality performance and professional growth.
- Provide technical guidance on defect investigation, troubleshooting methodologies, and the effective use of inspection and metrology tools.
- Promote collaboration within the team to integrate defect data analysis with process improvement initiatives.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive defect reduction roadmap with clear yield improvement targets.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (device development, integration, fab modules) to ensure defect reduction initiatives support overall manufacturing objectives.
- Monitor production floor operations to track yield performance and swiftly address production excursions.
- Lead rapid-response task forces and perform detailed root cause analyses to implement corrective actions and enhance process stability.
- Utilize advanced data analytics and statistical process control (SPC) to identify defect trends and optimize processes.
- Support defect tool owner engineers in developing innovative defect recipes and integrating new defect metrology tools.
- Encourage the adoption of robust data validation protocols and cutting-edge inspection methodologies.
- Present defect data and actionable insights to engineering teams and senior management.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, creative problem solving, and technical excellence.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
- Minimum of 8 years of semiconductor engineering and defect reduction experience.
- Proven experience in technical roles with demonstrated leadership potential.
- Prior exposure to AMAT and KLA defect metrology equipment is a plus.
- Experience mentoring teams and working with data-driven tool integration initiatives is highly desirable.
- Proficiency with defect analysis tools (e.g., Synopsys Odyssey, ONTO Discover, KLayout) is preferred.
- Strong working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and advanced data analytics.
- Proficient in standard computer applications and reporting tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Exceptional organizational and troubleshooting skills, with experience managing cross-functional engineering projects.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to translate technical data into actionable insights.
- Deep understanding of semiconductor processing techniques, fab operations, and equipment.
- Proven ability to lead rapid excursion investigations and manage task forces for timely resolution of production issues.
The annual salary range for this role is $110,000 - $165,000. Pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate.
SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well other employee financial benefits including 401k match, life insurance and opportunities to purchase SkyWater stock at a discounted rate.
Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site fitness facility, an on-site, self-serve market.
SkyWater is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applicants for all job openings are welcome and will be considered without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristics, medical conditions, family care or medical leave status, military service or status as a Protected Veteran, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws (“Protected Characteristics”). SkyWater complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws concerning EEO/AA employment. SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or Human.Resources@SkyWatertechnology.com
Salary : $110,000 - $165,000
