Defect Reduction Engineer

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:

The SkyWater Central Engineering team is seeking an experienced Defect Reduction Engineer to lead defect reduction efforts on SkyWater’s 90nm CMOS Technology Platforms.

The candidate will be responsible to establish and drive defect reduction roadmaps and associated yield improvement targets by collaborating with device development, integration, and fab module engineering.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and drive a defect reduction roadmap.
• Use data analytics to establish metrics and detect patterns to drive yield improvements and defect reduction.
• Lead defect reduction projects and root cause analysis activities with cross-functional teams.
• Establish defect trend monitoring within each fab module to drive improvement in every area of manufacturing.
• Review & respond to fab defect trends using statistical process control principles.
• Learn defect recipe creation on all defect inspection tools.
• Work with integration group & module engineering teams to determine root cause and corrective actions in order to eliminate sources of defectivity
• Build and leverage expertise in creative problem solving.
• Organize and present defect data to engineering modules and group leaders, leading action based on trends and signals.
• Provide mentorship to less experienced engineers in defect problem solving methods.
• Leverage a solid understanding of semiconductor processing techniques, in depth knowledge of defect investigation tools, and problem solving techniques to drive continuous improvement.
• Utilize excellent communication skills to deliver information effectively internally and externally, with customers and program sponsors.
• The job also requires performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: BS or MS Engineering degree
• 5 years required, 8 years preferred, of combined semiconductor engineering experience and defect reduction experience.
• Experience with AMAT & KLA defect metrology equipment.
• Experience with Synopsys Odyssey, ONTO Discover, and KLayout is preferred.
• Knowledge of basic computer applications and reporting skills (word, excel, powerpoint, etc.).
• Familiar with statistical process control.
• Strong organization and communication skills to manage tasks across processing engineering modules to effectively execute and commit deliverables.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills.
• Fundamental understanding of semiconductor processing, fab operations, equipment.
• Fundamental understanding of analytic techniques is a plus.
• Familiarity with Physical Failure Analysis technique and Imaging is preferred.

U.S. Person Required:

SkyWater Technology Foundry, Inc. subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All accepted applications must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee.

The annual salary range for this role is $131,840 - $197,760. 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