Demo

Scientist

SPECTRA-MAT INC
Watsonville, CA Other
POSTED ON 2/13/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/10/2025

Job Details

Job Location:    Westridge - Watsonville, CA
Position Type:    Full Time
Education Level:    Graduate Degree
Salary Range:    Undisclosed
Travel Percentage:    Up to 25%
Job Category:    Science

Description

 

  GENERAL PURPOSE of the position:

 

As a Scientist working closely with the Technology Manager of the thermal management division, you'll become an expert in porous tungsten composites and lead research into advanced materials like diamond and graphite. Your focus will be innovating manufacturing processes for thermal management materials that enhance high-power semiconductor performance.

You'll collaborate with the emitter products group to provide metallurgical and chemical expertise and support the Plating Manufacturing group to improve product quality.

Your role includes attending exhibitions, engaging with customers, supporting business development, conducting tests, and reporting on product performance. Opportunities for external publications and presentations may also arise.

 
   

Qualifications


RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

 

  • Collaborate with the Technology Manager of Thermal Management products to evaluate and test materials and processes for manufacturing.
  • Utilize advanced tools such as SEM/EDX, metallography, optical profilometer, XRF, metrology tools, and thermomechanical testers.
  • Partner with the parent company's research group and oversee external labs to expand testing capabilities and knowledge.
  • Benchmark against competitors to enhance testing and support Quality and Process Engineering teams.
  • Focus on minimizing waste, improving throughput, quality, and reducing costs by strengthening process robustness.
  • Document and communicate findings through technical and production reports to support process and market development.
  • Manage projects and engineering evaluations, including competitive analyses, root cause analysis, FMEA, and Design of Experiments.
 
   
 

 

 

 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

 

  • Spearhead materials technology at the facility.
  • Experience in material testing or synthesis is a plus, but a willingness to learn Spectra-Mat technology is essential.
  • Hands-on experimental and light manufacturing expertise required, with a preference for troubleshooting skills (test equipment, vacuum systems).
  • Strong understanding or ability to quickly learn thermomechanical/material testing, including SEM and laser particle size analysis.
  • Familiarity with company manufacturing operations: powder metallurgy, machining, grinding, plating, and inspection metrology.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, written, verbal communication, and hands-on skills are required.
  • Experience with DOE, SPC, and failure analysis methods is beneficial.
  • Ability to collaborate, prioritize, and take initiative with minimal managerial direction. Excel in cross-department collaboration, especially with manufacturing operators.

 

 
   

 LANGUAGE SKILLS:

 

Fluent in English.

 
   

 EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE:

 

A PhD or MS degree in Materials Science or Engineering, coupled with up to 5 years of related work experience, is preferred. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Inorganic Chemistry, or Physics, paired with substantial relevant experience, will also be considered.

Expertise in powder metallurgy, thin film deposition, inorganic solid-state synthesis processing, and material characterization is highly valued.

 

Physical Requirements: The employee is required to operate a computer for extended periods of time. The employee must be able to bend, lift, and carry objects of varying sizes up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.

 

SMI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by applicable law.

 

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time for this position.

 

SMI participates in E-Verify.

 

 
   

 

 

 

 

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