Thin Films Process Engineer
BS-level Process Engineering roles on Crosslinked list a median of $112k (561 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.
Own sputtering, evaporation, CVD and RTA thin-film processes and metrology for semiconductor wafer production
Worth knowing
Why it is interesting. Full process ownership across four deposition platforms plus a deep thin-film metrology suite (XRD, AFM, ellipsometry) in a class 100/1000 cleanroom.
Might not be for you. Production-support heavy: equipment troubleshooting, PM support, alarms and FDC — less greenfield R&D. Requires 5+ years semiconductor process experience.
Adjacent materials roleDevelop, optimize, and maintain sputtering, evaporation, CVD, and RTA processes for metal and dielectric films; characterize thin films using profilometry, four-point probe, ellipsometry, SEM, XRD, AFM
H-1B filings
Coherent Corp. filed 10 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.
Most common titles: Sr. Optical Test Engineer, Director, Product Management, Manager, System and Supplier Quality. Median filed pay: $120K a year.
From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings
- Seniority
- Mid-level
- Work
- On-site
- Type
- Full-time
- Degree
- BS
- Experience
- 5+ yrs
- Industry
- Semiconductor
- Role
- Process Engineering
Role details
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop, optimize, and maintain sputtering, evaporation, CVD, and RTA processes for metal and dielectric films.
- Establish robust process windows and transfer new processes into production.
- Support process integration, yield improvement, and new product development.
- Serve as the process owner for sputtering, evaporation, CVD, and RTA equipment.
- Troubleshoot process and equipment issues to improve reliability, uptime, and yield.
- Support equipment qualifications, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement activities.
- Characterize thin films using profilometry, four-point probe, ellipsometry, SEM, XRD, and AFM.
- Monitor film thickness, sheet resistance, stress, uniformity, adhesion, and surface morphology.
- Utilize SPC, DOE, and statistical analysis to improve process capability and reduce variation.
- Support recipe development, automated recipe download, and recipe verification.
- Work with automation and equipment teams to maintain process limits, alarms, and fault detection systems.
- Analyze equipment and process data to identify trends, prevent excursions, and improve manufacturing consistency.
- Develop process documentation, work instructions, control plans, and FMEAs.
- Support technology transfers, new equipment installations, and technician training.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
- 5+ years of semiconductor process engineering experience.
- Hands-on experience with sputtering (DC, RF, reactive), thermal and/or e-beam evaporation, CVD, and RTA systems.
- Experience processing GaAs, InP, and/or silicon wafers.
- Experience supporting semiconductor manufacturing in a high paced production environment.
Skills
- Experience with thin-film metrology, including profilometry, four-point probe, ellipsometry, SEM, XRD, and AFM.
- Experience measuring film thickness, sheet resistance, stress, uniformity, adhesion, and surface morphology.
- Experience with manufacturing automation, recipe management, automated recipe download, and equipment data collection.
- Familiarity with SPC, DOE, FDC, and statistical analysis tools such as JMP.
- Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and process optimization skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Working Conditions
- Will be exposed to areas where hand tools and power tools are being operated
- Will be exposed to areas where hazardous chemicals or gases are stored
- Ability to work in a cleanroom environment per semi-conductor protocol/requirements
Physical Requirements
- Work in a class 100/1000 clean room for extended periods
- Wear full cleanroom attire (smock, mask, etc.)
- Work with and/or around chemicals (such as solids and acids)
- Stand for up to 4 hours at a time
- Lift up to 16-30 Pounds
- Push/Pull up to 16-30 pounds
- Sit for up to 4 hours at a time
Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality And Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust
C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
*Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.* *If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at* *talentacquisition@coherent.com* *.*
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies
We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.
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