Plasma Technologist

Title: Plasma Technologist

Reports To: CTO

Position Type: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt, On-Site/In-Person

Location: San Jose, CA

The Plasma Technologist will be responsible for the full lifecycle of plasma-enhanced film deposition products-from R&D, process and hardware integration, HVM readiness, and customer adoption. This is a high-visibility role requiring strong leadership across cross-functional teams including engineering, product marketing, and customer interface. A key expectation is to take ownership of productivity and reliability issues, ensuring all are addressed before product release to HVM.

Major Responsibilities:

Lead the design and development of PEALD and PECVD thin film deposition processes that meet stringent customer requirements for advanced semiconductor applications

Drive product development with a strong focus on plasma physics, chamber architecture, software-hardware integration, and tool productivity.

Lead platform integration and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet performance, reliability, and cost targets.

Ensure product maturity by owning and resolving all throughput, yield, and process control for HVM release.

Employ process development methods such as DOE and systematic experimental design, and statistical data analysis skills to plan, analyze and summarize data.

Prepare and present data summaries to executive management and be capable of recommending and driving the appropriate technical direction.

Generate novel ALD and CVD process technology IP that gives the company a competitive edge.

Act as the single point of contact for internal stakeholders and external customers for plasma product performance and readiness.

Stay abreast of state-of-the-art academic research and industry technological advances. Initiate and foster collaborations with academia and consortia.

Provide technical leadership and guidance to less experienced engineers.

Support internal product development as well as external customer work.

Collaborate closely with Marketing, Business Development, and Account Teams to support product positioning and customer engagements.

Support Alpha, Beta, and demo system readiness, including site qualifications and customer feedback incorporation.

Drive Plasma & EM simulation projects with other PCTC members

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or related field with 5+ years of experience; or M.S. with 7+ years of relevant industry experience.

Deep expertise in PEALD, PECVD, and related plasma processes (e.g., ICP, RIE).

Proven success delivering semiconductor capital equipment from development through HVM qualification.

Strong understanding of the relationship between process and hardware in tool design and performance.

Experience with thin film metrology, statistical analysis (DOE, JMP, etc.), and fab process integration.

Experience with using plasma simulation software.

Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage complex development programs.

Strong problem-solving mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Must possess solid communication skills and be able to present to executive staff.

Must possess a positive, can-do attitude and demonstrate creative problem-solving skills.

Up to 10% travel.

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on several factors including location and level and will vary depending on confirmed job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as pre-public stock award program, as applicable.