Plasma Technologist

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.