Senior Engineer, Process Engineering (Defectivity)

As a Senior Process Engineer, Defectivity, you will play a key role in advancing semiconductor manufacturing technologies by driving defectivity reduction and process improvement initiatives across front-end wafer processing equipment. You will leverage your expertise in process engineering, contamination control, defect characterization, and data-driven problem solving to identify defect sources, improve equipment and process performance, and enhance product quality. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, you will help develop innovative solutions that improve manufacturing reliability and enable the next generation of semiconductor devices.

• →Lead investigations into defectivity issues affecting front-end wafer processing equipment and manufacturing processes.
• →Identify and resolve equipment-induced, process-induced, handling-induced, and material-induced defect mechanisms.
• →Analyze defect signatures using defect maps, spatial distributions, wafer trends, process data, and manufacturing performance metrics.
• →Apply structured problem-solving methodologies including DOE, statistical analysis, failure analysis, and root-cause investigation techniques.
• →Drive corrective and preventive actions and validate long-term effectiveness through data-driven verification.
• →Investigate contamination, particle generation, material interactions, mechanical sources, environmental influences, and wafer handling-related defects.
• →Develop a deep understanding of defect generation mechanisms throughout wafer movement, process execution, metrology, inspection, and automation systems.
• →Partner with engineering teams to improve defect performance, process robustness, equipment reliability, and manufacturability.
• →Utilize advanced defect characterization and analytical techniques to determine defect origin, composition, transport mechanisms, and generation pathways.
• →Establish defectivity reduction roadmaps and support technology development, qualification, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• →Collaborate with process, hardware, software, manufacturing, supplier quality, and customer-facing teams to solve complex technical challenges.
• →Present technical findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders and support knowledge sharing across engineering organizations.

• Master's degree or PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of semiconductor industry experience in process engineering, defectivity engineering, yield engineering, integration engineering, or a related field.
• Strong experience supporting semiconductor manufacturing, front-end wafer processing equipment, or advanced process technologies.
• Deep understanding of defect generation mechanisms within semiconductor manufacturing environments.
• Expertise in contamination control, particle reduction, and defect prevention methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with proficiency in DOE and statistical data analysis.
• Experience utilizing defect inspection, metrology, characterization, and failure analysis techniques.
• Ability to translate process and defect data into actionable root-cause conclusions and sustainable engineering solutions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence technical decisions across cross-functional teams.

• Experience working with semiconductor equipment manufacturers or leading semiconductor fabrication facilities.
• Experience supporting wafer handling systems, process equipment, metrology, inspection, automation, or integrated manufacturing platforms.
• Knowledge of advanced logic, DRAM, NAND, or emerging semiconductor device technologies.
• Experience in equipment qualification, process qualification, supplier quality, or manufacturing readiness programs.
• Familiarity with machine learning, advanced analytics, or AI-enabled approaches for defectivity analysis.
• Experience mentoring engineers and leading complex cross-functional technical initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in delivering measurable defectivity reduction and yield improvement outcomes.

We make the tech that enables the chips in devices which improve lives around the world. We do this with an eye to the future, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through cutting-edge innovation, and driving the next wave of technological breakthroughs that shape how we live, work, and connect.

To learn more about ASM, find us at asm.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

ASM is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify or expression, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.