Collaboration is central to this role. You will work autonomously yet synchronously with cross-functional teams, including Yield Enhancement (YE), Process Integration (PIE), and Unit Process (UP) engineering, to establish Best Known Methods (BKMs) and drive the reduction of "Single Wafer Low Yield" (SWLY) occurrence. Additionally, you will act as a key technical liaison for foundry customers and support the seamless transfer of new technologies from Samsung HQ in South Korea.
The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a minimum of 5 years of semiconductor working experience and a proven track record of solving chronic yield issues in a fast-paced environment. We are looking for a technical leader who can integrate quickly into our operations, manage multiple shifting priorities, and deliver results that directly impact our yield goals and product competitiveness.
Role and Responsibilities
Here's What You'll Be Responsible For
New Product Introduction (NPI) & Ramp-up
Strategic Planning: Serves as the primary representative for defect reduction during NPI, defining how parts will be inspected (strategy & methodology).
Setup & Validation: Handles Global Process Management (GPM) setup, conducts specification audits, and performs comparisons to ensure standards are met.
Impact Analysis: Evaluates how changes in unit processes or the distribution of parts across different tools (tool spread) affect inline and Non-Product Wafer (NPW) defectivity.
Process Monitoring & Root Cause Analysis
Trend Analysis: Monitors fab process and tool data to identify "Dog Tools" (underperforming equipment).
Excursion Control: Performs correlation analysis to trace defects back to their root cause, enabling rapid response to prevent widespread process excursions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Inter-departmental Synergy: Works with Yield Enhancement (YE), Process Integration Engineering (PIE), and Unit Process (UP) teams.
Optimization: Evaluates defect data to establish Best Known Methods (BKMs), monitors excursions, and focuses on SWLY (Single Wafer Low Yield) reduction to improve consistency.
Technology Node Management
FCC Management: Establishes Fail Chip Count (FCC) and trend monitoring plans.
Diverse Node Support: Manages a wide range of technology nodes, including: Advanced Nodes: 14nm and Foundry processes, Legacy Nodes: 65nm, 45nm, and 28nm.
Operational Support: Leads/supports weekly module meetings to ensure yield and performance targets are achieved.
Customer & Global Relations
Foundry Service: Acts as a technical point of contact for foundry customers, providing the necessary data and analysis to meet client expectations.
Knowledge Transfer: Supports the transfer of new technologies and processes originating from Samsung HQ in South Korea to local sites.
Skills and Qualifications
Here's what you'll need
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related technical field. Master and PhD preferred
Professional Experience: Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in semiconductor process engineering, specifically specializing in defect monitoring, reduction, process integration, or yield engineering.
Technical Expertise
Advanced Nodes: Strong preference for candidates with a track record in leading-edge logic technology development (14nm or below).
Equipment Knowledge: Deep understanding of semiconductor manufacturing equipment (e.g., Lithography, Etch, CMP) to effectively link defects to tool-specific root causes.
Inspection Tooling: Proficiency in advanced defect inspection and review tools (e.g., Bright Field, Dark Field, E-beam, Vis-edge).
Analytical Mastery
Expert-level application of SPC and DOE methodologies to stabilize processes.
Proficiency in Klarity Defect or similar advanced analytical platforms for defect classification and trend analysis.
Strong data mining and troubleshooting capabilities to resolve chronic and ad-hoc yield killers independently.
Execution & Leadership
Demonstrated project management success in driving solutions for complex technical problems from identification to closure.
Ability to manage multiple high-priority tasks in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to influence cross-functional teams (YE, PIE, UP).
A self-starter mindset with a commitment to meeting strict deadlines and production schedules.
The current base salary range for this role is between $106,000 - $145,000. Individual base pay rates will depend on factors including duties, work location, education, skills, qualifications and experience. Total compensation for this position will include a competitive benefits package and may include participation in company incentive compensation programs, which are based on factors to include organizational and individual performance.
This position may include access to controlled information or technology under U.S. export control laws. Employment may be contingent on either the applicant verifying that the applicant falls under the “U.S. Person” definition (including U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and those granted U.S. asylum or refugee status) or the employer timely obtaining any necessary export license under federal law. The employer evaluates export licensing on a case-by-case basis and may decline to proceed with a job applicant in its sole discretion, as export license applications can take many weeks to process.
Total Rewards
At Samsung Austin Semiconductor, base pay is just one part of our total compensation package. The base compensation for this role will depend on education, experience, skills, and location.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life insurance and 401(k) matching with immediate vesting
Onsite café(s) and workout facilities
Paid maternity and paternity leave
Paid time off (PTO) + 2 personal holidays and 10 regular holidays
Wellness incentives and MORE
Eligible full-time employees (salaried or hourly) may also receive MBO bonuses based on company, division, and individual performance.
All positions at Samsung Austin Semiconductor are full-time on-site.
Trade Secrets
By submitting an application, you agree not to disclose to Samsung or induce or encourage Samsung to use any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to a current or former employer or other entity.
Please visit Samsung membership to see Privacy Policy, which defaults according to your location. You can change Country/Language at the bottom of the page. If you are European Economic Resident, please click here.
Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and its subsidiaries are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
