Dry/Plasma Etch GaN Process Development Engineer (SM1)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 23, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 10, 2026. Texas Instruments scores B on the Alion truth index.
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We are seeking a highly motivated Advanced GaN Process Development Engineer to join our Plasma Etch Process Development team. This role is responsible for developing, optimizing, and transferring advanced plasma etch processes supporting next-generation GaN semiconductor technologies. The engineer will work closely with integration, equipment, metrology, and manufacturing teams to drive technology innovation, improve process capability, and enable successful product ramp into high-volume manufacturing.
The ideal candidate possesses strong technical expertise in plasma etch fundamentals, semiconductor process development, statistical data analysis, and cross-functional problem solving.
The responsibilities of a Manufacturing Development Process Engineer in this role include:
Process Development
- Develop and optimize plasma etch processes for advanced semiconductor devices.
- Design and execute experiments (DOE) to improve critical process metrics, including:
- Etch rate
- Selectivity
- Critical dimension (CD) control
- Profile control
- Defectivity
- Uniformity
- Characterize process performance and establish process windows for manufacturing robustness.
- Evaluate new process chemistries, hardware configurations, and chamber technologies.
Technology Introduction
- Support development and qualification of next-generation etch technologies.
- Collaborate with device integration teams to meet product and technology requirements.
- Drive process readiness for technology transfers from development into manufacturing.
- Establish process specifications, control plans, and release documentation.
Tool and Equipment Engineering
- Partner with equipment engineering teams to improve tool capability, productivity, and reliability.
- Lead chamber matching, equipment qualification, and process performance improvement activities.
- Support installation and startup of new etch platforms.
Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement
- Analyze complex process datasets using statistical methods and data analytics tools.
- Identify root causes of process excursions and implement corrective actions.
- Lead yield improvement and defect reduction initiatives.
- Utilize SPC methodologies to monitor and improve process stability.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- Process Integration
- Manufacturing
- Yield Engineering
- Metrology
- Equipment Engineering
- Quality and Reliability teams
- Present technical findings and recommendations to management and key stakeholders.
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians as needed.
Minimum requirements:
5+ years of semiconductor plasma/dry etch process development experience.
Bachelors in an engineering, science, or related STEM discipline
- Strong foundation in statistical process control, engineering change control and process release strategies
Experience with DOE methodologies and statistical analysis.
Familiarity with metrology techniques including SEM, CD-SEM, ellipsometry and defect inspection tools.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience in Gallium Nitride (GaN) and/or similar wide-bandgap III-V nitrides processes and technology development
- Strong foundation in statistical process control, engineering change control and process release strategies
- Proficiency with Python, Claude, or other AI models or tools is a plus
- Demonstrated strong analytical and problem solving skills resulting in innovative and creative process solutions
- Experience with process development and transfer on etch platforms (LAM, AMAT, TEL, etc)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively with people in different job functions
- Strong time management skills that enable on-time project delivery
- Demonstrated ability to build strong, influential relationships
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
- Ability to take the initiative and drive for result