Senior Equipment Engineer (Etch)

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader in semiconductor technology, dedicated to creating innovative chips that shape today’s world. With a workforce spanning over 50,000 individuals from more than 115 nationalities and operations in 40 countries, we are driven by collaboration, passion for innovation, and a commitment to sustainability and responsibility.

Primary Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of assigned equipment, including LAM XLE and LAM Rainbow systems, ensuring optimal functionality and uptime.
• Maintain and continuously improve operational excellence metrics such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR).
• Develop health monitoring systems for equipment using Statistical Process Control (SPC), Fault Detection and Classification (FDC), fault codes, and alarms.
• Lead regular tool performance evaluations, documenting any issues alongside corrective actions and recovery plans.
• Plan and execute preventive maintenance activities tailored to OEM guidelines and fabrication strategies.
• Troubleshoot complex electrical, mechanical, vacuum, RF, gas delivery, and software systems.
• Drive root cause analyses for recurring and significant problems utilizing structured problem-solving techniques like 8D, Fishbone diagrams, and 5-Why analysis.
• Coordinate with vendor field service engineers and contractors for major maintenance, upgrades, or rebuilds of equipment.
• Collaborate closely with process engineering teams to ensure equipment meets critical requirements for critical dimension, profile, uniformity, selectivity, and defectivity.
• Analyze tool logs, SPC data, metrology results, and wafer maps to link equipment conditions with yield and parametric performance outcomes.
• Support process qualifications, chamber replacements, hardware changes, and release of new recipes.
• Ensure appropriate chamber matching across AMAT and TEL tools is established and sustained.
• Identify and implement process improvements to boost uptime, extend part lifecycles, and minimize operating expenses.
• Manage consumables usage and develop strategies for spare parts including stock levels, repair, replacement, and refurbishment plans.
• Lead or participate in Continuous Improvement Projects (CIP), Lean, and Six Sigma initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and quality.
• Support equipment capacity expansions via chamber additions, throughput improvements, and software enhancements.
• Create and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintenance guides, and troubleshooting documentation for AMAT SuperE and AMAT DPS equipment.
• Record all equipment-related events, alarms, interventions, and changes within the Equipment History System (EHS/CMMS).
• Provide technical training and mentorship to equipment technicians, junior engineers, and shift staff.
• Ensure adherence to change management protocols for hardware, software, and recipe changes.
• Enforce all activities comply with Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) regulations, company safety protocols, and cleanroom standards.
• Conduct and assist with risk assessments, Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures, and safety audits concerning gas, chemical, RF, and high-voltage systems.
• Support adherence to ISO, Automotive, and Quality Management System standards as relevant.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in semiconductor etch processes with familiarity in operating and maintaining LAM XLE and LAM Rainbow equipment.
• Strong analytical skills coupled with innovative problem-solving abilities and keen attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills enabling independent work as well as effective collaboration across multifunctional teams.
• Working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and structured problem-solving methods such as 8D.

Additional Information

STMicroelectronics is recognized as a global top employer with a deep commitment to ethics, integrity, diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds including those who may not meet every requirement but bring unique perspectives and eagerness to grow. We promote a workplace culture built on respect, opportunity, and sustainable innovation.