Staff/Principal Engineer - CMP Advanced NAND

About Micron Technology

Micron Technology is a leading global company specializing in innovative memory solutions with a broad portfolio ranging from DRAM and NAND to SSDs and memory-based systems. With headquarters in Boise, ID, and a workforce of approximately 45,000 employees worldwide, Micron continuously pursues innovation that advances technologies in areas such as virtual reality, AI, and gaming. The company operates with strong commitments to integrity, sustainability, and community involvement, alongside being a prolific patent-holder with over 60,000 granted patents.

Role Overview

This position as a Staff/Principal Engineer involves leading cutting-edge research and development for next-generation NAND processes, specifically focusing on Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP). The role centers on driving innovation in dry etch technologies while collaborating closely with multiple process integration teams including wet etch, CVD, diffusion, metals, lithography, and dry etch. As a CMP Process Development Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and refining CMP processes that enhance product quality and yield stability for 3D NAND memory devices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize CMP procedures to improve quality and reliability for forthcoming memory products.
• Investigate and enhance process margins aimed at achieving mature yield targets for 3D NAND devices.
• Conduct fundamental research, develop consumables, and evaluate equipment for advanced 3D NAND CMP applications.
• Design and execute experiments to expand process windows and assess manufacturability for upcoming NAND nodes.
• Collaborate extensively with vendors to establish processes compliant with current and future 3D NAND integration requirements.
• Integrate best manufacturing practices into early development phases of advanced technology nodes.
• Create and deploy advanced methodologies for process monitoring and control.
• Provide strategic planning and guidance for N+, N++, and forthcoming NAND process generations.
• Act as a technical authority contributing to improvements in processes, equipment, and methodologies; lead pivotal multi-disciplinary projects.
• Offer management with advice on significant technical challenges and spearhead innovation initiatives through patents and technical publications.
• Ensure strict compliance with Micron's Intellectual Property Protection policies during collaboration with global partners.

Additional Duties

• Mentor and train new and junior team members on CMP concepts, process development strategies, and organizational systems.
• Work with Procurement, Operations, and other teams globally to drive novel solutions and operational enhancements.
• Lead quality, cost, and productivity improvement forums and contribute as a key technical resource for complex projects.
• Leverage Artificial Intelligence technologies to identify workflow optimizations, enhance processes, and facilitate data-driven innovations across teams.

Required Qualifications

• A Master’s or PhD degree with 5-10 years, or a Bachelor’s degree with 7-12 years of relevant experience in semiconductor manufacturing focusing on CMP processes with 300mm wafer fabrication.

Essential Technical Expertise

• Practical experience operating CMP tools such as AMAT (LKP), EBARA-300X, and advanced CMP equipment, including familiarity with optical metrology, profilometry, slurry chemistries, conditioners, and polishing pads.
• Background in dielectric and metal CMP process development for 3D NAND or comparable memory technologies.
• Comprehensive understanding of integration impacts associated with film deposition and related upstream/downstream processes.

Required Soft Skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly and effectively convey technical information in both local and remote settings.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative abilities.
• Self-motivated with adaptability to handle multiple concurrent projects.
• Demonstrated aptitude for risk-taking and executing innovative solutions.
• Recognized as a mentor, reliable team player, and technical expert open to feedback and performance analysis.

Preferred Skills and Interests

• Understanding of process flows in memory production, including planar and vertical NAND technologies.
• Interest and experience in data science, modeling, and applying AI methods to streamline workflows and improve process efficiency.

About the Company Culture and Additional Information

The company fosters a non-discriminatory hiring process valuing diversity and equal opportunity. It prohibits the use of child labor and complies with international labor standards. Candidates should beware of fraudulent job offers and verify communications from official sources. The use of AI tools to augment resume and application quality is encouraged only when truthful and accurate information is provided.