Process Senior Engineer CMP (Chemical Mechanical Planarization)

About our group:

Do you want to work on cutting edge technology that pushes the limits of what an entire industry can do? The wafer process engineering team is responsible for controlling all tooling on the cleanroom factory floor that is used to fabricate Magnetic Recording Heads used within Seagate Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). We employ both traditional process-control methods as well as more novel Advanced Process Control (APC) algorithmic systems to analyze the health of our processes in real time, making required adjustments automatically.

In this position you will work alongside a team of 16 electroplating, wet-etch, cleans and CMP process engineers and technicians to improve factory processes. You will also collaborate with other teams including process development, design, equipment engineering, manufacturing, and yield. Our recording head manufacturing line delivers the latest generation of magnetic recording heads based on HAMR technology.

About the role - you will:

• Develop, implement, optimize, and control CMP processes within a wafer manufacturing setting. Individual responsibilities will change over time, allowing for professional growth.
• Make extensive use of metrology and defect analysis to improve process manufacturability.
• Support and optimize new processes developed to build the latest generation of magnetic recording heads based on HAMR technology.
• Utilize Six Sigma methodologies, Design of Experiments, and other statistical tools to continually improve processes. Improve process capability to enable product performance, reduce variability, and improve product reliability.
• Develop systematic and automated methods for maintaining process control across multiple tools, utilizing SPC charts, Out-of-Control Action Plans (OCAPs) and material dispositioning instructions. You will also have the opportunity to learn, design, and implement Automated Process Control (APC) methods to enable real-time and error-free process adjustments.
• Develop and/or support factory automation using tools such as Microsoft Power Automate, Python, and other factory control systems
• Maintain process documentation and ensure process congruency across Seagate’s multiple recording-head manufacturing sites.
• Instruct and certify production personnel during all working shifts on documented process procedures.
• Evaluate and introduce new manufacturing equipment into the recording-head wafer factory.
• Lead and participate on project teams to resolve manufacturing issues. Reducing scrap and rework, reducing cycle-time, etc.
• Work in a mix of clean room and laboratory environments
• Work on-site at our Bloomington, MN facility

About you:

• You are self-motivated, able to work independently and have a strong attention to detail
• You are a team player, capable of working with a diverse group of engineers and technicians
• You are a strong and well-organized multitasker and able to balance daily tasks while making continual progress on longer-term projects
• You are able to maintain thorough documentation of results and are able to clearly discuss and present them to other staff members in engineering and management forums
• You have a track record of innovation, and the ability to monitor outside sources (journals, patents, university work, conferences) for introducing new ideas to our team
• You comprehend the concepts behind Machine Learning (ML), Generative AI, and Data Science and have a desire to develop skills related to harnessing these techniques for process improvement

Your experience includes:

• Knowledge of how to determine key process input variables using statistical DOE (Design of Experiments) techniques to maximize process performance and yield
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and perform defect analysis to increase process capability and optimize process yields
• Strong hands-on experience and in-depth understanding of chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) and/or the chemistry of aqueous based solutions for thin film growth, etching, cleaning, etc.
• Particular consideration will be given to backgrounds in CMP and particle cleaning.
• Proficiency with statistical experimentation including DOE design and analysis.
• Prior experience with clean room operations and semiconductor/wafer manufacturing is desirable but not required.
• Degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry with 5+ years relevant industrial/research experience.

Location:

Our Normandale campus spans two suburbs, Edina and Bloomington, and serves as the Recording Head development and manufacturing arm of Seagate. Located in the heart of a bustling community, Seagate offers an on-site café, or if you prefer, you can drive to one of many restaurants just minutes away. Need to grab a gift over lunch time? Shopping is abundant in the area. If working out is your thing, the on-site fully equipped fitness center hosts wellness programs, outdoor activities, tournaments and group workouts. Looking for something more laid back? Reset in one of our meditation rooms, or simply take a walk around our indoor walking path. On-site cultural festivals, celebrations and community volunteer opportunities also abound.

Location: Normandale, United States
Travel: None