Wafer Process Engineer

JOB SUMMARY

JST Manufacturing is seeking a Process Engineer to join our engineering team in Meridian, Idaho. This position focuses on semiconductor wafer processing, process development, equipment qualification, and technical analysis of advanced wet processing and precision cleaning equipment.

The Wafer Processing Engineer will support product and process technology development by conducting experiments, evaluating process performance, troubleshooting equipment, and analyzing technical data. This role involves hands-on work in JST's Applications Lab and at customer facilities, collaborating with engineering teams to develop and optimize wafer cleaning and wet processing solutions.

Our systems support semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, medical devices, and other industries where precision and cleanliness are critical.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Operate JST wet processing and precision cleaning equipment in the Applications Lab and at customer sites to evaluate and qualify equipment performance.

2. Conduct semiconductor wafer processing experiments to support process development, engineering testing, equipment qualification, and customer demonstrations.

3. Develop, execute, and document experiments to evaluate process performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and support customer requirements.

4. Analyze process and metrology data, including particle contamination, metallic and organic contamination, surface roughness, and process uniformity.

5. Utilize wafer characterization and metrology equipment, including surface scanners, thin film measurement tools, SEM, ICP-MS, AFM, and XPS.

6. Troubleshoot equipment and process-related issues in collaboration with Field Service Engineers, engineering teams, and other technical personnel.

7. Safely handle and work with chemicals used in semiconductor manufacturing and wet processing applications.

8. Support process optimization and continuous improvement initiatives to improve equipment performance, process consistency, and overall efficiency.

9. Prepare technical reports, document experimental results, and present findings and recommendations to engineering teams, JST management, and customers.

10. Participate in technical discussions, customer demonstrations, and presentations related to wafer processing technologies and equipment capabilities.

11. Travel approximately 25–50% to customer sites for equipment qualification, process development, troubleshooting, and technical support.

12. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify technical challenges, communicate findings, and develop effective solutions.

13. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical field.

• Understanding of fundamental chemical processes, material properties, and engineering principles.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret experimental results and technical data.

• Ability to conduct experiments, collect data, and document technical findings.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a laboratory, engineering, and manufacturing environment.

• Willingness to work hands-on with semiconductor processing equipment, chemicals, and analytical tools.

• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 25–50%, including potential international travel.

• Ability to learn new processes, technologies, and equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or academic exposure to semiconductor manufacturing, wafer processing, or wet chemical processing.

• Familiarity with semiconductor wafer cleaning, surface preparation, or contamination control.

• Experience with laboratory experimentation, process development, or equipment qualification.

• Knowledge of semiconductor process metrology and analytical techniques.

• Experience using characterization equipment such as surface scanners, SEM, ICP-MS, AFM, XPS, or thin film measurement tools.

• Understanding of chemical interactions, material compatibility, and surface chemistry.

• Experience analyzing process performance data and identifying opportunities for process optimization.

• Previous experience in a semiconductor fabrication facility, research laboratory, or related manufacturing environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS

This position involves a combination of laboratory work, engineering analysis, equipment operation, and technical support at customer facilities.

• Employees are expected to support the company's business culture and values by demonstrating integrity, simplicity, trust, respect, and shared risk while contributing to the success of the organization.

• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to walk, stand, and work on feet for extended periods as needed.

• Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, grasp, and operate hand tools, power tools, or equipment controls.

• Ability to safely work with chemicals and follow established laboratory and manufacturing safety procedures.

• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering teams, manufacturing personnel, and customers.

COMPANY SUMMARY

JST Manufacturing is an industry leader dedicated to providing state-of-the-art wet processing, drying, and chemical management equipment. Our systems support semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, medical devices, and other industries where precision and cleanliness are critical.

CORE VALUES

INTEGRITY

We consistently operate at the highest ethical and moral standards.

SIMPLICITY

Our 80/20 Front-to-Back Process helps us think and act simply, creating an intense focus on our most profitable products and customers.

TRUST

We trust our people to operate with their best efforts and in the best interests of the company.

RESPECT

We treat everyone as we expect to be treated and value the diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences of all colleagues.

SHARED RISK

We celebrate our successes together and take responsibility for our mistakes and challenges as a team.

COMPANY BENEFITS AVAILABLE

Medical / Dental / Vision | 401(k) Matching | Life Insurance | Company-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability | Paid Bereavement Leave | Paid Parental Leave | Paid Time Off | Holiday Pay | Available Overtime | Flexible Work Schedule | Referral Program | Tuition Reimbursement | Year-End Performance Bonuses | Competitive Pay Based on Experience | Remote Work Flexibility | Possible Relocation Assistance Available

Important Notes:

JST is an AA/EOE employer.

Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Background Check Policy: JST's employees are subject to background checks based on business necessity. It is the employee's responsibility to disclose prior arrests and convictions. If it's found out that an employee might not be compliant with applicable policies, JST reserves the right to conduct a background check and refusal to comply with the background check is subject to termination.

Pre-Employment Drug Testing Policy: All offers of employment are contingent upon submitting to a drug test and satisfying JST's substance and alcohol testing requirements. If the applicant fails to comply with this policy, the testing requirements of the Company's related requests, or if the test result is positive and is subsequently confirmed, the offer of employment shall be withdrawn.