Process Engineering Technician

Process Engineering Technician

Department: Engineering
Reports To: Director of Engineering
Location: Manufacturing / Engineering Lab / Cleanroom

Position Summary

Forge Nano Inc.  is a fast-growing materials company with a focus on manufacturing nano-scale coatings across a wide range of markets. The Process Engineering Technician supports the Process Engineering team in developing, qualifying, and improving semiconductor processes on ALD equipment platforms, including Tephra-200 and future Tephra-300 tools.

This role is responsible for executing process experiments, operating equipment, collecting process data, preparing wafers, and supporting tool qualification and reliability testing. The technician works closely with process engineers, equipment engineers, and manufacturing teams to ensure processes meet performance, yield, and reliability requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Process Development Support

• Assist process engineers in running process experiments and development tests.
• Prepare wafers and substrates for process development runs.
• Execute process recipes and experimental test plans.
• Collect and record process data for engineering analysis.

Tool Operation & Monitoring

• Operate ALD and related semiconductor processing equipment.
• Monitor process parameters such as:
• Temperature
• Pressure
• Gas flow
• Vacuum levels
• Ensure stable tool operation during development and qualification runs.

Process Qualification & Validation

• Support process qualification for new tools and new processes.
• Assist with customer process validation and acceptance testing.
• Execute process repeatability and reliability tests.

Data Collection & Documentation

• Record process results, run conditions, and observations.
• Maintain process logs and test reports.
• Assist engineers in organizing process data and experiment results.

Troubleshooting Support

• Assist process engineers in identifying process deviations or abnormalities.
• Help troubleshooting issues related to:
• Film uniformity
• Deposition thickness
• Process stability
• Tool performance

Wafer Handling & Metrology Support

• Handle wafers and substrates using cleanroom protocols.
• Assist with basic metrology measurements such as:
• Film thickness
• Uniformity
• Process repeatability
• Prepare samples for external or internal analysis.

Continuous Improvement

• Support process improvement initiatives to enhance:
• Process stability
• Tool throughput
• Film quality
• Yield

Safety & Cleanroom Compliance

• Follow cleanroom procedures and safety protocols.
• Handle chemicals and gases according to safety regulations.
• Maintain proper ESD and contamination control practices.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree or Technical Diploma in:
• Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology
• Chemical Engineering Technology
• Materials Science
• Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Technology
• Related technical field

(Equivalent hands-on experience may substitute.)

Experience

• 1–5 years' experience in:
• Semiconductor process lab
• Semiconductor equipment environment
• Thin film deposition or materials processing

Preferred experience:

• ALD / CVD / PVD processes
• Cleanroom manufacturing
• Semiconductor wafer processing

Technical Skills

• Semiconductor wafer handling
• Basic thin film process understanding
• Operation of deposition equipment
• Process data collection and documentation
• Basic metrology tools
• Understanding of vacuum and gas systems

Preferred skills:

• ALD process knowledge
• SEMI cleanroom protocols
• SPC data collection
• DOE experiment support

Key Competencies

• Attention to detail
• Strong documentation practices
• Ability to follow experimental procedures
• Team collaboration with engineers
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting mindset
• Ability to work in cleanroom environments

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee occasionally will work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to handle wafers and lab materials
• Ability to lift up to 30–40 lbs. when required

Travel

No travel is expected for this position

Compensation/Benefits 

• $62,000 - $72,000 depending on education and experience 
• Medical/dental/vision/disability and life insurance, holidays, PTO, Flexible Spending Account, potential for an annual cash Bonus and 401(k) plan with employer match

Forge Nano is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.