Implant Equipment Engineer

Acara Solutions is seeking an Implant Equipment Engineer in Boise, ID.

The Implant Equipment Engineer will be responsible for the reliability, performance, and optimization of ion implantation equipment supporting high-volume semiconductor manufacturing. This role moves beyond repairing equipment: it systematically eliminates chronic issues, drives measurable gains in uptime and availability, and applies data-driven, risk-based decision making. The engineer works closely with technicians, process engineering, manufacturing, integration, yield, and equipment vendor teams to improve equipment performance and ensure safe and efficient fab operations.

Responsibilities:

• Own ion implantation equipment performance, reliability, and sustainment, including equipment health metrics, maintenance strategies, and operating standards.
• Systematically identify and eliminate chronic equipment issues, driving measurable improvements in MTBF, uptime, availability, cost, and productivity.
• Lead complex root cause investigations using structured methodologies such as 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, and fault isolation techniques.
• Apply SPC, data analysis, and statistical methods to detect trends, resolve recurring issues, and prevent failures before they occur.
• Use FMEA and risk-based decision making to improve equipment robustness and reduce future downtime.
• Lead equipment change reviews, risk assessments, qualifications, and implementation of new tools, upgrades, and hardware improvements.
• Influence technicians, equipment vendors, and cross-functional teams (process engineering, integration, manufacturing) to implement sustainable solutions that meet production requirements.
• Identify and implement improvements in equipment productivity and operational efficiency through automation, monitoring, and predictive maintenance.
• Apply emerging AI technologies and develop efficient workflows to support equipment engineering activities.

What You'll Bring:

• At least 2 years of semiconductor manufacturing experience in equipment ownership, maintenance, or engineering support; alternatively, equivalent military experience or an associate degree with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Ability to work onsite in a semiconductor manufacturing environment.

What Sets You Apart:

• Equipment reliability engineering skills are prioritized over hands-on maintenance experience, although both are valued.
• Demonstrated ability to move beyond repair and lead structured problem solving using 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, and fault isolation techniques.
• Comfortable using JMP or equivalent statistical tools and Excel; able to independently analyze equipment performance data and extract actionable conclusions from large data sets.
• Understanding of SPC charts, capability analysis, trend analysis, and correlation studies, with familiarity with FMEA, equipment qualification, and reliability improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of ion implantation equipment, subsystems, and operating principles.
• Experience supporting high-volume semiconductor manufacturing with demanding equipment uptime and reliability requirements.
• Working knowledge of Python, SQL, Power BI, or similar tools to automate repetitive analysis and reporting and combine multiple data sources; uses data to justify engineering decisions and capital investments.
• Ability to work onsite in a semiconductor manufacturing environment; understanding of Agentic AI or willingness to learn and apply AI tools to improve engineering workflows.