Process Engineer - Defect Engineering (Silicon Photonics)

About GlobalFoundries: 

GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com. 

Summary of Role:  

This role is accountable for managing inline defect excursion control within a high-volume semiconductor production environment encompassing multiple advanced technology nodes. It involves analyzing defect signals and executing timely actions to minimize their impact on wafer quality and yield. 

Essential Responsibilities:  

• Maintain end-to-end ownership of Out-of-Control (OOC) and excursion events: Manage the full lifecycle of each incident, from initial detection and analysis through root-cause determination, implementing any necessary tool or process holds, and final product disposition. 

• Drive reduction of defect-related excursions: Proactively implement measures across all process modules to minimize the frequency and impact of defect OOC/excursion events. 

• Implement best-known methods (BKMs) for continuous improvement: Establish and refine industry best practices that enhance the quality of root-cause analyses and accelerate response times, thereby reducing the overall impact of fab-wide excursions. 

• Evaluate and disposition affected products: Assess wafers impacted by excursions or OOC events to determine appropriate actions (e.g., scrapping, downgrading, or continued processing) that protect downstream yield and product quality. 

• Enhance OOC detection systems: Maintain and continuously improve detection mechanisms—such as Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts and automated signal detection systems—to ensure early and reliable identification of process anomalies. 

• Develop comprehensive troubleshooting guides: Work closely with defect yield enhancement owners to create and update robust Troubleshooting Guides (TSGs) that standardize effective reactions and corrective actions for defect excursions and OOC scenarios. 

• Collaborate with process module teams: Partner with cross-functional module engineering teams to investigate OOC events, establish clear tool/chamber hold and release criteria, and verify product integrity through post-maintenance checks once issues are resolved. 

• Contribute to strategic departmental plans: Help define and execute department-level plans aimed at achieving key manufacturing KPIs (cycle time, line yield, Overall Equipment Efficiency, etc.), ensuring alignment of these initiatives with the fab’s broader operational goals. 

• Champion continuous improvement and lean practices: Actively participate in continuous improvement programs and apply Lean Manufacturing principles to drive increased productivity, higher quality, and greater cost effectiveness within the operation. 

• Foster a world-class, collaborative culture: Support Fab 8’s initiatives to achieve manufacturing excellence by promoting a team-based, collaborative work environment and upholding the highest standards of operational performance. 

• Oversee cleanroom operations: Maintain a regular presence on the manufacturing floor (cleanroom) to supervise critical process activities, ensure procedure compliance, and directly address any on-floor issues. 

• Provide flexible shift coverage: Be available for shift coverage — including night shifts and partial weekends — to ensure continuous oversight and support of 24/7 manufacturing operations. 

• Uphold safety and compliance standards: Perform all duties with strict adherence to Environmental, Health, Safety & Security (EHSS) protocols, and actively support all corporate safety and sustainability programs. 

Other Responsibilities: 

• Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs. 

• Other duties as assigned by the manager. 

Required Qualifications:  

• Education - Bachelor in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Solid State Physics or other relevant engineering physical science discipline is required.

• Experience - Minimum 1 year of industry experience

• Ability to work in shift system including weekend coverage.  

• Language Fluency – Fluent in English Language – written & verbal  

• Ability to relocate to Malta, NY  

Preferred Qualifications:  

• 2 years of Semiconductor process experience in defect analysis and reduction  

• Experienced with Inline Defect Control  

• Solid background in semiconductor manufacturing and statistical controls  

• Excellent interpersonal skills, energetic and self-starter  

• Demonstrated ability to work well within a global matrixed team or environment  

• Outstanding communication skills - both written and verbal  

• Demonstrated ability to communicate well with all levels of the organization and experience in working with external constituencies  

• Strong organizational skills; demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and able to react to shifting priorities to meet business needs  

• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments 

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