Wafer Process Engineer

Wafer Process Engineer at AOI

We are seeking a semiconductor process engineer. The engineer will primarily be responsible for fabricating compound semiconductor lasers on InP wafers inside a cleanroom environment, ensuring that production line tools have maximized uptime, analyzing process data such as SPC charts, and addressing issues when necessary. At times, the engineer may also need to participate in improvement projects and new tool qualification (vendor contact, tool evaluation, installation, Factory Acceptance Test, qualification, etc.).

• Develop and/or maintain various wafer process steps, including photolithography, wet and dry etching, PECVD, metal deposition, electrolytic plating, and chemical/mechanical polishing of compound semiconductor wafers.
• Establish or analyze Statistical Process Control (SPC), process yield, and measure tool performance/uptime metrics.
• Generate Standard Operating Procedures, work order instructions, drawings, 5S documentation, and other production‑line‑related documentation.
• Promptly respond to the production line requests of wafer disposition, maintain wafer flow, handle tool issues to resume production in a timely manner.
• Analyze and compile experimental data into reports for process improvement projects.
• Responsible for the basic maintenance and calibration of production machines, including mask aligner, hot plates, ovens, PECVD, ICP/RIE dry etchers, E‑beam evaporators, thermal processing, microscopes, SEM, AFM, etc.
• Verify process conformance to the controls and specifications by utilizing inspection tools, such as optical microscopes, profilometers, ellipsometers, SEM, AFM, wafer inspection tools, etc.
• Perform other work‑related tasks as required and assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or related discipline is required.
• Minimum 1‑year experience in the laboratory environment is required.
• 4+ years of experience in the compound semiconductor process is desired.
• Knowledge and/or hands‑on experience of Six Sigma is a plus.
• Robust analysis and problem‑solving skills.
• Detail‑oriented; committed to quality and safety.
• Self‑sufficient learner, works well in a fast‑paced work environment.
• Comfortable working under cleanroom hood without makeup.
• Comfortable handling chemicals, including corrosive acids, bases, and solvents with Personal Protective Equipment.
• Ability to be on‑call after‑hours and weekends for issues affecting the production line, and ability to work overtime for rush/urgent projects.

• May need to lift and carry loads up to 20 pounds, stand or walk for 10+ hours daily and climb stairs.
• Subject to noise, vibration, and odors.
• Subject to hazards, including proximity to moving mechanical parts, vehicles, electrical current, or exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.

On‑site, based in Sugar Land, Texas.

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offering options to meet individual and family needs.
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals.
• Generous PTO policy with unused PTO payout at year end.
• Relocation package available within the U.S.
• Immigration sponsorship (must be authorized to work in the U.S.).

AOI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or other protected status.