CZ Process Engineer

SEH America is seeking a Process Engineer to join our CZ team in Vancouver, Washington. This is an opportunity to contribute to the manufacturing of high-quality silicon wafers that form the foundation of modern semiconductor technology.

SEH America is one of 13 facilities within the Shin-Etsu Handotai (SEH) Group and a global leader in the manufacturing of silicon wafers for the semiconductor industry. Our success is built on a commitment to technical excellence, product and service quality, customer satisfaction, and a safe working environment.

At SEH America, we also believe employee health and well-being are important to our continued success. Our benefit package affirms this commitment to employee wellness. We offer comprehensive plans with low employee out-of-pocket costs for both the employee and family. These include medical plans (2 options), dental plans (2 options), vision coverage, retirement savings (with match), life and disability insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, company-paid leave programs, education assistance, subsidized childcare (25%), and subsidized meals in our on-site cafe. Also, employees can participate in multiple recognition programs, wellness activities, and employee perks. Our campus provides a community garden, 24/7 gym, walking trail, and EV chargers.

PROCESS ENGINEER-CZ

*At this time, we can only consider qualified candidates that are legally authorized for employment in the United States and do not require sponsorship for work authorization for hire or for continued employment.

SUMMARY

The CZ Process Engineer applies a hands-on, data-driven approach to monitor, troubleshoot, and continuously improve silicon wafer manufacturing processes in a high-volume production environment.

The primary focus of this role is to improve safety, quality, yield, productivity, and cost through process monitoring, statistical analysis, root-cause investigation, engineering experimentation, and cross-functional problem solving. The Process Engineer works closely with operators, technicians, maintenance, engineering peers, and other departments to identify opportunities and implement sustainable improvements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor process performance and production data; identify trends and take appropriate action to maintain and improve quality, yield, and productivity.
• Identify and implement opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining product quality and process performance.
• Design and conduct engineering tests and experiments; analyze results and use quantitative data to determine effective process solutions.
• Provide technical expertise and hands-on project leadership for process improvement initiatives.
• Balance daily production and process-support activities with longer-term engineering projects and cross-functional priorities.
• Apply statistical methods and data-analysis techniques to identify process variation, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead or participate in root-cause analysis and assist with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), corrective actions, and preventive actions.
• Identify safety hazards and process-related risks and support implementation of effective corrective measures.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and other functional groups to achieve department and company objectives.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues and partner with maintenance and production teams to restore stable and capable processes.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous-improvement principles to the production environment.
• Develop, maintain, and follow detailed process procedures, work instructions, specifications, and other technical documentation.
• Support customer, ISO, and internal audits by providing technical information, process documentation, data analysis, and corrective-action support.
• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and project status effectively to operators, technicians, engineers, leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain positive, professional, and productive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Adhere to SEH America Guiding Principles and actively participate in continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Perform other engineering projects and responsibilities as assigned. Some duties may differ based on business unit.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on process or equipment engineering experience in a semiconductor or related manufacturing environment.
• Experience with equipment vendors, tool specifications, machine installations and process qualifications.
• Demonstrated experience using statistical data-analysis tools and techniques (JMP, SPC, DOE, Excel tools).
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, data-driven manufacturing environment where prioritization and multitasking are essential.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook, and the ability to learn proprietary software and manufacturing systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to gather, analyze, interpret, and communicate process data to support sound engineering decisions.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise technical presentations, reports, procedures, and process documentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical information to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Ability to present technical information and recommendations effectively to senior and executive leadership.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively with diverse perspectives.
• Ability to handle challenging technical or interpersonal situations with professionalism, respect, and diplomacy.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally for process investigations and technical support at other SEH facilities, approximately one week per year.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid passport and travel to Japan as required.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Able to create designs / drawings using SolidWorks CAD program.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including cross-functional leadership and successful completion of projects within established deadlines.
• Capable of designing and implementing material flow changes to improve efficiency.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position is 100% on-site at our Vancouver, Washington facility. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday during daytime hours; however, occasional evening, night, or weekend work may be required to support production needs or meet project deadlines.

The Process Engineer must be able to:

• Read, understand, and execute complex technical instructions, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) for assigned work areas.
• Work in a cleanroom environment while wearing a cleanroom suit, hood, booties, safety glasses, gloves, and other required PPE.
• Use hands to grasp, handle, and manipulate objects, tools, equipment, and controls.
• Perform work that may require kneeling, bending, crouching, or working in confined positions.
• Lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Work at a computer for extended periods and sit for prolonged intervals.
• Meet the close-vision requirements associated with the position.
• Work in areas where hazardous chemicals or vapors may be present, depending on assignment.
• Work in areas where occasional elevated noise levels may occur.
• Maintain a high degree of safety awareness and follow all applicable safety requirements.

COMPENSATION

The range for this position is $87,000-$118,000 per year.

The starting pay offered will be based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including the candidate's skills, education, work experience, position level, and our internal equity.

SEH America, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer – including disability and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. SEH America participates in eVerify (more information is located on our website).