Semiconductor Process Engineer

Semiconductor Process Engineer

Apex Microdevices | Los Angeles, California

Apex Microdevices is seeking an early-career Semiconductor Process Engineer to support the development of next-generation heterogeneously integrated materials platforms and engineered substrates. The position will contribute to advanced research and development programs focused on materials technologies for future electronic, photonic, and quantum devices.

This is a hands-on research and development position focused on grinding, lapping, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), semiconductor materials processing, and materials characterization.

Examples of engineered substrate technologies relevant to this work include Silicon Carbide on Insulator (SiCOI) and Lithium Niobate on Insulator (LNOI).

What You’ll Do

• Support process development for the heterogeneous integration of dissimilar materials.
• Develop and perform grinding, lapping, and chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) processes for technologically relevant semiconductor materials.
• Evaluate and benchmark new grinding methods and CMP slurries.
• Investigate grinding, lapping, and polishing challenges and conduct detailed troubleshooting to identify and implement corrective actions.
• Apply knowledge of surface mechanics and surface chemistry to semiconductor materials-processing challenges.
• Characterize substrates and thin films using techniques such as XRD, XRR, AFM, SEM, and TEM, as applicable.
• Accurately document experiments, process conditions, results, and technical findings.
• Work collaboratively with researchers and engineers in a multidisciplinary R&D environment.
• Stay current with relevant industry developments and state-of-the-art approaches in semiconductor grinding and polishing.

Why This Role

This position offers the opportunity to:

• Work on advanced engineered substrate and heterogeneous integration technologies.
• Gain hands-on experience with semiconductor grinding, lapping, CMP, and materials characterization.
• Contribute to research supporting future electronic, photonic, and quantum technologies.
• Develop technical expertise through practical semiconductor materials and process-development work.
• Work in a collaborative R&D environment addressing emerging materials-processing challenges.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS or higher degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related science or engineering field.
• Entry level or approximately 0–3 years of professional research experience.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow experimental and process instructions accurately.
• Ability to generate accurate documentation of experimental results and technical reports.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative technical team.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must be able to pass a post-employment background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas is desirable:

• Grinding, lapping, or chemical mechanical polishing (CMP).
• Surface mechanics and surface chemistry.
• Physical and morphological characterization of substrates and thin films.
• Characterization techniques including XRD, XRR, AFM, SEM, or TEM.
• Semiconductor processing.
• Cleanroom laboratory environments.
• Evaluation of grinding methods or CMP slurries.
• Troubleshooting and corrective action for grinding, lapping, or polishing processes.

Candidates with strong laboratory experience and an interest in semiconductor materials processing are encouraged to apply even if they do not have experience in every preferred area.

About Apex Microdevices

Apex Microdevices supports advanced semiconductor materials research and development, including programs focused on engineered substrates and heterogeneous materials integration. The company works across multiple sponsored R&D efforts addressing emerging materials and process challenges for advanced electronic, photonic, and quantum technologies.

Position Details

Position: Semiconductor Process Engineer
Location: Los Angeles, California
Experience Level: Entry Level / 0–3 Years
Education: BS or higher degree in a relevant science or engineering discipline
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required