Characterization Scientist

As a member of the Opto R&D team, the qualified candidate will manage a group of engineers and technicians to support 24x7 materials characterization for the Cree opto chip business. This individual will interact directly with other Cree teams including the following: research and development, sustaining engineering, applications, product engineering, facilities, information services and purchasing as required to maintain and improve operation of the characterization area. This individual will also interact with tool and individual component vendors.  This individual will be responsible for operation and maintenance of a diverse mixture of characterization tools including the following: PL, DCXRD, SEM, CL, AFM, CL, EBIC, CV, and EDS. Hands-on participation in all aspects of the group including equipment maintenance and performance of measurements is expected.  Finally, the qualified candidate will be capable of working with internal customers to determine future needs of the characterization area in order to better serve the customer as well as with both internal customers and external vendors in order to provide access to characterization techniques not available on-site at Cree.

 

 

Description of Essential Job Functions (attach a Job Description if available):

 

?  Lead a service organization.  Insure 24x7 technician coverage. Insure that all characterization equipment needed to support R&D and production activities is operational 24x7.  Develop, document, and execute escalation plans.

?  Minimize equipment down-time.  Insure that maintenance protocols and preventative maintenance procedures are in-place.  Insure that stocking of spare parts is sufficient and tracked accurately.  Insure that service contracts or on-site expertise for equipment maintenance is in place.

?  Maintain and improve data reporting:  Minimize manual data entry; change data reporting to better meet the needs of customers. 

?  Improve characterization capabilities: Solicit recommendations for improving characterization service and implement them on an aggressive time schedule.  Independently investigate and develop new characterization techniques that will increase yield and/or improve product performance.

?  Communicate effectively with team and customers: Interpret and summarize data and communicate findings quickly to support 24x7 R&D and production environment.  Work with multiple customers to prioritize needs on an ongoing basis.

 

?  Willing/able to learn and perform as necessary all tasks related to basic materials characterization including: PL, DCXRD, SEM, CL, AFM, CL, EBIC, CV, and EDS

?  Able to make significant individual contributions while staying focused on the goals of the team

?  Self-starter, highly motivated, able to manage multiple projects with minimal guidance.

?  Thrives in high-pressure, deadline-oriented atmosphere.

?  Must be able to lead by example.

?  Must have a "whatever it takes" attitude to get the job done

?  Be willing to perform tasks outside of normal job duties and past experience.

 

Essential Knowledge and Skills required (include education and experience):

 

?  MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field is required.

?  3-5 years experience in semiconductor industry in manufacturing or R&D capacity. 

?  Relevant work or research experience in more than one of the following characterization techniques is required:  DCXRD, PL, CV, SEM, CL, EDS, EBIC, AFM.

?  Previous leadership experience desired.

?  Relevant work or research experience in other characterization techniques (e.g. SIMS, TEM) is desired.

?  Prior device failure analysis experience is a plus.

?  Strong mechanical inclination and capability to work hands-on on characterization tools.

?  Experience working with databases, particularly Access and SQL Server, desired but not required.

?  Working knowledge of Visual Basic desired, but not required.

?  Experience with interfacing equipment and writing data acquisition applications desired,.