Sputtering Research & Development Engineer

 



 H.C. Starck Inc, is a worldwide leader in refractory metals and metal powders, including tantalum, niobium, molybdenum and tungsten, fabricated products and specialty chemicals. The Company provides technically advanced materials to a wide variety of industries, including electronic, semiconductor, chemical, pharmaceutical, medical, aerospace, and steel. Materials and products are developed, processed and manufactured at both US and international facilities; German, England, Japan, Thailand, and Canada.

 

A challenging opportunity exists for a Sputtering Research & Development Engineer at the headquarters of H.C. Starck Inc. in our Newton, Massachusetts plant. The Thin film R&D Engineer will help to conduct research and development projects in thin film process and characterization. The incumbent will work with scientists and engineers to support development of new or improved processes and products in line with H. C. Starck’s business goals. This position is predominately hands on sputtering deposit of thin films and characterization.  The incumbent must have previous experience using sputtering and high vacuum techniques.

 

Principle Activities/Duties:

 

· Responsible for conducting experiments in sputtering deposit of thin film and characterization. Duties will include: thin film sputtering deposition, film thickness, resistivity and uniformity measurements, adhesion and stress tests, vacuum annealing, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and data acquisition.

· Responsible for operation and maintenance of equipment and the working environment of that equipment.

· Help in setting up process and the test equipments. Establish operating procedures.

· Conduct basic diagnosis and trouble shooting on responsible equipment.

· Maintain a safe, clean and orderly laboratory for the processing and evaluation of materials. 

· Adhere to and enforce H.C. Starck’s safety rules and regulations while maintaining high quality standards.

· Accurately record and maintain written documentation of test results.

· Coordinate R&D activities with other departments and outside organizations.

· Participate in Quality Improvement Programs.

 

Know How:

 Education

· Bachelor degree in physics, materials science, or engineering with certain high vacuum experience and sputtering experience, OR

· Associates degree with 3 years experience in thin film sputtering and testing, OR

· High school or vocational school diploma with 5 years experience in thin film sputtering and testing.

 Desired Experience/Skills

· Hands-on experience in high vacuum systems with basic trouble-shooting experience.

· Hands-on experience in thin film sputtering and/or other physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques.

· Hands-on experience in measuring of thin film properties, including film thickness, resistivity, adhesion and microstructures, etc.

· Able to use a PC, Word, and Excel or other comparable software.

· Experience in an R&D lab setting, operate and maintain laboratory equipment.

· Able to work independently or within a team.

· Able to work quickly and safely in a fast paced environment.

· Able to execute complex technical procedures.

· Aptitude to keep complete and accurate records.

· Capable of collaboration with internal/external customers.

 

Physical Requirements:

 

Position requires a medium level of physical exertion: exerting up to 50 lbs of force occasionally, 20 lbs of force regularly, and 10 lbs of force frequently to move objects.

 Nature and Scope:

 

The Sputtering R&D Engineer will participate in making decisions on new and novel processing and /or evaluation methods.  This position requires the ability to self-direct projects as well as to guide R&D technicians under the direction of the R&D Manager.  This requires a general knowledge of company policies and procedures and the ability to modify and adopt standard procedures to meet new conditions.  The position will interact with Operations and R&D personnel. 

 

H.C. Starck offers exceptional opportunities for achievement and advancement, along with highly competitive compensation.  We also offer excellent benefits, including company medical and dental contribution, 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement, health club reimbursement, bonus program participation and training programs.

 

Qualified candidates should send their resumes to: Human Resources, H.C. Starck Inc.

45 Industrial Place, Newton, MA 02461-1951, Fax: (617) 630-4888, E-mail: jobs@hcstarck.com .  We’re dedicated to a diverse workplace M/F/D/V.