MTS Materials and Surface Analysis - APTD

Key Responsibilities

Materials & Surface Characterization

• Perform materials and surface characterization using XPS, XRD/XRR, AFM, Nanoindentor.
• Analyze surface chemistry, elemental composition, chemical states, crystalline structure, thin-film thickness/density, surface roughness, contamination, oxidation, and interfaces.
• Investigate material-related issues including contamination, corrosion, adhesion, delamination, film non-uniformity, and interface degradation.
• Correlate analytical findings with process conditions, package performance, reliability results, and failure-analysis observations.
• Develop and establish best-known methods (BKMs) for new materials and advanced packaging technologies.

Data Analysis & Root Cause

• Interpret spectra, diffraction data, depth profiles, chemical maps, and nanoscale surface images.
• Integrate results from multiple analytical techniques to determine material and process-related failure mechanisms.
• Provide clear technical conclusions and recommendations to engineering teams.
• Document analytical methods, results, and findings for knowledge sharing and future reference.

Technical Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as the subject-matter expert (SME) for materials and surface analysis.
• Work cross-functionally with Process, Product, Reliability, Quality, Assembly, and FA teams.
• Train and mentor engineers and laboratory personnel on analytical techniques and data interpretation.
• Engage equipment vendors and industry experts to develop new characterization capabilities supporting the advanced packaging roadmap.

Equipment & Laboratory Management

• Maintain analytical equipment readiness, calibration, preventive maintenance, and measurement quality.
• Work with Global Engineering Labs on equipment troubleshooting, repair, upgrades, and new capability development.
• Maintain laboratory safety, documentation, procedures, and applicable quality/environmental compliance.

AI & Continuous Improvement

• Apply AI-assisted tools to improve data analysis, reporting, knowledge management, and laboratory efficiency.
• Identify and implement AI-enabled or automated improvements in materials-characterization workflows while ensuring responsible use and data integrity.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD with ≥7 years, Master with ≥10 years, or Bachelor with ≥15 years of relevant experience in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in semiconductor R&D, technology development, materials characterization, process engineering, or failure analysis.

Required Technical Skills

• Strong hands-on experience with XPS, XRD/XRR, Auger, and/or AFM, with expertise in data interpretation.
• Strong knowledge of surface chemistry, thin films, material interfaces, crystallography, oxidation, contamination, adhesion, and material failure mechanisms.
• Experience with analytical method development, sample preparation, and root-cause investigation.
• Knowledge of semiconductor fabrication, advanced packaging, assembly, or reliability processes.
• Experience with complementary techniques such as SEM/EDX, FIB, TEM, FTIR, Raman, ToF-SIMS, or X-ray imaging is an advantage.

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent technical communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively within cross-functional engineering teams.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex analytical data into actionable engineering recommendations.