Introduce Soitec and context of the position:
How does something you do not see improve your daily life? This is what our products do and they are in your smartphones, cars, and connected objects. They make them more efficient and less energy intensive. We are passionate about innovation in technology and proud of the value we create for our customers. At Soitec, we are also in a state of transformation: cultural, managerial and digital. We want to make our company an organization where freedom of action and accountability guide our actions. Do you want to change things or test a new idea? If so, what are you waiting for? It is time to come to Soitec!
What does the job consist?:
The Implant Equipment Engineer is responsible for sustaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing ion implantation equipment to support high-volume semiconductor manufacturing. This role focuses on maximizing equipment uptime, ensuring process stability, and driving continuous improvements in yield, efficiency, and reliability while maintaining strict compliance with safety and cleanroom standards.
Key Responsibilities
1. Equipment Maintenance & Uptime
- Perform preventive maintenance (PM) and corrective maintenance (CM) on ion implantation tools
- Troubleshoot equipment failures and implement effective solutions to minimize downtime
- Ensure equipment meets operational performance and safety standards
- Manage spare parts inventory and track critical components
2. Process Support & Optimization
- Support production by ensuring stable and repeatable implantation processes
- Collaborate with process engineers to optimize implant parameters (e.g., dose, energy, beam current)
- Monitor tool performance using Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- Drive yield improvement and defect reduction initiatives
3. Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
- Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for equipment and process issues
- Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Fishbone, FMEA)
- Implement and sustain corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
4. Continuous Improvement
- Lead or participate in productivity, quality, and cost-reduction projects
- Improve Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Mean Time To Repair (MTTR)
- Enhance equipment efficiency, reliability, and automation
5. Installation & Qualification
- Support installation, setup, and acceptance of new equipment (SAT/FAT)
- Perform equipment qualification and process buy-off activities
- Collaborate with vendors on upgrades, retrofits, and modifications
6. Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate maintenance records and technical documentation
- Prepare reports on equipment performance, downtime, and improvement initiatives
- Update and maintain SOPs and work instructions
7. Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with fab safety protocols and cleanroom standards
- Safely handle high-voltage systems, vacuum systems, and hazardous gases
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Equipment uptime (%)
- Yield impact
- Preventive maintenance (PM) compliance rate
Requirements & qualifications:
Requirements:
Educational Qualifications
- Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or related discipline) with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, OR
- Diploma in Engineering with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
Experience
- Relevant experience in semiconductor equipment engineering, preferably in ion implantation
Technical / Job Knowledge
- Strong knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and equipment maintenance
- Experience in troubleshooting and sustaining complex equipment systems
- Excellent knowledge of ion implanter tool types will be an added advantage
- Familiarity with SPC, MTBF, MTTR, and yield improvement methodologies
- Hands-on experience with high-voltage systems, vacuum systems, and gas handling systems
Personal Capabilities
- Team player with strong logical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Passion for continuous learning and self-improvement
- Proven track record in problem solving and process improvement within a semiconductor manufacturing environment
- Ability to work effectively under pressure in a high-volume production setting
- Good communication and collaboration skills
- Proactive, self-driven, and results-oriented mindset