Process Engineer

Berkeley, CA (On-site)            ·         Full time

About the job

Sonera is developing novel sensing technology for high-performance, non-invasive brain-computer interfaces, with the goal of connecting minds and machines. Our mission is to democratize access to the brain by capturing the power of massive machines in ubiquitous devices. We are building a team of technical experts and visionaries who are driven by the opportunity to make a transformative impact on the world.

Position Summary:

We are looking for a dependable and motivated Process Engineer to join our sensor development efforts. Work will primarily focus on hands-on sputter deposition of thin film materials including magnetic materials using our in-house sputter deposition tool alongside tool operation, troubleshooting and periodic maintenance. Other tasks may involve a wide variety of activities – from assisting with materials characterization using standard metrology tools, to photolithography and standard cleanroom processing. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of and experience with vacuum technology and various types of sputtering deposition (DC, RF, etc), and be open to learning new skills. This person should be enthusiastic about taking a hands-on approach to sensor development, and comfortable with creative problem solving in a startup environment.

Requirements

• Use in-house sputter deposition tool to sputter thin-film magnetic materials and stacks (multilayers, heterostructures) on a variety of substrates (materials, sizes, and patterning conditions)
• Maintain documentation and process instructions relating to the sputter tool including pumps and process gases, monitor tool performance and perform maintenance on a cyclical basis
• Comfortable with instrumentation and electrical measurement tools, troubleshooting vacuum systems; proactive in identifying and resolving technical problems related to the sputter tool
• Take ownership of sputter deposition tool and operations, suggest changes to improve and expand capabilities related to thin film sputtering
• Assist with thin film materials characterization using standard metrology tools, and photolithography as well as standard cleanroom processing to prepare samples for deposition and patterning
• Assist with electrical measurements of sensor chips and printed circuit boards using both standard measurement hardware as well as custom-built systems
• Work with the materials science team to design and execute sputter-based experiments to achieve and improve upon preset performance metrics for Sonera’s sensors

Core Skills and Experience:

• Experience with operating and troubleshooting high vacuum systems, especially sputter deposition tools is a must
• In-depth knowledge in vacuum technology and various types of sputtering deposition (DC, RF, etc.)
• In-depth knowledge of reactive and non-reactive sputter deposition of thin film materials
• Comfortable with day-to-day operation and maintenance of sputter deposition systems
• Able to extract, summarize, interpret, and present process data
• Able to apply process data to decision making
• Excellent communication skills – verbal and written

Preferred Qualifications:

• B.S. or equivalent degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Surface Science, Applied Physics, or a related scientific discipline with 3+ years of industrial experience
• Experience with sputter deposition of various types of materials – metals, oxides and magnetic materials
• Experience with the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of AJA confocal sputter deposition tools
• Experience with thin film materials characterization techniques, photolithography and cleanroom processing methods
• Experience with statistical data analysis and design of experiment (DOE) methodologies as related to sputter process control
• Experience with experimental automation via Python or similar

Benefits

• Competitive salary and stock options, 401(k)
• Health, vision, dental coverage
• Flexible time-off policy, paid parental leave

This position will require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Please note that any offer for employment will be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Sonera Magnetics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis or perception of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

It is company policy to perform background checks and review candidate references. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Sonera Magnetics, Inc. participates in the E-Verify Program.

Please click here to apply.