Description
R & D Application Engineer
Location: Albany, New York
Department: Research & Development
Position Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
The Applications Engineer will support formulation evaluation and performance testing for REC Silicon R&D’s precursor and formulated wet chemical portfolios. This hands-on position combines chemistry, process engineering, semiconductor applications, and data analysis to evaluate candidate formulations on semiconductor substrates in cleanroom and wet bench environments.
The Applications Engineer will analyze experimental and performance data and translate results into clear, actionable technical reports and presentations for internal R&D teams, business development, and customers.
Based in Albany, New York, this position will collaborate closely with regional semiconductor R&D partners to support product development, application optimization, and customer requirements.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following examples of duties and responsibilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position.
- Design and execute formulation evaluation experiments using semiconductor substrates, including wafers, coupons, and patterned test structures.
Perform hands-on wet chemical processing, including etching, cleaning, stripping, and related unit operations in controlled cleanroom and wet bench environments. - Operate and maintain analytical and metrology equipment used to characterize formulation performance, including tools for surface characterization, particle and defect counts, trace metal contamination, etch rate, and selectivity measurements.
- Compile, organize, and analyze performance data across multiple test conditions and formulation variants.
- Translate raw experimental data into structured technical reports, summaries, presentations, and data packages for internal R&D, business development, and customer-facing applications.
- Monitor experimental trends and identify anomalies, contamination issues, process deviations, and other factors that may affect test results.
- Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of experimental protocols, procedures, safety requirements, and test results in accordance with cleanroom, laboratory, and EHS standards.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with formulation chemists, process engineers, R&D personnel, and Marketing to align testing priorities with technical and commercial objectives.
- Support customer and partner interactions by preparing technical data packages and participating in technical discussions related to formulation performance and application requirements.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of testing methods, experimental protocols, data analysis, and application evaluation processes.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and contamination-controlled laboratory environment.
Qualifications
Candidates must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. The requirements below are representative of the qualifications required.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
- Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience operating wet bench equipment and working in semiconductor cleanroom environments.
- Demonstrated experience with cleanroom protocols, contamination control, equipment operation, and laboratory safety procedures.
- Familiarity with the semiconductor industry, including semiconductor process flows, substrate types, industry terminology, and quality and purity standards.
- Experience with wet chemical formulations preferred.
- Familiarity with trace metal contamination control at ppb-to-ppt levels and related analytical techniques preferred.
- Exposure to advanced-node semiconductor process requirements preferred.
- Previous experience working in a fast-paced startup, new business unit, or developing R&D environment preferred.
Other Skills and Abilities
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills with the ability to identify trends, evaluate experimental results, and draw meaningful conclusions.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and/or statistical or analytical software.
- Ability to organize complex experimental data and communicate findings through clear, concise technical reports and presentations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, testing priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and investigate unexpected test results or process deviations.
- Ability to communicate effectively with technical teams, business development personnel, customers, and external R&D partners.
Work Location
This position is based in Albany, New York and requires the ability to work on-site.
Travel
This position requires approximately 10–20% domestic and international travel to support customer, partner, R&D, and business needs.
Work Environment
This position requires work in cleanroom and wet bench laboratory environments. Employees will be required to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and strictly follow established safety, chemical handling, contamination-control, cleanroom, and EHS protocols.
Occasional work from home is permitted in accordance with company policy.
Physical Demands
The position requires the ability to:
- Stand or sit for extended periods of time.
- Perform laboratory and technical tasks requiring manual dexterity.
- Maintain close visual attention while performing laboratory, testing, and analytical activities.
- Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 10 pounds.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Requirements
Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a closely related specialized field
- Hands-on experience (at least 3 years) operating wet bench equipment and working within cleanroom environments (growing protocols, contamination control, tool operation)
- Demonstrated familiarity with the semiconductor industry, such as process flows, substrate types, relevant terminology and quality/purity standards
- Experience with wet chemical formulations preferred
- Familiarity with trace metal contamination control (ppb to ppt level) and relevant analytical techniques
- Exposure to advanced node process requirements preferred
- Prior experience in a fast-paced start up or new business unit environment preferred
