Job Description
Join the Institute of Microelectronics (IME), a leading research institute under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and become a cornerstone of our industry-leading semiconductor engineering team. We are seeking a visionary Principal Research Engineer to lead the Wets Module Group within the Advanced Process Modules (APM) division. In this pivotal role, you will drive process innovation, spearhead the development of cutting-edge wet chemical processes, and shape the future of semiconductor fabrication technologies.
As the Group Lead, you will oversee a team of highly skilled engineers and researchers, guiding them to deliver breakthrough solutions for advanced node semiconductor manufacturing. Your expertise will directly impact the development of novel wet cleaning, etching, and surface preparation techniques that enable next-generation devices. You will collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners, aligning R&D efforts with industry needs and strategic roadmaps.
This is a unique opportunity to influence global semiconductor advancements from Singapore’s vibrant research ecosystem. You will play a key role in mentoring talent, securing research grants, and publishing high-impact papers. If you are passionate about wet process engineering and ready to take on a leadership challenge, we invite you to apply and drive the next wave of innovation at IME.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Wets Module Group, setting technical direction and project priorities.
- Develop and optimize wet chemical processes (cleaning, etching, surface treatment) for advanced semiconductor nodes.
- Drive innovation in wet process technologies, including novel chemistries and equipment integration.
- Collaborate with internal R&D teams and external industry partners to align process development with product roadmaps.
- Oversee the design, execution, and analysis of experiments to validate process performance and reliability.
- Mentor and develop junior engineers and researchers, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, and publications; represent IME at conferences and workshops.
- Contribute to proposal writing and grant management to secure funding for strategic projects.
Qualifications
- PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in semiconductor wet process engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Deep expertise in wet cleaning, etching, and surface preparation processes for advanced node technologies (e.g., sub-10nm).
- Proven track record of leading R&D projects from concept to successful implementation.
- Strong knowledge of semiconductor process integration, metrology, and defectivity.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated publication record and experience in intellectual property generation.
- Experience with budget management and resource planning is highly desirable.