Process Engineer

The group you’ll be a part of

In the Global Products Group, we are dedicated to excellence in the design and engineering of Lam's etch and deposition products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are helping to solve the biggest challenges in the semiconductor industry. 

The impact you’ll make

We are seeking a Cryo Etch Process Engineer to advance next‑generation high aspect ratio etch technologies for 3D NAND devices.
This position plays a critical role in supporting key customers such as Kioxia and SanDisk, focusing on cryogenic etch process development to enable future device scaling.

In this role, you will work at the intersection of process, hardware, and chemistry, evaluating new etch chambers, hardware configurations, and novel chemistries. You will remotely operate Fremont-based demo tools from Japan, while collaborating closely with global process and hardware engineering teams.
This is a highly visible role offering both deep technical ownership and global exposure.

What you’ll do

• Develop and optimize cryogenic etch processes for ultra‑high aspect ratio features in advanced 3D NAND architectures.
• Evaluate new hardware platforms and chamber configurations, identifying improvement opportunities for profile control, CD uniformity, selectivity, and defect reduction.
• Assess new gas chemistries and process conditions to achieve breakthrough performance in cryo etch applications.
• Operate and analyze data from Fremont demo tools remotely, driving rapid iteration and process learning from Japan.
• Collaborate closely with Fremont‑based process and hardware teams, engaging in in‑depth technical discussions on etch mechanisms, plasma behavior, and hardware design improvements.
• Support customer process development activities, including on‑site work in Fremont when required, and technical engagement with major flash memory manufacturers.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations for internal stakeholders and customers, clearly communicating evaluation results, challenges, and proposed solutions.
• Contribute to technology roadmaps by translating customer needs and device trends into process and hardware development requirements.
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Who we’re looking for

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 3+ years of experience; or a PhD with no previous professional experience; or equivalent experience.

Preferred qualifications

• Familiarity with working in a laboratory and on semiconductor equipment with experience in surface preparation and analytical techniques.
• In-depth understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and/or Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Highly proficient in MATLAB, Python, or other similar scientific computing language.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis and problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience with statistical tools (JMP, Minitab, etc.)
• Background in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD), or Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD).
• Background in Plasma Physics, Reactive Ion Etching (RIE), Atomic Layer Etching (ALE), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Capacitively Coupled Plasma (CCP).
• Knowledge of Material synthesis and material characterization.
• Experience working in a collaborative and matrixed environment with diverse teams, semiconductor customers, and/or partners.

Our commitment

We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.

Lam Research ("Lam" or the "Company") is an equal opportunity employer. Lam is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.

Lam offers a variety of work location models based on the needs of each role. Our hybrid roles combine the benefits of on-site collaboration with colleagues and the flexibility to work remotely and fall into two categories – On-site Flex and Virtual Flex. ‘On-site Flex’ you’ll work 3+ days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, with the opportunity to work remotely for the balance of the week. ‘Virtual Flex’ you’ll work 1-2 days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, and remotely the rest of the time.