Senior Field Applications Engineer

Overview

PDF Solutions Inc. is seeking a highly driven Applications Engineer to join our HQ-based engineering team supporting PDF’s advanced e-beam inspection platform. This role plays a critical part in enabling yield enhancement for leading-edge 300mm semiconductor manufacturing.

The ideal candidate is a self-driven and detail-oriented engineer with strong analytical and communication skills, comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. This role provides opportunities to grow technically, contribute to product development, and take on leadership responsibilities.

We welcome experienced professionals as well as recent PhD graduates.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and standardize inspection recipes for PDF’s e-beam inspection systems. • Drive wafer inspection strategies and perform advanced data analysis to identify and reduce yield loss in cutting-edge semiconductor technologies. • Lead experimental studies and contribute to R&D initiatives to improve inspection methodologies, leveraging data-driven insights. • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Systems, Applications, Software) to resolve technical challenges and drive product enhancements. • Take ownership of complex engineering programs, contributing to process improvements, automation, and best practices. • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Computer Science or a related field • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in data analysis • Programming experience (Python preferred)

Preferred

• PhD in a relevant field or equivalent industry experience • Proficiency in statistical and data analysis tools such as Python (NumPy/Pandas), JMP, MATLAB, or Tableau. • Experience with semiconductor inspection tools (e-beam, optical, voltage-contrast, or spectroscopy). • Experience leading projects with an interest in developing toward a technical leadership or management role.

Pay Range

USD $130,000.00 - USD $180,000.00 /Yr. • Develop, optimize, and standardize inspection recipes for PDF's e-beam inspection systems. • Drive wafer inspection strategies and perform advanced data analysis to identify and reduce yield loss in cutting-edge semiconductor technologies.

• Lead experimental studies and contribute to R&D initiatives to improve inspection methodologies, leveraging data-driven insights. • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Systems, Applications, Software) to resolve technical challenges and drive product enhancements. • Take ownership of complex engineering programs, contributing to process improvements, automation, and best practices. • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence. • Master's degree in Physics, Materials Science, Computer Science or a related field • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in data analysis • Programming experience (Python preferred)

Preferred

• PhD in a relevant field or equivalent industry experience • Proficiency in statistical and data analysis tools such as Python (NumPy/Pandas), JMP, MATLAB, or Tableau. • Experience with semiconductor inspection tools (e-beam, optical, voltage-contrast, or spectroscopy). • Experience leading projects with an interest in developing toward a technical leadership or management role.