Senior Scientist - Metrology & Process Analytics

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Date: May 10, 2025

Location: Hemlock, MI, US, 48626

Company: hemlocksem

At Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC), we transform people’s lives by energizing and connecting our world through silicon technology. Since 1961, HSC has been a leading global provider of hyper-pure polysilicon, and is the only polysilicon manufacturer headquartered in the United States. HSC plays an essential role in the semiconductor and solar industries, with the vision of becoming the preferred supplier of silicon-enabled technologies to the low-carbon, digital world.

 

Our polysilicon is used to make computer chips – the “brains” behind the electronic devices we rely on to make our lives easier, safer and more enjoyable. HSC is just one of six major manufacturers in the world that makes polysilicon used to create semiconductor wafers. In fact, nearly all electronic devices in the world contain HSC polysilicon.

 

We’re also moving the world toward a greener future by supplying the rapidly growing solar power industry. HSC is committed to doing good for our local Michigan and global communities, relentlessly improving our operations to remove supply chain carbon emissions. The low embodied greenhouse gas emissions in our polysilicon materials facilitates the production of ultra low-carbon solar panels. These panels allow solar project developers and owners to lower the embodied carbon of their projects by up to 50 percent.

 

To achieve our goals, we draw on the talents of more than 1,350 employees and contractors. Our employees thrive in a culture that values teamwork, excellence, responsibility and customer focus. We recognize and value the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all of our people working together as One Team. At HSC, you belong to a team that is transforming our world.

 

Summary

The Senior Scientist – Metrology & Process Analytics will drive sustainable improvements in product quality and yield through a deep understanding of critical manufacturing processes and technologies. This role involves close collaboration with R&D, Quality Assurance, Process Engineering, and Manufacturing teams. The successful candidate will develop and implement advanced metrology technologies and enhance existing measurement tools and protocols across the organization.

Essential Functions

As a metrology expert, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and precision of manufacturing processes. Your responsibilities will include:

  1. Technical Expertise: Develop a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, focusing on metrology systems. This includes expertise in areas such as:
    • Ultrasensitive Detection: Detecting ultra-trace dopants and metals in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing.
    • Separation Science: Applying advanced separation techniques for accurate chemical analysis.
    • Sampling Science & Statistical Data Analysis: Designing representative sampling strategies and applying statistical methods to analyze and interpret measurement data.
    • Cleanroom Theory & Operation: Understanding the impact of cleanroom environments on measurement accuracy.
    • Silicon Chemistry & Spectroscopy: Applying knowledge of silicon properties and spectroscopy techniques to improve measurement precision.
    • Electrical Characterization of Semiconductors: Analyzing impurity effects on electrical performance.
    • Etch Chemistry: Understanding etching processes and their implications for metrology.
    • Standards & Calibrations: Ensuring traceability and accuracy through rigorous calibration protocols.

Essential Functions con't

 

2. Subject Matter Expertise

  • Act as a key technical resource for resolving complex metrology challenges, contributing to process optimization and quality assurance initiatives.

 

3. Instrument Stewardship

  • New Instrument Qualification & Method Development: Develop and validate robust, state-of-the-art measurement methods.
  • Measurement System Analysis: Evaluate and optimize measurement systems for accuracy and reliability.
  • Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve issues related to measurement tools and protocols.

 

4. Knowledge Documentation

  • Document technical expertise, challenges encountered, and innovative solutions.
  • Serve as a long-term, reliable source of institutional knowledge.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

  • Support other departments in identifying external laboratories for non-routine sample characterization.
  • Lead small teams to achieve project goals.
  • Serve as a technical project leader for capital equipment and process improvement initiatives.

Skills

  • Proactive and action-oriented mindset
  • Strong technical project management capabilities
  • Strategic thinking and innovation
  • Effective planning and alignment of work
  • Clear and impactful communication
  • Ability to manage complexity
  • Expertise in Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Education Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or Analytical Spectroscopy with two years’ experience OR
  • M.S. in Analytical Chemistry or Analytical Spectroscopy with five years' experience OR
  • B.S in Analytical Chemistry or Analytical Spectroscopy with ten years’ experience

Required Work Experience

  • Separation Science: Advanced expertise in Gas Chromatography (GC) and GC-MS
  • Metals Testing: Proficiency in ICP-MS and ICP-OES techniques
  • Applied Silicon Spectroscopy: Experience with photoluminescence, FTIR, photometry, and non-laser-based optical particle analysis

 

The range for this position is  $108,528.00   -  $149,226.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position are dependent on hours worked and may include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, variable bonus, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, and PTO.

 

HSC is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

If you are an individual with a disability and you need an accommodation or other assistance during the application process, please call our Human Resources department at:

 

989.301.5333
or email your request to
G1HSC-HR@hscpoly.com
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Req No. 787 


Nearest Major Market: Saginaw