R&D Coatings Engineer III

 Join UCT and be part of the fastest-growing sector in the world! We indirectly touch every semiconductor chip that goes into every smartphone, smart car, and device that uses artificial intelligence. This is a critical time for the semiconductor industry and for UCT - as technology evolves, we evolve with it. UCT is a diverse workplace where every talented employee is committed to continuous innovation, challenging the status quo and exceeding customer expectations. If you are a person with a relentless drive to succeed, a strong focus on quality with a passion for success – join us today!  

UCT is looking for a talented R&D Coatings Engineer III to join us in Austin, TX!

Develops, validates, and implements advanced coating technologies and processes that improve performance, reliability, quality, and cost for Semiconductor and related applications. Leads coating development activities with emphasis on Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) and Suspension Plasma Spray (SPS) technologies, including process optimization, equipment development, material evaluation, and production transfer. Works closely with Operations, Quality, customers, and suppliers to develop innovative coating solutions and scale them into manufacturing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform work in alignment with UCT's strategic priorities, Core Values, environmental health and safety requirements, and applicable quality systems.  
• Research, evaluate, develop, and qualify advanced coating technologies, materials, and deposition methods for internal and external customers. 
• Lead development activities associated with Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS), Suspension Plasma Spray (SPS), and other related coating technologies. 
• Operate, evaluate, optimize, and troubleshoot coating equipment and associated process systems. 
• Develop new coating materials, architectures, and process methodologies to improve product performance, durability, contamination control, and cost effectiveness. 
• Plan, execute, analyze, and document statistically sound Design of Experiments (DOE), process characterization, feasibility studies, optimization efforts, and failure investigations. 
• Define critical coating process parameters, acceptance criteria, and process controls required to achieve consistent coating quality and performance. 
• Characterize and evaluate coating properties including thickness, morphology, porosity, adhesion, composition, roughness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and other application-specific requirements. 
• Collaborate with analytical laboratories and subject matter experts to investigate coating performance, degradation mechanisms, and root causes of failures.

 Other Duties 

Participates in projects as assigned to improve systems, operations & cross-functional collaboration. Other duties may be assigned and at the discretion of the Company. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Uses knowledge in engineering, chemistry, and physics to develop new products, coatings, cleaning methodologies, and services for both internal and external customers.
• Accomplished in statistical design of experiments, theory, and application
• Experience working with / administering statistical process control programs
• Good technical writing skills
• Process Engineering Experience – including characterization, optimization, and failure analysis
• Knowledge of semiconductor tools, materials, theory, and processing
• Comfortable preparing and presenting research material to customers while protecting Intellectual Property
• Experience with process simulation, product development, and product marketing
• Experience working in and understanding cleanroom environments
• Developed project management abilities
• Strong working knowledge of coating methods and applications
• Ability to create disruptive chemical processes and coatings to address our customer’s challenges

Educational/Certification Requirement 

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy / Hydrometallurgy or Mechanical Engineering. Advanced degree is preferred.

Experience Requirement:

Work Experience: This position generally requires 4 to 8 years of directly related engineering experience in a development engineering role or a combination of directly related process engineering and development activities.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Work Environment: 

This job is usually performed in a professional office environment, routinely using standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and other related equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work environment and manufacturing areas can occasionally be moderate or loud. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Physical Demands: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to sit; climb stairs, maintain balance; employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust optical focus.

Overnight Travel:  

Limited off-site and/or overnight travel away from primary work location may be required.

Ultra Clean Technology is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under laws and regulations.