Yield Engineer (OPS08001)

Location: Durham
Department: Operations

Summary

This is an exciting time to be a Nitronex employee. We are the only fully-qualified, ISO certified supplier of Gallium Nitride-on-Silicon RF power transistors for wireless communications applications in the world. Our Sigantic® manufacturing process delivers GaN-on-Silicon RF power transistors to meet the increasing power, frequency and bandwidth requirements found in the communication infrastructure and military markets. By combining the performance of GaN devices with the economy and familiarity of silicon substrates, Nitronex now gives communications OEMs the ideal solution. Nitronex is able to deliver on the promise of GaN-on-Silicon through the interlocking disciplines of GaN process development, RF device design and intellectual property.

The continued success of our company is the result of the creativity and hard work of our employees. At Nitronex, you will play a vital role in our vision. Our vision is to become the pre-eminent and worldwide leader of high performance RF power devices based on GaN technology. We support and develop a team of employees whose skills, commitment and values exemplify the highest quality of performance to the company, our customers, co-workers and shareholder.

We are currently looking for a Yield Engineer to join our rapidly-growing team in Durham!

Job Description:

This key member of the Operations team will be responsible for managing the efforts aimed at defining and improving yields in all areas of the manufacturing process.  This will include both tactical (short term) and strategic operation of the wafer fab area, reporting directly to the Quality Manager.   This engineer will be responsible for baseline data collection of yield information for all portions of the manufacturing flow from the epi growth to the testing and shipment of final assembled devices and the conversion of that data into actions that well result in improvements in yield that translate directly to cost reductions.  This individual will work with cross functional teems of individuals in a matrix environment to achieve the objectives.  This individual will be responsible for driving a culture shift that centers around perfection as an expectation and the use of statistical and Six Sigma tools to achieve improvements.  This Yield Engineering position will be supported by other members of the technical staff and management teams.  The position will work closely with wafer fab engineering, epi engineering, test and our outsource partners.

Job Responsibilities:

• Tactical collection of data to baseline and understand the origination of problems that detract from yield

• Direct interaction with operations and engineering including: Fab engineering, Epi engineering, Direct Labor in epi, fab and test, Outsource assembly and test partners

• Construction and leadership of cross functional teams that will use advance problem solving techniques to identify areas for improvement and implement those improvements in the manufacturing process

• Capability to lead complex teams, including excellent communication skills and the ability to motivate teams to achieve new levels of excellence

• Developing and implementing the proper metrics for the operations to gage the health of the production lines and chart improvement:  Document and track yields in the line by step, Set and achieve yield improvement goals to drive cost and quality improvements

• Plan, with engineering and management inputs, any capital needed to drive further improvements after other avenues have been exhausted

• Communicate on a regular basis to management results, plans and progress

• Participate in achieving the strategic objectives for operations in the areas of the Yield, cost reduction, capacity improvements and cycle time reduction

• Assist Quality Manger in retaining ISO certification in 2008 and beyond

• Report progress and problems on a regular basis to upper management

• Be available to consult on supplier and outsource partner yield problems

• Create a manufacturing disciplined culture in operations including:  Strictly documented and executed procedures,   Data driven decision making, Corrective action system,  Drive to simplicity and greatest latitude processes

Minimum Requirements:

• BS degree in Engineering, Physics or related field of study

• Minimum of ten years in operations in the semiconductor industry exhibiting progressively increasing responsibility is required, compound semiconductor arena is a plus

• Proven record of Yield improvement involvement including leading analysis and improvement efforts 

• Six Sigma Master Black Belt

• Extensive experience in yield improvement, training other individuals and an in depth understanding of lean manufacturing techniques

• Effective communication and inter-personal relationship skills at multiple organizational levels are also required

To apply, submit your resume and cover letter to:

E-mail:
hr@nitronex.com
Fax: 919-807-9200

US Mail:
Attn: Human Resources
Nitronex Corporation
2305 Presidential Drive
Durham, NC 27703