Device Characterization Engineer

About Us

Menlo Micro has reinvented one of the most fundamental building blocks of electronic systems – the electronic switch. Menlo Micro’s technology creates a new switch category that eliminates compromises and tradeoffs by combining the benefits of electromechanical and solid-state switches into the best of both worlds with its “Ideal Switch.”

Are you interested in playing a critical, impactful role and work with top electronic systems talent at an exciting startup backed by industry leaders? Do you want to help create truly disruptive and unique products that have the ability to change markets? If you answered yes to both, this may be your opportunity to have a significant impact at a cutting-edge startup with industry-leading technology that will drive electronic systems innovation across a diverse range of industries.

Role Summary and Purpose

You will be an integral member of the team responsible for driving Menlo’s process technologies into high volume manufacturing. The core aspect of this role will be device and materials characterization, with a focus on both using standard characterization tools and techniques and developing novel approaches to ID wafer-based device failure modes to bring a dedicated volume fab online for Menlo’s MEMS based Ideal Switch fabrication.

You will report to the Senior Director of Process Integration/Engineering and work within a fast paced and energetic team as well as work cross functionally with the Operations, Quality and other teams.

In this role you will be responsible for developing and characterizing existing wafer-based products for yield enhancement and new ohmic MEMS switch device designs and architectures aligned with Menlo’s product performance roadmap.  You will report to the Director of Process Integration/Engineering and work within a fast paced and energetic team as well as work cross functionally with the Operations, Quality and other teams.

Essential Responsibilities

This position is responsible for the characterization and wafer-based material analysis that drives decisions for failure analysis, yield improvement, new process introductions of 200mm fused silica wafers fabrication.  The successful candidate will provide comprehensive analysis process and characterization data to drive experimental decisions and results using tools such as SEM, EDS, FIB, TEM, Auger, AFM etc. to support the establishment and MEMS based fabrication line. 

A thorough understanding of device and materials characterization equipment and methods are required. The candidate will drive Menlo’s characterization analysis that supports qualified volume manufacturing.

You will: 

• Perform and guide device level and wafer level characterization using SEM, FIB, EDS, TEM, Auger, AFM, etc.
• Analyze characterization results and interpret results by aligning with electrical or process test data 
• Operate cleanroom equipment for sample preparation and thin film/wafer level measurement and characterization in support of failure analysis and process development. 
• Manage the characterization tools, their selection and installation process
• Document & ensure compliance with safety requirements for all phases of tool installation & operation.
• Work jointly with New Technology Introduction (NTI) and Operations teams in all aspects of tool and process establishment
• Establish and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all metrology equipment in your area of responsibility
• Train operators and/or technicians to perform sample preparation and operate characterization tools
• Establish and train safety procedures for operation and maintenance of the tools.
• Comply with all company quality and safety policies and procedures

Qualifications and Requirements

• MS or PhD in STEM related disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)  
• Strong background in semiconductor or electronic device materials and physics
• Demonstrated ability both run and guide device characterization on typical tools such as SEM, EDS, FIB, TEM, Auger, etc.
• Experience with basic electrostatic MEMS device operations
• Cleanroom fabrication and process experience
• Demonstrate ability to critically characterize and globally assess MEMS device structures through optical microscopy
• In depth understanding of MEMS design, operation and theory
• Ability to define meaningful experiments and analyze data
• Excellent technical and trouble-shooting skills
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment
• Willingness to travel about 10% of time 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good organization skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and set priorities to meet goals in a fast-paced environment
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required
• Able to work out of an office & fab located in Ithaca, NY

Desired Characteristics

• Demonstrated expertise characterizing MEMS devices and driving improvements and new process through analysis and cross functional collaboration
• Good organization skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and set priorities to meet goals in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; experience communicating complex material characterization results to broadly skilled audience
• A desire to be a critical problem solver and innovator
• Professional work experience in industry is preferred
• Knowledge of MEMS device fabrication
• Knowledge of MEMS device mechanical characterization
• Demonstrated ability to investigate, find root cause, and implement corrective actions of device failures.