Defect Reduction Section Manager

Position Summary: SkyWater Technology is seeking an innovative Defect Reduction Section Manager to lead our defect reduction initiatives within high-volume semiconductor manufacturing. This role offers an excellent opportunity for experienced engineers ready to transition into management while maintaining a strong technical focus. You will be responsible for supervising and mentoring a team that includes defect technicians and defect tool owner engineers—specialists who ensure high-quality defect metrology data, develop advanced defect recipes, and integrate new metrology tools. Additionally, you will drive strategic planning, oversee production floor operations, lead rapid-response investigations, and coordinate cross-functional task forces to optimize yield and process stability.   Key Responsibilities:   Team Leadership & Supervision: • Manage and mentor defect technicians and defect tool owner engineers, ensuring high-quality performance and professional growth. • Provide technical guidance on defect investigation, troubleshooting methodologies, and the effective use of inspection and metrology tools. • Promote collaboration within the team to integrate defect data analysis with process improvement initiatives.   Strategic Planning & Execution: • Develop and implement a comprehensive defect reduction roadmap with clear yield improvement targets. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (device development, integration, fab modules) to ensure defect reduction initiatives support overall manufacturing objectives. • Production Oversight & Excursion Management: • Monitor production floor operations to track yield performance and swiftly address production excursions. • Lead rapid-response task forces and perform detailed root cause analyses to implement corrective actions and enhance process stability.   Technical Execution & Innovation: • Utilize advanced data analytics and statistical process control (SPC) to identify defect trends and optimize processes. • Support defect tool owner engineers in developing innovative defect recipes and integrating new defect metrology tools. • Encourage the adoption of robust data validation protocols and cutting-edge inspection methodologies. • Communication & Continuous Improvement: • Present defect data and actionable insights to engineering teams and senior management. • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, creative problem solving, and technical excellence.   Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field. • Minimum of 8 years of semiconductor engineering and defect reduction experience. • Proven experience in technical roles with demonstrated leadership potential. • Prior exposure to AMAT and KLA defect metrology equipment is a plus. • Experience mentoring teams and working with data-driven tool integration initiatives is highly desirable. • Proficiency with defect analysis tools (e.g., Synopsys Odyssey, ONTO Discover, KLayout) is preferred. • Strong working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and advanced data analytics. • Proficient in standard computer applications and reporting tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). • Exceptional organizational and troubleshooting skills, with experience managing cross-functional engineering projects. • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to translate technical data into actionable insights. • Deep understanding of semiconductor processing techniques, fab operations, and equipment. • Proven ability to lead rapid excursion investigations and manage task forces for timely resolution of production issues.   U.S. Person Requirement: SkyWater Technology Foundry, Inc. is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All accepted applications must be from U.S. Persons, defined as U.S. citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Political Asylees, or Refugees. This refined version ensures the summary reflects the full scope of responsibilities, balancing management and technical leadership while aligning consistently with the detailed role requirements.