Associate Thin Film Materials Engineer

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Thin Film Materials Engineer to join our Inertial Fusion Technology (IFT) group. This position is located in San Diego (Torrey Pines), CA.

This position participates in the development, production, characterization and analysis of novel materials required for laser driven fusion research. The ideal candidate is responsible for determining and developing effective approaches for resolving a wide range of PVD coating challenges, employing semiconductor related techniques to build complex targets with minimum defects. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives, customer specifications, and anticipated delivery dates. Deliveries typically involve the physical targets, comprehensive metrology data packages and shipping documents.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with a high degree of independence in project management while incorporating inputs and constraints from others in a team environment.
• Translate customer specifications into practical fabrication plan with best product quality while minimizing production cost.
• Perform PVD coatings, including rate check, composition optimization, stress optimization, and contamination control.
• Handle and manage radioactive materials in accordance with safety protocols and regulatory guidelines.
• Work in radiation-controlled areas as part of daily operational tasks.
• Apply semiconductor techniques to produce targets in the form-factor required, such as photolithography patterning, photoresist lift-off, mask design and procurement, silicon wafer etching, silicon wafer cleaning etc.
• Perform failure analysis, implement and carry out mitigation plan in timely manner.
• Understand and master characterization techniques over time to support the generation of a comprehensive metrology data package that ships with each project.
• Open to explore new scientific methods and adapt to the production and characterization of targets.
• Pursue research projects under the direction of senior staff and management, and work with and provide support to the wider IFT team and national laboratory collaborators in the above topic areas.
• Perform equipment maintenance, repair and upgrade.
• Maintain safe, clean, and organized coating laboratories.
• Documents findings, communicates results to scientific staff and makes technical presentations as required.
• May publish in recognized scientific journals and present work at conferences.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• A degree in Physical Science is desirable, in areas such as Physics, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Nano Engineering.
• Understand and apply general scientific principles. Be willing to learn and explore new scientific approaches.
• Must be able to pass a fit test for wearing a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) due to routine work with radiological materials; employment is contingent upon successful completion of this fit test.
• Prior hands-on experience in coating equipment and PVD/CVD coating processes highly desired. This includes, but is not limited to, sputtering, e-beam, thermal evaporative coatings, ALD etc.
• Prior semi-conductor industry experience is highly desired. This includes, but is not limited to, cleanroom protocol, common semiconductor processes such as photoresist spinning and lift-off, photolithography patterning etc.
• Software experience can be helpful, such as SolidWork, AutoCAD, LabVIEW.
• The ability to learn and perform target characterization using optical and x-ray based metrology tools. This could include Xray absorption spectroscopy, XRF, Radiography, Scanning electron microscopy with EDAX/EDS, various forms of interferometry and confocal microscopy methods, in addition of conventional optical microscopes, Stylus and AFM tools. Prior experience in this area is desirable, but not required.
• Must demonstrate: (1) technical expertise and application of scientific principles, concepts, theory, and practice; (2) the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones; and (3) effective in a team environment but have ability to perform with high level of independence.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods, safely climb up and down ladders, and lift up to 60 pounds using appropriate equipment and safety procedures
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance is highly desired.