3635 - Equipment Engineer – Lithography Inspection Tools - San Jose, CA

This position will support the R&D effort on current and next generation patterning technologies used for the fabrication of SunPower’s high efficiency solar cells.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Plan and manage equipment projects focused on developing optical inspection subsystems and integrating these subsystems into patterning platforms
• Subsystems are to provide image acquisition, conversion and pattern recognition (ie printed features, print defects, and cosmetic detection) capability for precision part placement, layer to layer print alignment and APC
• Images are taken from coated surfaces with features in the micron range
• Develop and improve pattern recognition software for CD characterization, defect recognition, and APC feedback. Work with Manufacturing to improve existing algorithms
• Develop and improve illumination systems for image acquisition subsystems
• Interface with suppliers, contract engineering and contract manufacturing firms to develop new tool platforms including integration of subsystems into patterning platforms
• Evaluate, design, test, specify and start-up high-throughput manufacturing equipment
• Work with vendors and end-users to calibrate the subsystem and enhance/improve defect recognition functions to meet production needs
• Interface with production, maintenance and facilities to modify tool designs
• Interface with solar cell R&D to meet performance requirements for new metrology development

Education and Experience
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electromechanics, Electronics and Controls, or equivalent required; MS preferred
• Knowledge of and at least 3-5 years direct experience with optical image acquisition systems including defining and testing hardware requirements and modifying software capabilities to meet performance requirement is required
• Previous experience in software application development including integration of commercial pattern recognition software required. Expertise in APC feedback preferred
• Knowledge of and previous experience with selection and application of lighting, cameras and lenses is preferred
• Knowledge and previous experience with application of statistics for assessing AOI capability and repeatability required
• Direct experience with specification, fabrication and start-up of equipment preferred
• Knowledge of and previous experience generating and modifying system code and algorithms for precision part placement, feature and defect detection preferred
• Exposure to solar or semiconductor industry a plus
• Experience with high volume manufacturing and high rate deposition process a plus
• Experience with cost analysis/modeling a plus

Qualifications
• Creative problem solver
• Must be willing and able to travel, both domestic and international, a minimum of 25%

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.