Staff Defect Metrology AI/ML Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Staff Engineer, Defect Metrology to join our MOCVD team. This role will provide technical leadership in semiconductor defect inspection, data analytics, and development of advanced defect detection and classification capabilities. The ideal candidate combines hands-on semiconductor metrology experience with strong skills in Python, data analysis, image processing, and AI/ML to improve product quality, process control, and manufacturing yield.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop image-processing algorithms and AI/ML models to detect, classify, and quantify semiconductor defects such as particles, pits, and scratches.
• Analyze large datasets from wafer inspection, metrology, and MOCVD processes to identify trends, correlations, anomalies, and root causes.
• Develop automated analysis and visualization workflows using Python, SQL, JMP, Excel, and related tools.
• Correlate incoming substrate defects with epitaxial defects and develop data-driven methods for substrate quality screening.
• Integrate defect, process, equipment, and wafer-level data to improve understanding of defect mechanisms and yield drivers.
• Partner with process, equipment, and development engineers to correlate defect excursions with process changes and equipment events.
• Improve inspection methodologies, algorithms, calibrations, statistical metrics, and defect classification strategies.
• Ensure the accuracy, repeatability, and integrity of defect metrology systems and associated data.
• Apply DOE, SPC, statistical modeling, and data visualization to support process improvement.
• Communicate technical findings and actionable recommendations to engineering teams, management, vendors, and customers.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• BS with 5+ years, MS with 3+ years, or PhD in Engineering, Science, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience in semiconductor defect inspection, metrology, yield engineering, manufacturing analytics, image analysis, or a related area.
• Strong data analysis and programming skills, preferably with Python and SQL.
• Experience applying AI/ML, computer vision, statistical learning, or advanced analytics to engineering problems.
• Experience working with large datasets, including data extraction, manipulation, statistical analysis, visualization, and correlation.
• Familiarity with tools/libraries such as pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, OpenCV, PyTorch, or TensorFlow is desirable.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across process, equipment, manufacturing, development, and data/IT functions.

Preferred

• Experience with AI/ML-based wafer defect detection or classification.
• Experience developing automated data pipelines, dashboards, or manufacturing analytics tools.
• Experience with optical wafer inspection systems such as KLA Candela or Nanotronics.
• Knowledge of semiconductor materials, epitaxial growth, and materials characterization.
• Experience with DOE, SPC, process capability, and statistical modeling.
• Familiarity with cleanroom protocols and semiconductor wafer handling.

Additional information

Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Renesas is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position

Pay and benefits

The expected annual pay range for this position is $120,000 - $160,000. This position is also eligible for bonus opportunities. Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience, and skillset of the candidate.

Renesas offers a full range of elective benefits including medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, and pet insurance. In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive company-paid life insurance and AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as paid sick time, paid holidays, and accrued paid vacation. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources.

Renesas is an embedded semiconductor solution provider driven by its Purpose, To Make Our Lives Easier. With a global team of over 21,000 engineers and problem solvers in more than 30 countries, we offer the opportunity to work on world-leading technology for Automotive, Industrial, Infrastructure, and IoT, shaping a safer, healthier, greener, and smarter future.

At Renesas, TAGIE is our culture, grounded in being Transparent, Agile, Global, Innovative, and Entrepreneurial. It shapes how we work, grow and deliver on our purpose together. This collaborative spirit and mindset drive our semiconductor technology to transform industries and impact millions of lives.

We believe in rewarding our employees with a competitive benefits package alongside their salary. More information will be provided during the hiring process.

Are you ready to join our team and shape the future with us?

Renesas Electronics deals with dual-use technology that is subject to U.S. export controls regulations. Under these regulations it may be necessary for Renesas to obtain U.S. government export license prior to release of technology to certain persons. The decision whether or not to file or pursue an export license application is at the sole discretion of Renesas.