R&D Process Engineer - Thin Film Deposition (all genders)

The SAL MicroFab is looking for a motivated R&D Process Engineer with focus on Thin Film deposition to join the team.

As an R&D Process Engineer, you will take on challenging and responsible tasks with corresponding decision-making scope. You will work independently across all required activities, continuously expand your skill set, and contribute to the growing success of the team. 

Your future tasks include:

• Develop, monitor, and optimize thin film deposition processes (primarily sputtering) to support R&D and prototype fabrication.
• Maintain tool health and stability through performance tracking, SPC monitoring, and preventive maintenance coordination.
• Support researcher use of deposition tools, ensuring safe operation, consistent process quality, and compliance with FAB standards.
• Lead and assist in tool upgrades, process capability improvements, and new equipment evaluation or acquisition.
• Document process parameters, tool performance, and experiment outcomes to ensure traceability and knowledge sharing.
• Serve as the technical interface between the fabrication team and research groups to enable efficient process development and experimentation.

Your profile:

• Master’s degree (Bachelor's degree with equivalent relevant experience) in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a deposition process engineer in an industrial semiconductor FAB; 5+ years preferred.
• Hands-on experience with sputter deposition tools (PVD) and thin-film process optimization.
• Proven experience with methodologies - process control, SPC, Problem Solving, CIP, Lean, equipment maintenance principles, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a research-driven environment supporting multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent teamwork, communication, reporting, and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic R&D setting.
• Willingness to relocate to Villach, Austria.

Important Facts about SAL:

• Diverse research activities with many technical challenges.
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Location in the heart of Europe in Austria – relocation support for non-European nationalities.
• Internal and external training opportunities for career development.
• Family & children friendly - actively shaping the compatibility of family and career.
• “Vital4SAL” to promote a healthy workplace (e.g. SAL coaching pool, trainings on mental health, physical activities, healthy snacks, 24/7 accident insurance)
• € 4 per day meal allowance in restaurants or € 2 per working day in supermarkets.
• Public transport initiative (subsidy for the “Klimaticket”)
• Our values: Open door policy, flexibility in working hours, casual dress code, diverse teams, working with people of different nationalities, informal communication, lifelong learning, compatibility of family and career, sustainability, personal growth, and collective advancement.

This position is subject to the Collective Agreement for employees in non-university research (Research CA) starting in occupational group E. We offer competitive salaries and additional benefits based on your experience and qualifications. For this position, your minimum monthly salary starts with EUR 4.056, paid 14 times a year.