Defect Reduction Engineer

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  • Samsung
  • 12100 Samsung Blvd, TX
  • Full-Time
  • 2 weeks ago
  • $83,000 - $145,000
Published
May 6, 2026
Location
12100 Samsung Blvd, TX
Job Type

Defect Reduction Engineer: our view in 3 lines...

  • The Role: A senior semiconductor process engineer responsible for controlling and reducing defects to improve yield in high-volume manufacturing.
  • The Person: Perform defect trend and correlation analysis, trace defects to root cause, support NPI and technology transfers, establish failed chip count and monitoring plans, and respond to foundry customer data requests.
  • Requirements: Requires a Bachelor's degree, minimum 10 years semiconductor process engineering experience in defect monitor and reduction, experience with defect inspection and review tools such as bright field dark field e-beam Vis-edge, knowledge of Klarity Defect, and working knowledge in SPC and DOE methodology.

Job Description

About Samsung Austin Semiconductor
Samsung is a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, founded on the belief that the pursuit of excellence creates a better world. At SAS, we are Innovating Today to Power the Devices of Tomorrow. 

Come innovate with us!

Position Summary

As a Defect Reduction Engineer, the candidate will support defect control and reduction work in a high volume 24x7 manufacturing environment, on purpose to achieve yield and performance goals.

Role and Responsibilities

Here's what you'll be responsible for:

  • Supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) as the Defect Reduction representative: attending meetings, presenting inline inspection strategy & methodology, supporting GPM set up, spec audits, and comparison, evaluating unit part process changes and tool spreads in terms of inline and NPW defectivity data.

  • Performing fab process/tool trend data and correlation analysis to identify dog tools, trace defects to root cause, and rapidly take action to prevent inline process excursions.

  • Working cross-functionally with YE/PIE/UP to evaluate defect data on BKMs & projects, excursion monitoring & control, SWLY reduction.

  • Establishing FCC (Failed Chip Count) and trend monitoring plans for new technology introductions and ramps (14nm & foundry) and existing legacy production nodes (45nm/32nm/28nm) in order to achieve yield and performance goals, and support on weekly module meetings & activities.

  • Responding to foundry customer requests and delivering the data & analysis to meet expectation.

  • Supporting new technology and process transfer projects from Samsung HQ (South Korea).

Skills and Qualifications

Here's what you'll need:

  •  Requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, Physics or related technical fields.

  • Requires a minimum of 10 years of Semiconductor process engineering experience in defect monitor and reduction.

  • Experience in leading logic technology (45nm or below) development is strongly preferred.

  • Relevant experience in advanced defect inspection and review tools (bright field, dark field, e-beam, Vis-edge…etc) is strongly preferred.

  • Knowledge of Klarity Defect (or similar) software and its application in a semiconductor processing environment is useful.

  • Working knowledge in SPC and DOE methodology is required

  • Excellent communication skills (written, verbal and presentation) and experience as a contributing member of cross functional teams is required

  • Strong data mining, troubleshooting skills and an energetic self-starter personality preferred.

  • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and able to react to shifting priorities.

  • Ability to meet deadlines, schedules and commitments is required.

The current base salary range for this role is between $83,000 - $145,000. Individual base pay rates will depend on factors including duties, work location, education, skills, qualifications and experience. Total compensation for this position will include a competitive benefits package and may include participation in company incentive compensation programs, which are based on factors to include organizational and individual performance.

Total Rewards
At Samsung SAS, base pay is just one part of our total compensation package. The base compensation for this role will depend on education, experience, skills, and location.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life insurance and 401(k) matching with immediate vesting
  • Onsite café(s) and workout facilities
  • Paid maternity and paternity leave
  • Paid time off (PTO) + 2 personal holidays and 10 regular holidays
  • Wellness incentives and MORE
     

Eligible full-time employees (salaried or hourly) may also receive MBO bonuses based on company, division, and individual performance.

All positions at SAS are full-time on-site.

U.S. Export Control Compliance
This role requires access to information subject to U.S. export control laws. Applicants must be authorized to access such information or eligible for government authorization.

Trade Secrets Notice
 By submitting an application, you agree not to disclose to Samsung—or encourage Samsung to use—any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to a current or former employer or other entity.

* Please visit Samsung membership to see Privacy Policy, which defaults according to your location. You can change Country/Language at the bottom of the page. If you are European Economic Resident, please click here.

* Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and its subsidiaries are committed to employing a diverse workforce, and  provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Key Skills
? Key Skills in dark blue have been inferred based on similar industry roles
Defect Inspection Tools Root Cause Analysis Statistical Process Control (SPC) Design Of Experiments (DOE) Data Analysis Klarity Defect (or Similar) Failure Analysis Inline Inspection Methodology React Strategy

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