Job Summary

              The Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment Expert is responsible for the strategic sourcing and qualification of highly specialized equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing processes such as deposition, etching, lithography, and metrology. The role requires technical expertise in semiconductor equipment and processes to ensure that sourced equipment meets performance, cost, and reliability standards. The expert will work closely with module engineering, industrial engineering, and manufacturing teams to qualify new equipment, evaluate and qualify suppliers to optimize equipment cost, performance, and delivery timelines.

Key Responsibility

1. Sourcing of Semiconductor Equipment: 
   1. Identify and evaluate suppliers of semiconductor manufacturing equipment
   2. Conduct market research to identify cutting-edge equipment technologies that could enhance manufacturing capabilities and drive cost efficiencies.
   3. Build and maintain a network of reliable equipment suppliers with a focus on innovation, cost reduction, and long-term partnerships.
2. Equipment Qualification:
   1. Lead the technical qualification and validation of new semiconductor equipment, ensuring it meets the process specifications.
   2. Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to conduct performance testing, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).
   3. Work with suppliers to ensure equipment meets operational requirements and is integrated into the production line seamlessly.
3. Supplier Evaluation and Selection:
   1. Conduct technical audits of potential equipment suppliers, evaluating their manufacturing capabilities, quality control processes, and after-sales support.
   2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to select equipment suppliers based on technical merit, reliability, and support capabilities.
   3. Develop long-term supplier relationships to ensure continuous support, timely equipment upgrades, and access to new technologies.
4. Cost Management and Negotiation Support:
   1. Support commercial sourcing team on negotiations with suppliers to secure the best warranty terms and service agreements for semiconductor equipment.
   2. Develop the total Cost of Ownership (CoO) models to assess the long-term financial impact of equipment purchases, considering factors such as maintenance, downtime, and operational expenses.
   3. Work closely with commercial sourcing, industrial engineering, module engineering, and finance teams to optimize capital expenditure (CapEx) related to equipment sourcing.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
   1. Work closely with process engineering, industrial engineering, module engineering, manufacturing, and R&D teams to ensure equipment specifications align with production requirements.
   2. Support New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts by sourcing and qualifying equipment necessary for new semiconductor processes.
6. Risk Management:
   1. Identify risks related to equipment sourcing, such as supply chain disruptions, technological obsolescence, or vendor reliability issues.
7. Technology and Market Research:
   1. Stay informed about emerging technologies, industry trends, and advancements in semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
   2. Evaluate new technologies and their potential impact on manufacturing efficiency, cost savings, and process innovation.
8. Compliance and Standards:
   1. Ensure that all sourced equipment complies with industry standards (e.g., SEMI, ISO, SECS GEM…) and regulatory requirements (e.g., environmental and safety).
   2. Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure that all equipment procurement contracts meet corporate policies and regulatory requirements.
9. Continuous Improvement and CoO Optimization:
   1. Identify opportunities for CoO reduction, process improvement, and increased equipment efficiency.

Qualification

• Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field. An advanced degree (e.g., MBA) or certification in supply chain management (e.g., CPSM) is a plus.

Technical Skill:

Technical Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes and the equipment required to support front-end or back-end fabrication.
• Knowledge of equipment qualification procedures, including Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and reliability testing.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as SEMI and ISO, as well as regulatory requirements related to semiconductor equipment.

Skills:

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills, with experience securing favorable terms for capital equipment purchases is a plus.
• Excellent project management skills to oversee multiple equipment sourcing and qualification projects.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Proficient in supply chain management software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

Others

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally for supplier audits, equipment testing, and installation oversight.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess equipment performance data and make informed sourcing decisions.

Competencies