Senior Scientist

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Merck Group and EMD Electronics seek a Senior Scientist in San Jose to own the development and optimization of ALD and CVD processes that shape next generation semiconductor technologies. You will translate complex materials challenges into robust solutions, conduct root cause analyses, interpret datasets with rigor, and clearly communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders while maintaining a safe, audit ready lab and potentially leading small projects. Requirements: MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or related field, with 3+ years post graduate experience for PhD candidates or 6+ years for MS candidates in ALD/CVD. Preferred: precursor design for ALD/ASD, vacuum equipment, DoE and SPC, and advanced thin film characterization; strong customer focus and cross functional collaboration. Pay range $138k–$207k plus benefits. To apply, tailor your resume to emphasize hands on deposition, problem solving, clear communication, and collaboration with customers and internal teams.

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Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.  

Everything we do in EMD Electronics is to help us deliver on our purpose of being the company behind the companies, advancing digital living. We are dedicated to being the trusted supplier of high-tech materials, services and specialty chemicals for the electronics, automotive and cosmetics industries. We foster a global collaborative organization made up of individuals who have the passion to win, obsess about the customer, are relentlessly curious and act with urgency. Together, we push the boundaries of science to make more possible for our customers.

Your Role

At the frontier of semiconductor materials innovation, you will own the development and optimization of ALD and CVD processes that directly shape next-generation semiconductor technologies. Drawing on deep specialized expertise, you will translate complex process and materials challenges into robust solutions — resolving non-routine issues, conducting root cause analysis, and interpreting complex datasets with rigor and autonomy. You will serve as a recognized technical resource: communicating findings clearly to internal and external stakeholders, collaborating cross-functionally to address customer application needs, and contributing to the technical direction of the team. You will also uphold a safe, audit-ready laboratory environment and may lead small technical projects end to end.

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related science or engineering discipline.
• Ph.D. candidates: 3 or more years of hands-on post-graduate experience in ALD, CVD, semiconductor materials, or process technology development.
• M.S. candidates: 6 or more years of hands-on post-graduate experience in ALD, CVD, semiconductor materials, or process technology development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with precursor selection or design for ALD or Area Selective Deposition (ASD) processing, including oxide, nitride, and metal ALD.
• Hands-on experience with vacuum equipment and a strong background in thin film deposition, surface science, and basic semiconductor integration.
• Familiarity with process development methodologies such as DoE and Statistical Process Control (SPC), including statistical analysis.
• Working knowledge of thin-film characterization techniques such as XRR, XRD, XRF, Ellipsometry, Auger spectroscopy, SIMS, RBS, or XPS.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems with rigor; strong customer orientation and direct customer engagement experience.

US Pay Range for this position – $138,000–$207,000

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!