Lead Scientist, Formulation (Semiconductor)

Location: Aurora, Illinois, United States; the role is based in a facility and includes up to 10% travel to customer sites and global technology or manufacturing locations.

Salary: $124,000–$150,000 per year, dependent on skills and experience.

Company

Materials and technology organization developing formulated solutions and process technologies for semiconductor manufacturing.

What you will do

• Establish structure-property-performance relationships for abrasive particles, oxidizers, inhibitors, complexing agents, polymers, surfactants, dispersants, and cleaning additives.
• Develop mechanistic understanding of material removal, selectivity, defectivity, corrosion, residue and particle removal, surface modification, and formulation stability.
• Design and direct statistically robust experiments using DOE and multivariate analysis, integrating wafer, coupon, analytical, and formulation data.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for slurry, cleaning, process, equipment, scale-up, and customer-performance issues.
• Partner with Cleanroom Engineering and Chief Solutions Designers on CMP and pCMP evaluations, technical customer packages, qualification, scale-up, technology transfer, and New Product Introduction.
• Mentor scientists, engineers, and technicians; influence technical direction; support intellectual property creation; and maintain strong EHS, chemical-handling, quality, and documentation practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Surface Science, or a related field plus at least 5 years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree plus at least 7 years; or a Bachelor’s degree plus at least 9 years. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Hands-on experience in CMP slurry development, pCMP cleaning development, CMP process development, wet etch formulations, or closely related semiconductor surface-processing technology.
• Knowledge of surface chemistry, colloid and interfacial science, particle behavior under polishing, chemical-mechanical interactions, corrosion control, residue removal, and defect mechanisms.
• Working knowledge of electrochemistry for minimizing or eliminating corrosion on metal layers.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis tools such as JMP or Minitab for screening DOEs, predictive models, and stable formulation design spaces.
• Basic knowledge of current AI tools and comfort using in-house AI agents.
• Experience connecting formulation composition and process conditions to removal rate, selectivity, defects, surface quality, cleaning efficiency, and product robustness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting technically complex information in English to global teams and customers.
• Strong commitment to laboratory safety, data integrity, intellectual property protection, and disciplined technical documentation.

Nice to have

• Experience with semiconductor materials including metals, dielectrics, barrier or liner films, and advanced interconnect materials.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative, values-driven environment emphasizing People, Accountability, Creativity, and Excellence.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible work schedule, 11 paid holidays, and paid time off.
• Education assistance and support for professional learning.
• No immigration-related sponsorship is available for this role, including H1B, TN, and STEM OPT sponsorship.