Semiconductor Sustaining Engineer

The role

We are looking for a Semiconductor Sustaining Engineer to support the evening-shift operations at the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre (CPFC). The incumbent will sustain and optimize III-V semiconductor fabrication processes within a production cleanroom environment, supporting client-driven projects and ensuring process stability, documentation integrity, and operational continuity.

This role requires strong technical troubleshooting capability, collaboration with engineering and operations teams, and the ability to provide technical guidance and support to junior staff. The successful candidate will contribute to process robustness, continuous improvement initiatives, and adherence to cleanroom and occupational health and safety standards.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physical Sciences, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering or applied science discipline.

A PhD or Master’s in one of these disciplines will be considered an asset.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Extensive** and recent*** hands-on experience in semiconductor device fabrication within an industrial production cleanroom environment.
• Extensive** experience sustaining and optimizing III-V semiconductor fabrication processes, including troubleshooting, process stability, and yield improvement.
• Significant* hands-on experience in at least one of the following core process areas:
  • • Dielectric deposition, and/or etch (including III-V etch),
    • Metallization,
    • Lithography and/or metrology.
      
      
• Significant* experience integrating multiple fabrication steps within a semiconductor device flow, with demonstrated understanding of cross-process interactions and their impact on yield and performance.
• Significant* experience using MES and DOE data to support process monitoring, variation control, and decision-making.
  
  

*Significant experience is defined as experience of three (3) to five (5) years.
**Extensive experience is defined as experience of at least seven (7) years.
***Recent: Within the last two (2) years)

Condition of employment

• Reliability Status (for a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required).
• Must be eligible for the Controlled Goods program (training provided).
• Willingness and ability to work with hazardous materials (e.g., III-V semiconductor compounds) in a cleanroom/laboratory environment.

Language requirements

English 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Demonstrated hands-on knowledge of on III-V semiconductor fabrication processes (dielectric deposition/etch, metallization, and/or lithography/metrology).
• Demonstrated ability to sustain and optimize semiconductor fabrication processes, ensuring process stability, repeatability, and yield through effective execution and application of data-driven methodologies such as SPC, DoE, and MES.
• Solid knowledge of troubleshooting methodologies, including investigation of process deviations or tool instability, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Demonstrated knowledge of III-V semiconductor process integration, including the impact of process variations on downstream steps, device performance, and yield.
• Solid knowledge of cleanroom safety practices, including safe handling of chemicals, compressed gases, and fabrication equipment, in accordance with established operational and health and safety procedures.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Research

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-3/RCO-4 level, which is a mid-career level position with a salary range of $119,688 to $168,192. 

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level.  As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• This position requires to work the evening shift. 
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• The incumbent is expected to work in a clean room laboratory environment and follow the established health and safety guidelines.
• Willingness to work with hazardous materials and/or situations.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.