ChEmpower is a Venture backed Semiconductor Materials startup based in the Pacific Northwest in Portland, Oregon.  ChEmpower is developing abrasive-free technology for use in chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of advanced semiconductor devices.  We envision the futuristic CMP to be a holistic planarization process that uses no abrasives and is environmentally sustainable.

Backed by strong and committed investors, ChEmpower is on a sound financial footing to support its research and development activities.  ChEmpower has secured R&D and applications development partnerships with top tier partners and is actively seeking strong and highly motivated candidates to fill up various open positions.  We are specifically looking at individuals that share the passion of innovation and are unafraid of navigating unchartered waters.  Out of the box thinking is a requirement as is experience in CMP (chemical mechanical planarization) of copper-based processes.  We are especially looking for the right personality and deep technical skills that will help strengthen the existing team and help execute far and beyond.  

ChEmpower offers an attractive compensation package that is highly competitive and inclusive of an attractive stock option plan.  Our benefits package will include a health plan and a 401K plan.  Additionally, we offer sick leave, vacation plan and holidays in conjunction to a flexible work style.  We offer relocation for candidates needing to relocate to Portland, Oregon.

We are currently in stealth mode and have a simplistic webpage (www.chempower-corp.com) for now.

We are looking for a Masters/PhD level chemical engineer, material scientist/engineer or individual from a related sciences discipline with a strong background in CMP technology, process design and development to develop an abrasive free planarization process for copper films-based applications. 

This position will focus on characterizing the consumables such as polish pads and solutions, conducting controlled DOE experiments (design of experiments) and optimizing the design variables to develop a process for commercial polish tools such as the Applied and Ebara.  As such, this position is a customer-facing role with a key mandate to integrate customer requirements into the ChEmpower development initiative, that in collaboration with OEM partners will formulate a best-known solution for copper CMP.  This is a multidisciplinary role that clearly articulates the customer requirements and provides inputs into the definition of the product resulting in a process that constitutes the ChEmpower solution to an end customer application. 

The candidate is expected to develop novel and exciting ideas for filing patents, developing trade secrets, and thus strengthening the IP position of ChEmpower.

The position requires a strong start-up mindset and an understanding that developed processes need to be productized timely.  The R&D efforts will be channelled through a Product Development stage gate process that requires an interactive work style.  The job will require gathering new market intelligence with the changing trends and challenges in the marketplace.  This requires building strong relationships with sales partners and customers alike.  This role serves the marketing function at the early stages of the product development, as well as the sales function upon product launch.  The position is most desirably based at our head office in Portland, Oregon but could be remote.  There will be travel to Application labs that the company will have access to, such would be in the US.

PhD degree with 3+ years research experience (or Master’s degree with 5-8 years’ experience) in chemical engineering, chemistry or material science and engineering.

Deep knowledge of metal CMP process especially copper, understanding of the different slurry chemistries and pads used and the metrology required for measurements on patterned (device) wafers.  Hands on experience working with commercial 300mm polishers, either Applied or Ebara, and associated metrology is a must. 

Interest and passion to work in a start-up environment.

Strong analytical skills.

Team player who enjoys working in a cross functional team.  Collaborative work style is a must. Willing to wear multiple hats in a start-up environment.

High integrity and ethical standards. Must maintain trust, mutual respect and ability to work in a diverse workplace.

Demonstrate leadership with ownership of tasks.

Results oriented.

Innovative thinking with a creative mindset.

Sense of urgency and commitment to delivering on time. Quickly transition to changing priorities.

Maintain transparency and open communications all the time.

Excellent verbal and written communications.

Strong presentation skills.

Willing to travel (30-40% time, as needed) for work.

Be flexible and be able to respond to urgent matters from time to time. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.