Introduction
At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what's next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You'l collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.
Your role and responsibilities
Tactical Engineer - AWS Night Shift (N1 Team)
This position is for a 12-hour AWS Night Shift Tactical Engineer, N1 Team ((e/e Saturday through Tuesday, 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM).
The Tactical Engineer - Fab Operations plays a critical role in ensuring the successful operation and continuous improvement of IBM's 300mm semiconductor research line. This position serves as the primary technical and operational lead during off-shift hours, driving rapid problem resolution, equipment recovery, throughput execution, and operational excellence across multiple research fabs.
The successful candidate will leverage semiconductor manufacturing expertise to identify operational challenges, coordinate cross-functional recovery efforts, and implement solutions that improve fab performance, equipment availability, cycle time, and manufacturing efficiency. Working closely with Equipment Engineering, Process Engineering, Facilities, Tool Owners, and Fab Operations teams, the Tactical Engineer will establish operational priorities, drive execution against manufacturing objectives, and proactively identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
This role requires strong technical troubleshooting skills, sound operational judgment, data-driven decision making, and the ability to influence and coordinate activities across multiple organizations. The position offers the opportunity to work within a world-class semiconductor research environment responsible for developing future technologies and advancing next-generation process nodes.
Key Responsibilities
Fab Leadership and Operations
- Maintain a strong fab presence, spending 80% or more of work time in the cleanroom environment.
- Serve as the primary tactical lead during off-shift hours, coordinating activities required to meet fab operational objectives and program deliverables.
- Drive execution of daily manufacturing priorities to support throughput, cycle time, yield, quality, and productivity goals.
- Establish and communicate priorities based on engineering, operational, and business requirements.
- Act as the central point of coordination and escalation for operational issues impacting fab performance.
- Provide real-time decision-making and resource coordination to minimize disruptions to line operations.
Technical Problem Solving and Equipment Recovery
- Lead troubleshooting and recovery activities for priority-down semiconductor processing equipment.
- Coordinate cross-functional response efforts involving Equipment Engineering, Facilities, Tool Owners, and Operations personnel.
- Analyze equipment, process, and operational issues to identify root causes and drive corrective actions.
- Monitor equipment status, alarms, and operational constraints that impact fab performance.
- Support rapid recovery efforts to maximize tool availability and manufacturing output.
Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence
- Drive initiatives focused on improving safety, quality, productivity, and operational efficiency.
- Identify opportunities to improve workflows, communication processes, and operational procedures.
- Utilize manufacturing metrics and operational data to support decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
- Recommend and implement sustainable solutions that improve fab performance and capacity.
Collaboration and Communication
- Work effectively across IBM, NY CREATES, equipment vendors, and partner organizations while respecting established rules of engagement.
- Build strong collaborative relationships across engineering, operations, facilities, and technology teams.
- Communicate operational priorities, risks, recovery plans, and status updates to stakeholders and leadership.
- Support team development through knowledge sharing, mentoring, and operational training activities.
Operational Ownership
- Support critical hardware movement, wafer logistics, and fab support systems.
- Monitor operational metrics and identify trends impacting throughput, cycle time, and equipment performance.
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards.
- Contribute technical expertise toward research line optimization and future technology development initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Associate degree in Engineering, Electronics Technology, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 2 years of semiconductor manufacturing, equipment, process, facilities, or fab operations experience.
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing or semiconductor environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Word.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to independently prioritize work and coordinate activities across multiple organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under pressure in support of operational objectives.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of semiconductor manufacturing, semiconductor equipment, or fab operations experience.
- Experience supporting 300mm semiconductor manufacturing environments.
- Knowledge of semiconductor process equipment, facilities systems, and advanced fab operations.
- Experience utilizing manufacturing metrics, operational dashboards, and data analysis to improve performance.
- Demonstrated leadership through influence, collaboration, and operational execution.
- Experience coordinating equipment recovery efforts and managing manufacturing priorities during off-shift operations.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. for FOUP handling and operational support activities.
- Three professional work references.
Required technical and professional expertise
- Exposure to Hardware Development: Familiarity with designing, developing, testing, and delivering hardware offerings using the latest technologies, including experience with design documentation such as Functional Specifications and high-level design documents.
- Understanding of Quality and Reliability: Knowledge of testing functional and RAS aspects of implementations, identifying and fixing defects, and providing end-to-end solutions and issue resolution in customer environments.
- Experience with Semiconductor Technology: Familiarity with semiconductor technology fab operation, including corrective and preventive actions, quality audits, nonconforming materials management, inventory management, and failure analysis.
- Exposure to Collaboration with Suppliers: Experience working with external suppliers/vendors to ensure quality systems meet market needs.
- Understanding of Manufacturing Process Qualification: Familiarity with product and manufacturing process qualification, OEM quality assurance, and manufacturing quality support.
Preferred technical and professional experience
- Familiarity with Advanced Semiconductor Technologies: Exposure to emerging trends and innovations in semiconductor technology fab operation, including new materials, processes, and equipment. Understanding of how these advancements can improve product quality, yield, and reliability.
- Knowledge of Industry-Specific Quality Standards: Familiarity with industry-specific quality standards and regulations, such as those related to aerospace, automotive, or medical devices. Understanding of how to apply these standards to ensure compliance and quality in semiconductor technology fab operation.
- Experience with Data Analysis Tools: Exposure to data analysis tools and techniques used in semiconductor technology fab operation, including statistical process control, data visualization, and predictive analytics. Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform quality and reliability decisions.
IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.