Senior Staff Process Engineer (Metallization)

About Syenta 

Syenta is pioneering a new era in semiconductor manufacturing with our groundbreaking Localised Electrochemical Manufacturing (LEM) technology. Our manufacturing products build cutting edge advanced packaging for the semiconductor industry by combining patterning and metallization into a single tool. We do that by achieving high-speed, high-resolution metallization at significantly lower costs and energy use, while minimizing emissions and waste. 

Founded in Australia, our growing footprint in the US represents a key milestone in our journey. We are building a world-class team where seasoned engineers and ambitious emerging talent collaborate to solve some of the toughest challenges in semiconductor manufacturing. 

About the Role 

We are seeking a  Staff or Senior Staff Process Engineer (Metallization) to lead the development and optimization of Syenta’s core LEM metallisation processes. This is a hands-on, high-impact role working at the heart of our technology — bridging experimental R&D, process engineering, and early-stage manufacturing. 

You will take ownership of designing and executing experiments, improving process performance, and translating learnings into robust, repeatable workflows. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will play a key role in advancing our prototype systems toward scalable production. 

Responsibilities 

Electroplating Process Ownership 

• Own the development and performance of electroplating processes within Syenta’s LEM platform 

• Develop and refine electrolyte chemistries, including optimization of additive systems (suppressors, accelerators, levellers, inhibitors) 

• Define electrochemical deposition windows that balance performance, repeatability, and manufacturability 

• Drive improvements in film properties including adhesion, stress, microstructure, uniformity, and defectivity 

Process Development & Optimization

• Design and execute structured experiments (DOE, parameter sweeps) across tightly coupled chemical and process variables 

• Optimize deposition conditions (e.g. current density, waveform, transport effects) to improve yield and consistency 

• Establish process control strategies, acceptance criteria, and repeatability standards 

• Translate experimental results into actionable process improvements 

Defect Analysis & Process Improvement 

• Investigate plating defects such as voids, seams, roughness, non-uniformity, stress cracking, and adhesion failures 

• Correlate defects to chemistry, interfaces, transport, waveform, and tool behaviour 

• Implement corrective actions to improve process robustness and reduce variability 

• Build mechanistic understanding to support long-term stability and scalability 

Scale-Up & Manufacturing Integration 

• Translate lab-scale processes into stable, repeatable manufacturing workflows 

• Support process transfer to pilot lines and external fabrication partners 

• Identify and mitigate risks related to yield, cost, and scalability 

• Contribute to process standardisation and documentation for manufacturing readiness 

Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Act as a subject matter expert in electroplating and electrochemistry within the organisation 

• Mentor junior engineers and technicians, sharing practical process intuition and best practices 

• Work closely with materials, hardware, and product teams to integrate metallisation processes into the broader system 

• Contribute to technical roadmap discussions and influence decisions on process strategy and product performance 

Requirements 

• Ph.D. or equivalent industry experience in Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering 

• 8–15+ years of hands-on experience in electroplating or electrochemical process development 

• Strong experience with copper electroplating or similar metal deposition systems 

• Background in semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, or related high-precision industries 

• Proven ability to solve complex process and defect-related challenges 

• Strong experimental design (DOE), data analysis, and problem-solving capabilities 

• Experience working in laboratory and/or cleanroom environments 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in semiconductor fabs (FEOL/BEOL plating, RDL, bumping) or OSAT environments 

• Experience scaling processes from R&D through to manufacturing 

• Familiarity with metrology and characterisation tools (SEM, profilometry, electrical testing) 

• Experience working with prototype or custom-built hardware systems 

• Exposure to adjacent industries (PCB, MEMS, surface finishing) with relevance to high-resolution systems

Why Choose Syenta? 

We’re building a team that values deep technical expertise, ownership, and rapid iteration. At Syenta, you’ll work on core electrochemistry challenges that directly shape our technology, not incremental optimization on existing systems. 

What We Offer 

Salary Range: US $140k – $190k (negotiable) 

• Early-stage equity opportunities 

• Potential 401(k) and other benefits 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage plans, supported by Company 

• Professional Growth – We’re scaling fast, so responsibilities can expand significantly in tandem with the business 

• Team Events – Annual company event in Australia to collaborate and celebrate 

• Work-Life Balance – Flexible leave policies and an understanding that meaningful work can coexist with a fulfilling personal life 

• 15 days PTO and 10 days sick leave 

Syenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.