Job Description
Onsemi is seeking a Defect Inspection Manager in our Hopewell Junction, NY, who is responsible for driving world-class defect detection, yield performance, and quality outcomes across semiconductor manufacturing operations. This role leads the strategy and execution of defect inspection systems while championing continuous improvement initiatives that directly impact die yield, line yield, and product quality.
A key focus of the role is improving operational responsiveness and efficiency by reducing Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and Mean Time to Respond (MTTR) to defect excursions, enabling faster containment, root cause resolution, and sustained process control.
Defect Inspection Strategy & Continuous Improvement
- Develop and continuously refine defect inspection strategies aligned to critical yield and quality KPIs, including die yield, line yield, and defect density (D0)
- Establish and optimize inspection coverage and sampling plans to maximize detection sensitivity while improving cycle time and cost efficiency
- Drive systematic reduction of escapees and latent defects through improved detection methodologies
KPI Ownership & Yield Performance
- Own and drive improvements in die yield, line yield, and overall fab quality metrics
- Translate defect pareto trends into actionable improvement plans that reduce yield loss
- Partner with yield and integration teams to accelerate yield ramps and sustain mature node performance
- Establish leading indicators tied to defectivity and proactively manage excursions before yield impact
MTTD / MTTR Optimization
- Lead initiatives to reduce Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) by enhancing real-time monitoring, inspection coverage, and excursion detection algorithms
- Drive reduction in Mean Time to Respond (MTTR) through improved workflows, escalation protocols, and cross-functional coordination
- Implement automation, advanced data analytics, and alerting systems to enable rapid issue identification and containment
- Standardize response frameworks to improve speed and consistency of defect resolution
Tool Ownership & Process Efficiency
- Oversee performance and optimization of inspection tools (optical, SEM, and defect review systems)
- Improve tool utilization, recipe efficiency, and throughput without compromising sensitivity
- Identify and implement opportunities for process simplification and cycle time reduction across inspection workflows
- Collaborate with suppliers to deploy next-generation inspection capabilities
Defect Analysis & Systematic Problem Solving
- Lead structured root cause analysis for defect-related excursions using methodologies such as SPC, DOE, and fault isolation
- Differentiate between systematic and random defects and deploy targeted elimination strategies
- Drive closure of chronic defect issues through cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives
Data Analytics & Digital Transformation
- Build and leverage data pipelines, dashboards, and advanced analytics to monitor defect trends and KPI performance
- Utilize statistical and machine learning techniques to predict defect excursions and optimize inspection strategies
- Enable real-time visibility into fab health through automated reporting systems
Team Leadership & Capability Building
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of engineers and technicians focused on yield, quality and operational excellence
- Foster a culture of accountability, urgency, and continuous improvement
- Build organizational capability in data-driven decision making and problem-solving
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with process, equipment, integration, yield, and quality teams to drive holistic improvements
- Support rapid containment and resolution of customer-impacting quality issues
- Influence fab-wide operational strategies related to defect reduction and efficiency improvement
Required Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)
- 5–12+ years of semiconductor manufacturing experience with a strong emphasis on defect inspection and yield engineering
- Demonstrated track record of improving yield and quality KPIs
Preferred Skills & Expertise
- 3–5+ years of leadership experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment
- Deep understanding of semiconductor defect mechanisms and process interactions
- Experience with inspection platforms (KLA, Applied Materials, Hitachi, etc.)
- Strong experience driving MTTD/MTTR reductions in a manufacturing environment
- Proficiency in data analytics tools (JMP, Python, SQL, MATLAB)
- Expertise in SPC, DOE, and advanced statistical methods
- Familiarity with automation, AI/ML applications in defect detection, and smart manufacturing systems
onsemi (Nasdaq: ON) is driving disruptive innovations to help build a better future. With a focus on automotive and industrial end-markets, the company is accelerating change in megatrends such as vehicle electrification and safety, sustainable energy grids, industrial automation, and 5G and cloud infrastructure. With a highly differentiated and innovative product portfolio, onsemi creates intelligent power and sensing technologies that solve the world’s most complex challenges and leads the way in creating a safer, cleaner, and smarter world.
