Job Description

Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location — employees join together to improve the world.

Explore what’s possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning “science fiction” into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.

Step into the future. SkyWater’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees — and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds.

Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!

Special Projects Execution and Consultant (SPEC) Equipment Engineer
Primary Objective:
Reporting directly to the Equipment Operations Sr. Manager, the SPEC Engineer serves as the strategic driver for large-scale equipment lifecycle events and continuous improvement initiatives within SkyWater. This position leads cross-functional teams through complex tool installations, asset relocations, and capital engineering projects. The primary objective is to execute strategic initiatives that maximize equipment availability, drive lean operational efficiencies, and realize significant cost savings for SkyWater. Based on scale, this position may have people leadership responsibilities.
Major Areas of Accountability:
• Project Execution: Lead end-to-end semiconductor tool installations, de-installations, and facility relocations, ensuring strict adherence to SkyWater’s safety, installation, deinstallation, and relocation protocols with respect to timelines and cleanroom protocols.
• Availability & Efficiency Optimization: Design and implement large-scale engineering projects aimed at improving fleet Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), extending Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), and reducing unplanned downtime across the fab.
• Cost & ROI Management: Identify and execute cost-reduction initiatives, focusing on consumable optimization, component rebuild strategies, utility consumption, and spare parts inventory efficiency to benefit SkyWater's bottom line.
• Matrix Leadership: Direct cross-functional project teams comprising equipment engineers, facilities personnel, shift technicians, and process engineers to achieve project milestones without relying on formal direct authority.
• Vendor Integration: Oversee original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and third-party contractor performance during project execution to ensure adherence to statements of work, budgets, and SkyWater site standards.
• Strategic Planning: Partner with the Equipment Operations Manager/Director and operational leadership to build data-driven business cases for capital expenditures (CapEx) and operational expenditures (OpEx) that align with factory capacity demands.
• Change Control & Documentation: Ensure all project phases are rigorously documented, maintaining alignment with site compliance, safety standards, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) prior to releasing tools to SkyWater production.
Required Qualifications
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
• Industry Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in semiconductor equipment engineering, maintenance, or direct fab operations.
• Project Management: Proven track record of managing complex capital equipment projects from initial scoping and funding through facility hook-up, qualification, and release to production.
• Technical Acumen: Deep understanding of semiconductor processing equipment (e.g., Etch, Lithography, CMP, Thin Films) and their associated sub-fab and facility requirements.
• Leadership Capability: Strong ability to influence, negotiate, and lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating the foundational skills required for future people management at SkyWater.
• Process Improvement: Practical familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and structured problem-solving (e.g., 8D, KT, DMAIC) to systematically drive out technical debt.

The annual salary range for this role is $158,960 - $238,440. Pay offered is based on many factors, including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate.

SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well as other employee financial benefits, including 401k match, and life insurance.
Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site fitness facility, and an on-site self-serve market.
SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. To request reasonable accommodations, to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or Recruiting@SkyWatertechnology.com.
EOE, including disability/vets
We will never ask applicants to pay fees, purchase equipment or gift cards, or provide financial information before a formal offer of employment has been accepted. If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to represent our company, please verify its authenticity by contacting our recruitment team at recruiting@skywatertechnology.com before responding.