Independent Contractor Semiconductor Device Engineer Jobs

Title:
Semiconductor Device Engineer
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
Why Join Us?

• Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.

• Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.

• Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

We are seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Semiconductor Device Engineer to join our team researching Ga-polar and N-polar Gallium Nitride devices. This entry-level role (0-2 years of experience) is designed for an engineer with a strong foundation in semiconductor physics and a desire to work directly in a cleanroom environment. In this role, you will bridge the gap between virtual modeling and physical realization by performing TCAD simulations, fabricating test structures in our state-of-the-art cleanroom, conducting DC/RF electrical testing, and inspecting devices using advanced microscopy. You will work closely with senior engineers to accelerate technology development and optimize device performance.
Key Responsibilities:
• Cleanroom Fabrication & Process Support: Spend active time in the cleanroom environment assisting with process steps, managing test runs, and operating fabrication equipment (e.g., photolithography, wet/dry etching, thin-film deposition).
• Device Simulation (TCAD): Utilize TCAD simulation tools (e.g., Synopsys Sentaurus, Silvaco) under the guidance of senior engineers to model basic device physics, predict electrical behaviors, and guide physical experiments.
• Electrical Characterization (DC & RF): Set up and execute parametric electrical testing. Perform DC measurements (I-V, C-V) and RF/high-frequency measurements (S-parameters) using manual or semi-automated probe stations, parameter analyzers, and network analyzers.
• Microscopy & Metrology: Conduct physical characterization and failure analysis on fabricated devices using advanced microscopy tools, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and optical microscopes.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Compile, analyze, and present experimental data. Compare electrical measurements against TCAD simulation results to identify discrepancies and suggest device improvements.
• Documentation & Safety compliance: Maintain rigorous documentation of cleanroom runs, testing protocols, and safety procedures.
Work Environment:

• Location: On-Site
• Travel Requirements: Minimal 0-20%
• Working Hours: Standard

Required Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Nanoengineering, or a closely related engineering field.
Experience: 0 to 2 years of hands-on cleanroom experience (can include undergraduate research, senior capstone design projects, or internships)
Fabrication Skills: Familiarity with standard cleanroom protocols, safety standards, and basic microfabrication processing techniques.
Testing & Metrology:
• Basic experience with semiconductor parametric testing equipment (e.g., source measure units, lock-in amplifiers).
• Hands-on experience or coursework exposure to DC/RF electrical characterization concepts.
• Direct experience operating optical microscopes; exposure to SEM or AFM is highly desirable.
Simulation & Software: Exposure to TCAD simulation software (e.g., Sentaurus, Silvaco, or COMSOL) through coursework or academic projects.
Communication & Teamwork: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an eagerness to learn from senior mentors and collaborate in a fast-paced laboratory setting.
Security Clearance: Must possess the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government clearance. Public Trust clearance required.
Desired Qualifications:
Hands-on experience with Ga-polar and N-polar Gallium Nitride device modeling and fabrication.
Experience using scripting languages (such as Python or MATLAB) to automate data extraction, instrumentation control, or analyze large testing datasets.
Prior internship in a semiconductor lab or an academic cleanroom facility.
Familiarity with calibration techniques for RF testing.
Experience interpreting cross-sectional SEM images and surface topography profiles from AFM.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.