Internship Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Ridgefield, WA

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Senior Scientist / Formulator CMP (Chemical Mechanical Planarization)

About ChEmpower Corporation

ChEmpower Corporation is a venture-backed semiconductor materials startup based in Hillsboro, Oregon, focused on developing next-generation abrasive-free CMP (Chemical Mechanical Planarization) solutions for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. As a commercial-stage and growing company, ChEmpower is advancing innovative polishing pad and consumables technologies designed to improve yield, process stability, sustainability, and manufacturing efficiency for advanced chip fabrication.

ChEmpower is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization committed to empowering change through innovation, collaboration, and excellence. We foster a culture of integrity, inclusivity, and continuous improvement, and are seeking talented individuals who share our values and are excited to help scale transformative semiconductor manufacturing technologies.

Position Summary

ChEmpower is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist/Formulator with a strong start-up mindset and a passion for hands-on laboratory work. This role supports the Product Development organization by driving new products through the early stages of the stage-gate development process.

The position involves formulation development, experimental design, data analysis, polishing evaluation, and metrology characterization to support the creation of innovative polish solutions and pad chemistries for advanced semiconductor applications. The ideal candidate should be comfortable operating in a dynamic R&D environment with evolving priorities and rapidly changing test conditions.

Responsibilities include laboratory bench work involving chemical formulation, polishing tool operation, metrology analysis, and interpretation of experimental data. The candidate will work collaboratively across disciplines while also demonstrating the ability to independently design and execute test plans, analyze results, and present findings during internal technical reviews.

This role is based in Hillsboro, Oregon, with periodic travel to external application labs and R&D centers within the United States.

Position Relationships

Reports To:

VP, New Product Development

Direct Reports:

None currently; the team is expected to expand over the next two years.

Other Relationships:

Cross-functional collaboration may include dotted-line interactions across engineering, applications, operations, and business functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and formulate innovative CMP polishing solutions and pad chemistries for advanced semiconductor applications.
• Design and execute experiments, including DOE-based studies, to evaluate formulation and process performance.
• Operate CMP polishing equipment and support associated process development activities.
• Perform laboratory bench work including preparation and mixing of chemical formulations.
• Conduct metrology characterization including film thickness, defectivity, and surface analysis measurements.
• Analyze experimental data and provide technical feedback to R&D and product development teams.
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, and presentations for internal review meetings.
• Develop and maintain detailed test plans, run sheets, and experimental documentation.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in process development, applications, and engineering.
• Support scale-up activities and technology transfer efforts as products advance toward commercialization.
• Contribute to a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

Essential Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, or related discipline.
• 2–5 years of research or industry experience in CMP, semiconductor materials, chemical formulations, or related fields.
• Exceptional PhD candidates with relevant postdoctoral experience may also be considered.
• Understanding of CMP processes, slurry chemistries, and pad/film surface interactions.
• Experience formulating chemical products and evaluating the effects of additives on performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with metrology tools and characterization techniques is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with electrochemical instrumentation is a plus.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to transparency and teamwork.
• Results-oriented with a strong sense of urgency and ownership.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Passion for working in a fast-paced startup environment and willingness to wear multiple hats.
• Familiarity with formulation scale-up and manufacturing transition activities.
• Experience with filtration technologies is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with CMP polishing tools and process integration.
• Experience with DOE methodologies and statistical analysis tools.
• Creative and innovative mindset with strong technical curiosity.
• Flexible and adaptable with the ability to respond quickly to changing priorities.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package
• Attractive stock options
• 15 vacation days right from the start in addition to company holidays
• Opportunity to help shape next-generation semiconductor manufacturing technology
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Professional growth and leadership opportunities
• Exposure to cutting-edge CMP innovation and commercialization
• Flexible and dynamic startup culture

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Hillsboro, Oregon

Start Date: Immediate