Senior Research Methodologist Jobs in California

Join UCT and be part of the fastest-growing sector in the world! We indirectly touch every semiconductor chip that goes into every smartphone, smart car, and device that uses artificial intelligence.This is a critical time for the semiconductor industry and for UCT - as technology evolves, we evolve with it. UCT is a diverse workplace where every talented employee is committed to continuous innovation, challenging the status quo and exceeding customer expectations. If you are a person with a relentless drive to succeed, a strong focus on quality with a passion for success – join us today! 

UCT is looking for a talented Senior Research Chemist/Scientist to join us in Fremont, CA!

The Senior Research Chemist/Scientist leads advanced research, formulation, and characterization activities that enable new materials, chemistries, and process innovations for semiconductor manufacturing. This role designs and executes complex experiments, interprets data with scientific rigor, and partners with Process Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality to transition new chemistries into production. The Senior Scientist drives technology readiness, solves highimpact technical challenges, and contributes to innovation pipelines that improve yield, device performance, and operational efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Lead research, development, and optimization of materials, chemistries, or formulations used in semiconductor processes (e.g., CMP slurries, etchants, precursors, cleans, coatings).
• Design and execute complex experimental plans, including DOE, mechanistic studies, and analytical characterization.
• Analyze data using appropriate statistical and scientific methodologies; document and communicate findings across R&D and manufacturing teams.
• Collaborate with Process Engineering to evaluate material performance in fab environments and translate research outcomes into manufacturable solutions.
• Support scaleup, pilot testing, and technology transfer into production, ensuring material readiness and process stability.
• Troubleshoot materialrelated yield excursions, contamination events, or device performance issues.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including test methods, material specifications, and research reports.
• Partner with suppliers and crossfunctional teams on material evaluation, qualification, and lifecycle management.
• Stay current with advancements in materials science and semiconductor processing; recommend new approaches and technologies.
• Mentor junior chemists/scientists and contribute to building scientific capability within the team.
• Support intellectual property activities, including invention disclosures and patent review.

 Other Duties

 Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Minimum Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience conducting experimental research in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Strong understanding of chemical synthesis, characterization techniques, and analytical instrumentation (e.g., spectroscopy, chromatography, microscopy).
  • Ability to independently design experiments, interpret data, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
  • Experience collaborating with engineering or manufacturing teams to apply research outcomes to realworld processes.
  • Strong problemsolving, documentation, and communication skills.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting semiconductor manufacturing, materials development, or advanced functional materials.
  • Familiarity with semiconductor process modules such as deposition, etch, CMP, clean, or lithography.
  • Experience with statistical tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab) and structured experimentation (DOE).
  • Demonstrated success developing new chemistries or improving existing materials for production use.
  • Experience mentoring junior scientists or contributing to multidisciplinary technical programs.

Educational/Certification Requirement: 

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific field.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree or PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Training in advanced analytical methods, DOE/statistical analysis, or semiconductor materials.
  • Formal training in safety, chemical handling, or cleanroom protocols (as applicable).

Ultra Clean Technology is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under laws and regulations.

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $129,500.00 and $180,00.00/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, includingvariable pay and discretionary awardsin addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as PTO (Paid Time Off) and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these additional compensation and benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. 

If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.