Fixed Probe Card Maintenance Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Fixed Probe Card Maintenance Engineer to support wafer test operations through the maintenance, repair, qualification, and continuous improvement of fixed probe cards and probe card analyzer systems. This role is responsible for ensuring the reliability, performance, and longevity of probe card assets while driving operational excellence, cost reduction initiatives, and new technology deployment within the semiconductor manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in wafer test hardware, fixed probe card maintenance, failure analysis, and probe card qualification processes, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

What You Will Do

1. Fixed Probe Card Maintenance & Repair

• Plan, schedule, and execute preventive maintenance, validation, repair, and qualification activities for fixed probe cards, including probe heads and printed circuit boards (PCB).
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve probe card-related issues to minimize production downtime and improve test yield performance.
• Perform detailed inspections using microscopes and other analytical tools to identify wear, damage, or performance degradation.
• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with company safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Establish and maintain tracking systems for probe card performance metrics, including probe beam lifespan, touchdown count, contact performance, and repair history.

2. Equipment Installation & Qualification

• Lead the installation, setup, qualification, and commissioning of probe card analyzer equipment.
• Evaluate equipment performance and implement upgrades or enhancements to improve reliability, efficiency, and maintenance effectiveness.
• Develop qualification plans and acceptance criteria for newly installed equipment and technologies.

3. Technical Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Provide technical expertise and support to manufacturing, engineering, and production teams to ensure stable wafer probe operations.
• Collaborate with test engineers, product engineers, equipment engineers, and vendors to resolve technical issues and optimize probe card performance.
• Coordinate with suppliers and service providers for spare parts procurement, repairs, and technical support.

4. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, qualifications, inspections, and equipment modifications.
• Develop and standardize troubleshooting guides, maintenance procedures, and work instructions for probe card servicing.
• Generate regular reports on probe card utilization, reliability, maintenance trends, and improvement initiatives.
• Analyze maintenance and operational data to identify recurring issues and opportunities for improvement.

5. Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Adhere to and promote company health, safety, environmental, and quality management requirements.
• Ensure all maintenance and qualification activities meet internal standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support audit activities and compliance assessments when required.

6. Inventory & Asset Management

• Monitor inventory levels of spare parts, repair components, and maintenance tools.
• Ensure critical spare parts are available to support uninterrupted operations.
• Identify cost-effective sourcing solutions while maintaining quality and reliability standards.

7. Continuous Improvement & Technology Development

• Analyze probe card performance data and recommend corrective and preventive actions to improve reliability and reduce operating costs.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives focused on yield enhancement, uptime improvement, and maintenance optimization.
• Support the introduction, evaluation, and qualification of new fixed probe card technologies.
• Conduct buy-off activities, performance evaluations, and technical assessments for newly introduced technologies.
• Stay current with industry best practices and emerging wafer test technologies through training and development programs.

8. Manufacturing Value Added (MVA) Projects

• Lead and execute Manufacturing Value Added (MVA) projects related to fixed probe cards.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities to improve Die Free Package Cost (DFPC).
• Deliver projects within committed timelines while meeting performance and quality objectives.
• Monitor and report project outcomes and realized cost savings.

What You Will Need

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in fixed probe card maintenance and wafer probe operations within the semiconductor industry.
• Hands-on experience with probe card analyzers, probe card repair, qualification, and performance optimization.
• Experience supporting high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Experience in statistical analysis, data-driven troubleshooting, and performance monitoring is an advantage.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of: Fixed Probe Card maintenance and repair Wafer probing and wafer test processes Probe head and PCB troubleshooting Probe card qualification and validation techniques Semiconductor test hardware and equipment
• Proficiency in: Microscope inspection techniques Fine alignment and calibration procedures Precision soldering and rework activities Root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies Data analysis tools and statistical techniques

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated.
• Proactive mindset with a continuous improvement focus.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Talent acquisition based on Nexperia vacancies is not appreciated. Nexperia job adverts are Nexperia copyright © material and the word Nexperia® is a registered trademark.

D&I Statement

As an equal-opportunity employer, Nexperia values diversity not just because it is the right thing to do but because diverse teams perform better. We are dedicated to being inclusive, and a proof point of this dedication is that we were the main partner of the very first Dutch Paralympic Team NL House during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all, and we consider all applicants fairly, as well as providing a safe work environment and reasonable adjustments where requested.

In addition, we offer our colleagues the possibility to join employee resource groups such as the Pride Network Group or global and local Women's groups. Nexperia is committed to increasing women in management positions to 30% by 2030.