ESD Engineer

Role Objective The ESD Engineer will be the site owner and technical authority for ESD control, EOS prevention, and EPA governance in a Greenfield OSAT environment.

This Role Is Critical To

• Design and deploy a robust ESD Control Program from scratch
• Ensure compliance to ANSI/ESD S20.20, IEC 61340, AEC‑Q, and customer‑specific ESD requirements
• Prevent latent and catastrophic ESD/EOS failures
• Build ESD discipline, infrastructure, and culture across Assembly and Test operations

Key Responsibilities

• ESD Program Ownership (Greenfield Setup)

• Architect and deploy the site‑wide ESD Control Program aligned to:

• ANSI/ESD S20.20

• IEC 61340 series

• Customer‑specific ESD/EOS specifications

• Define and establish EPA (ESD Protected Area) design for:

• IC Assembly

• Test

• SMT and Box build

• Packing & Logistics

• Ensure ESD requirements are embedded at:

• Facility layout stage

• Tool installation & line qualification

• Infrastructure & System Design

• Specify, review, and approve:

• Flooring systems

• Wrist straps, footwear, and garments

• Workstation grounding and carts

• Ionization systems (overhead, benchtop, tool‑embedded)

• Define grounding architecture:

• Common point ground systems

• Equipment grounding verification

• Approve ESD packaging materials:

• Trays, tapes, reels, bags, boxes

• Monitoring, Audits & Compliance

• Establish ESD compliance monitoring plans including:

• Daily / weekly / monthly audits

• Continuous monitors and periodic verification

• Own ESD audit readiness for:

• Customer audits (Automotive / Aerospace)

• Certification audits

• Drive closure of ESD audit gaps with sustainable actions

• ESD Risk Assessment & Failure Analysis

• Lead ESD risk assessment during:

• New tool introduction

• NPI / Package changes

• Process modifications

• Support ESD/EOS failure analysis in collaboration with:

• Reliability

• FA Labs

• Customer quality teams

• Distinguish between:

• ESD vs EOS vs external damage

• Drive root cause elimination and systemic prevention

• Training & ESD Culture Building

• Define and roll out ESD training matrix for:

• Operators

• Engineers

• Technicians

• Contractors and visitors

• Conduct:

• Induction ESD training

• Refresher and advanced ESD sessions

• Build “ESD ownership culture” on the shop floor

• Integration with Quality Systems

• Ensure ESD controls are fully linked with:

• PFMEA & Control Plans

• SPC (ESD‑critical parameters)

• Equipment qualification & PM

• Support:

• IATF 16949

• ISO 9001

• AS9100 (where applicable)

• Participate in customer excursions related to:

• Electrical damage

• Latent failures

• Reliability fallout

• Leadership & Site Influence

• Act as ESD Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the site

• Mentor junior engineers and technicians

• Drive ESD best practices aligned with global semiconductor standards

• Influence facility design, procurement, and operations through ESD requirements

• Key Skills & Competencies

Technical Expertise

• Deep hands‑on knowledge of:

• ANSI/ESD S20.20

• IEC 61340

• ESD/EOS physics in ICs

• Strong understanding of:

• CMOS sensitivity models (HBM, CDM, MM)

• Ionization principles & measurements

• Grounding and resistance measurements

• Experience with ESD test equipment:

• Resistance meters

• Field meters

• Charged plate monitors

• Event detectors

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

• Strong system‑level thinking
• High attention to discipline and compliance
• Ability to influence without authority
• Calm leadership during customer escalations
• Education & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:

• Electronics Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Physics (Semiconductor background preferred)

Experience

• 8–15 years of relevant experience in:

• Semiconductor Assembly & Test

• Wafer Fab / OSAT / Electronics manufacturing

• Prior experience in:

• Greenfield fabs or OSAT setup (strong advantage)

• Automotive or aerospace programs (preferred)

• Certifications (Preferred)

• ANSI/ESD S20.20 Program Manager

• IEC 61340 internal auditor

• Six Sigma Green / Black Belt (added advantage)