R&D Application Scientist in Portland, Oregon - #72598 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 72598

R&D Application Scientist
Our client is seeking an innovative and highly analytical R&D Application Scientist to help shape the future of next-generation semiconductor metrology technologies. This individual will play a critical role in transforming complex experimental data into meaningful insights, developing advanced analysis methodologies, and bridging the gap between research, software development, and field applications. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguous environments, enjoys solving challenging scientific problems, and is motivated by the opportunity to influence emerging technologies from concept through practical implementation.

This role is fully remote. Applicants located on the West Coast are highly preferred.

R&D Application Scientist Responsibilities

• Lead advanced data analysis efforts by developing and refining model-based fitting approaches for emerging X-ray metrology applications.
• Interpret complex experimental datasets to identify trends, validate hypotheses, and uncover opportunities for new technical capabilities and applications.
• Collaborate closely with software development teams to define analytical requirements and translate scientific findings into scalable analysis solutions.
• Develop and improve data processing methodologies, fitting strategies, and best-practice workflows that enhance accuracy, robustness, and usability.
• Partner with Application Engineers to understand customer challenges, identify gaps in existing capabilities, and recommend data-driven solutions.
• Serve as a technical advisor across cross-functional teams by clearly communicating findings and guiding analytical decision-making.
• Support knowledge transfer activities through technical training, documentation, and presentations tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to the advancement of next-generation metrology techniques through experimentation, evaluation of new approaches, and continuous process improvement.
• Work effectively in evolving research environments where priorities may shift and solutions require creativity, adaptability, and sound scientific judgment.
• Collaborate with global engineering partners to align development priorities, application requirements, and technical objectives.

R&D Application Scientist Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated experience performing advanced data analysis, model development, and parameter fitting within research or semiconductor environments.
• Strong understanding of scattering, diffraction, metrology, or other physics-based characterization techniques.
• Proven ability to extract meaningful conclusions from complex datasets and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Experience solving inverse problems and working with model-based analytical approaches to evaluate experimental results.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, challenge assumptions through evidence, and drive improvements using a data-first mindset.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain sophisticated technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams including R&D, software engineering, and customer-facing organizations.
• Familiarity with scientific programming, analysis tools, or software-enabled data processing methodologies is highly desirable.
• Background supporting semiconductor applications, advanced materials characterization, or metrology development is preferred.
• Experience establishing standardized analytical workflows, best practices, or application methodologies is a plus.
• Professional proficiency in both English and Japanese is highly valued due to the global nature of cross-functional collaboration.

Salary: (DOE)

Benefits
Benefits are available to eligible full-time employees and include coverage for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long term disability, and matching 401k.

Meet VanderHouwen
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VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.

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