Senior Process Engineer (R&D)

About Syenta 

Syenta is pioneering a new era in semiconductor manufacturing with our groundbreaking Localized Electrochemical Manufacturing (LEM) technology. Our platform enables advanced packaging by combining patterning and metallization into a single tool. We achieve high-speed, high-resolution metallization at lower costs and energy use, while minimizing emissions and waste. 

Founded in Australia, we are building a world-class team of engineers and scientists tackling some of the toughest challenges in semiconductor manufacturing. Our collaborative, people-first culture empowers individuals to take ownership, innovate, and deliver breakthrough results. 

About the Role

We are looking for a versatile, hands-on R&D Process Engineer to sit at the intersection between wet-chemical formulation and physical deposition hardware. Syenta’s R&D team is deliberately multi-disciplinary – made with the express purpose to tackle projects that don’t fall directly into typical fields of engineering or wet-chemical development.

In this role, you will test run electrochemical experiments inside custom-built deposition heads, optimize fluid flow, and run physical experiments that tie electrochemistry directly to tool performance. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop new IP and pursue more ambitious, exploratory work.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Electrochemical Process & Bath Optimization: Formulate and test custom plating baths while tuning bath additives to improve deposition speed, film density, and feature resolution.
• Hardware-Fluid Interaction & Delivery: Work with custom deposition heads and microfluidic channels to optimize electrolyte delivery, fluid flow, and localized mass transport dynamics.
• Integrated Testing & Metrology: Run end-to-end deposition trials on prototype tools, using potentiostats alongside metrology tools (SEM, optical profilometry, AFM).
• Cross-Disciplinary Prototyping: Collaborate directly with mechatronics and software engineers to translate physical/chemical insights into automated tool settings, voltage/current pulsing strategies, and hardware design improvements.
• DOE & Failure Analysis: Use systematic Design of Experiments (DOE) to solve multi-variable process challenges, map working process windows, and debug defects (e.g., voiding, adhesion failure, uneven growth).

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s (or Ph.D. with a practical orientation) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• Hands-on Wet Lab & Tool Experience: 2+ years of R&D experience working directly with electrochemical cells, electroplating, or microfabrication setups.
• Materials Characterization: Hands-on experience using SEM/EDX, profilometry, or optical microscopy to evaluate surface morphology and material structure.
• Experimental Rigor: Proven experience using structured experimental frameworks (DOE) to isolate variables in multi-component hardware/chemical systems.
• Ideally nanoimprint lithography experience or semiconductor fabrication experience.

Why Choose Syenta?

We’re passionate about building a diverse, people-first company. Our culture of collaboration and mutual respect fuels innovation capable of redefining an industry. At Syenta, you’ll have the opportunity to take ownership, lead high-impact teams, and shape the future of semiconductor manufacturing.

What We Offer

Salary Range: $110-150k (negotiable)

• Early-stage equity opportunities
• 12% superannuation contributions
• Flexible leave policies and a strong work-life balance
• Professional growth in a high-impact, fast-growing deep-tech startup
• Team events and collaborative culture, including company-wide gatherings in Australia