Chemical Engineer (Japanese Bilingual)

Description

TOK America - A Subsidiary of Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.

TOK America, Inc. plays an extremely important part, serving as the supply hub of semiconductor photoresists and high-purity chemical agents for the customers in United States and Europe. We are a wholly owned subsidiary of a world leader in advanced chemical formulations. Our company has consistently pursued programs of research and development of superior new technologies and new technical methodologies based on the following management principles: “continue efforts to enhance technology,” “raise the quality levels of products,” “contribute to society” and “create a frank and open-minded business culture”.

Company Perks:

• Medical, dental, and vision      insurance - TOK pays 100% of the premiums for all employees
• 401(K) with company match
• Paid life insurance
• 15 paid Holidays
• Generous paid time off
• On-the-job training and skill development
• Employee assistance program  

SUMMARY: 

Function: To safely and efficiently conduct critical testing of prototype products, development samples, and raw materials in a lab setting, and/or clean room environment, while strictly adhering to established standard operating procedures and company policies.

Scope: Development of material that meets customer requirements utilizing lab instrument and equipment. Under general supervision, use experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Maintenance of general paperwork and quality documents.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

The essential functions of this position require prioritizing and completing all assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner, adjusting for changing priorities and availability of resources, and demonstrating initiative in identifying additional job-related tasks to be completed when time permits. The amount of time performing each function may vary day-to-day. All duties shall be performed in an efficient and professional manner in accordance with the company policies and under the direct supervision of a designated supervisor. 

1. Inspect and assess job site conditions and equipment to identify hazards or malfunctions, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

2. Operate computers and office technology with high accuracy and judgment to manage and present business documents and data.

3. Analyze and interpret complex data quickly and accurately, communicating technical information clearly to various audiences.

4. Adherence to corporate, State and Federal regulations and guidelines when handling hazardous materials or when exposed to hazardous situations. Must adhere to departmental and corporate standard operating procedures, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

5. Conducts research and development of a specific formulation which meets the customer requirements.

6. Solves complex technical problems and recommends solutions.

7. Tests and analyses new formulations and/or raw materials on the customer wafers using analytical and performance equipment/instrument.

8. Establishes test methods for correlation with customer results.

9. Conduct performance demonstrations of new formulation with or without customer attendance at laboratory.

10. Documents and reports both internal and external technical data.

11. Reads and interprets patents, research articles, and developing documentation.

12. Communicates and collaborates with Research and Development team in TOK-Japan for aforementioned work.

13. Participates in external technical meeting with customer if necessary.

14. Obtains necessary data and documentation for scaling lab-level prototypes to mid/high volume manufacturing.

15. Creates documentation for chemicals for inventory and waste generated after testing or processing.

16. Provides custom manufacturing of chemical solutions for customers and internal evaluations.

17. Sets up lab instrument and equipment if necessary.

18. Provides support for the troubleshooting and maintenance for analytical and lab equipment and notifies the tool owner on any equipment repairs and malfunctions.

19. Conducts evaluation of new equipment and establishes the standards.

20. Assists in operations for new projects.

21. Pursues activities for continuous improvement related to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

22. Performs other related duties related to the smooth operation of the facility as required, including cleaning and housekeeping.

23. Assists in shipping management of samples and/or products.

24. Actively demonstrate high levels of employee engagement, coachability (e.g., receiving and incorporating business-related feedback and instruction with a positive and growth-oriented mindset) to achieve desired outcomes, and accountability for personal performance and its impact on others' ability to do their job well.

25. Perform other necessary duties and tasks as requested.

Periodical

Attending annual and/or quarterly refresher courses related to hazardous waste management and handling, general safety, quality management, and environmental management. 

SUPERVISION: 

Receives: Direct supervision is provided by the department supervisory team. (Team Leader, Manager, and Deputy General Manager). Completed work is reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with the established guidelines.

Given: Chemical Engineer supervises R&D technicians and participates in performing data analyses and research studies. 

Requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

· B.A. or B.S. in chemistry, physics, materials science, materials engineering, chemical engineering or relevant education. M.S. degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, materials engineering chemical engineering or relevant education is a plus.

· Minimum 3 years of working experience in chemical research & development or 1 year working experience in chemical research & development with M.S. degree and/or higher.

· Experience in semiconductor is plus 

· Practical working knowledge of requirements for scale-up and manufacturing of new chemical products and processes is a plus.

· Previous laboratory experience and demonstrated understanding of concepts related to product development is a plus.

· Software proficiency in MS Office, proficiency in JMP is a plus.

· Strong background and sufficient experience in materials characterization using XPS, electrochemistry, XRF, ellipsometer, goniometer, zeta-potential analyzer, optical microscope, SEM, TEM/STEM, Electron Diffraction, and EDS

REQUIRED PERSONAL SKILLS: 

1. Maintain ISO document and record control.

2. Ability to generate and/or maintain monthly documentation for equipment.

3. Ability to effectively communicate in both English and Japanese (both oral and written) is required.

4. Have stable, verifiable work history with excellent attendance record.

5. Must be comfortable working with chemicals including, but not limited to, corrosives and organic solvents.

6. Must be a team player as regularly working with other professionals.

7. Good time management

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

There is a potential for exposure to hazardous conditions and/or materials. This position requires employee to remain alert and observe surrounding areas and conditions to identify, recognize, and respond to potential obstacles, safety concerns, hazards, threats, property conditions requiring attention, unauthorized and/or dangerous persons, and emergencies. The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

· Perform duties in a safe and efficient manner while wearing appropriate and required personal protective equipment. Follow all safety regulations and protocols. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of proper body mechanic/ergonomics and use correct body position/mechanics, tools, or work aids to work, move, maneuver, guide, or place objects or materials.

· Work for extended periods of time in a stationary position (possibly up to 60 minutes or more without an opportunity to substantially change position) while consistently grasping, moving, and manipulating documents, supplies, computer equipment, and other tools and materials.

OTHER: 

Personnel must successfully complete a program of on-site classroom instruction or on-the-job training that teaches them to perform their duties in a way that ensures compliance with all job requirements. Prior experience and/or certification that can be verified will be considered in evaluating training requirements. 

FURTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

Must possess a reliable means of transportation to and from work. 

EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/09/2026

Note:  

Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check and a pre-employment drug screening, including THC, in accordance with federal guidelines.
TOK America is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws.
TOK America is an FMLA-qualified employer: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/posters/fmla

Know your rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Polygraph Protection: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf