Semiconductors operate on invisible ‘currents.’ How stably the current flows and how accurately it reacts at the exact moment dictates the performance. The Device roles are responsible for designing and optimizing these very pathways for the current. By doing so, it lays the foundation for stable product operation right from the starting line of semiconductor development and plays a pivotal role in maximizing performance. The Newsroom, together with Student Ambassadors of SK hynix, Suin Lee and Seunghyun Bang, met with Euniwoo Baek (TL, NAND Cell Device) and Sangdeok Kim (TL, NAND CA) to discuss the roles and responsibilities in the Device team, the underlying technological value, and the ideal candidate profile.
Determining the Performance and Reliability of Semiconductor—Device
The Device involve designing the electrical characteristics of memory cells and peripheral circuits, and optimizing process conditions to achieve semiconductor performance and reliability. Semiconductor devices, the fundamental unit of a semiconductor, directly impact current flow, speed, and power consumption. Therefore, the Device roles play a key role at the start of semiconductor development. To use a construction analogy, it is similar to applying right materials and construction methods to turn a blueprint into reality, and resolving issues during construction to ensure the building is fully functional. As such, the Device roles bridge design and process. They verify whether the circuit operations defined in the design phase can actually be implemented, analyze potential electrical variations during the manufacturing process, and devise countermeasures. Furthermore, they collaborate organically with various teams to determine whether the root cause of an issue lies in the design, the process, or the physical limitations of the device itself. The Device roles are divided into four pillars. The Process Integration (PI) team acts as the control tower connecting design and process, establishing development standards and overseeing overall process. The Device team conducts research to improve electrical characteristics and address scaling limits and reliability issues. The Characterization Analysis (CA) team verifies characteristics and reliability at the chip level, while the Failure Analysis (FA) team identifies the root causes of failures and proposes improvement directions. Beyond that, there are various supporting areas, including simulating device operations through TCAD/Modeling*, developing Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection devices, verifying Layout Design Rule (LDR), evaluating long-term reliability, and Revolutionary Memory research. * TCAD (Technology Computer-Aided Design)/Modeling: A simulation technique that models and predicts the structure and operation of semiconductor devices using computers.
Who We’re Looking For
Device engineers supervise the entire production cycle of semiconductor from development to mass production and ensure its stability. Therefore it is natural they require both broad and deep knowledge of various relevant functions. What competencies are required is clear. The ability to precisely interpret electrical data and think logically to solve problems based on solid knowledge on semiconductor physics and electromagnetics is essential. Additionally, device engineers are responsible for identifying the root cause of different issues arising during the design and process phases from the perspective of the device’s physical properties. This requires close collaboration with the design, process and test teams through effective communication skills. Sangmok Song (TL, Talent Acquisition) explained, “As device miniaturization accelerates, achieving reliability and yield is becoming increasingly demanding. This, in turn, is driving our research for next generation device and development of new process technology. And device engineers are playing a critical role at the center of it all.” He added, “If you wish to grow as both a specialist and a generalist in the semiconductor industry, we strongly encourage you to consider applying for a role on the Device team.”
Q. Could you briefly introduce yourselves?
Euniwoo Baek (TL): I am in the NAND Cell Device Team, responsible for R&D of advanced technology for enhancing 3D NAND flash performance. I evaluate and analyze the electrical characteristics of devices at the wafer-level, interpret potential electrical issues when introducing new architectures or materials, and propose improvement directions. Sangdeok Kim (TL): I am in the NAND CA Team, responsible for analyzing chip characteristics to secure yield and quality. Specifically, my role involves verifying and optimizing chip operations, and analyzing the root causes of defects during quality testing to devise countermeasures.”
Q. What is the key objective of the Device team?
Euniwoo Baek (TL): The key objective is the timely development of innovative technologies. To achieve this, I believe problem-solving skills—identifying the root causes based on experiments and data analysis and developing effective solutions—is paramount. Sangdeok Kim (TL): Furthermore, developing high-performance devices to enhance production efficiency and secure market competitiveness is also an important objective. Achieving this requires continuous R&D-driven innovation, as well as the ability to solve problems with creative ideas and approaches.
Q. What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?
Euniwoo Baek (TL): The biggest challenge is the uncertainty that comes with adopting new technologies. Applying new materials or architectures can trigger unexpected electrical issues. To resolve this, we establish and verify defect mechanisms through TCAD simulation and collaboration. We also design follow-up experiments by incorporating diverse perspectives through close communication with the process and analysis teams. Also, we review the direction and feasibility of our resolutions by analyzing industry trends, such as the latest papers and patents. Sangdeok Kim (TL): Achieving the best possible yield for high performance products in the mass production phase is the biggest challenge. As process complexity increases, securing yield becomes harder. We continuously exchange feedback with design and process engineers to develop improvement measures.
Q. What qualities or capabilities do you expect from new hires in the device engineering role?
Sangdeok Kim (TL): A fundamental understanding of semiconductor physics is essential. This is because you need to accurately understand the electrical characteristics of devices in order to make various attempts to improve performance. In addition, perseverance—the ability to keep working toward solutions even in a challenging development environment—is important, as is a “one-team” spirit that enables close collaboration with multiple teams. Euniwoo Baek (TL): When you first join the Device team, you will be responsible for measuring and analyzing the electrical characteristics of devices while becoming familiar with practical tools. Over time, you will take on more complex experiments and develop your data interpretation skills. There is a lot to learn, from basic theory and the background of experiments to various practical skills needed on the job. What matters is growing steadily as an engineer by learning step by step. At first, everything may feel unfamiliar and overwhelming, but it is important to stay proactive and think critically and not lose sight of the purpose behind the work—asking yourself, “what am I trying to learn from this data?”
Q. What advice would you give to prospective applicants who aspire to work in the Device team?
Sangdeok Kim (TL): In my case, research lab experience helped me get closer to the Device role. I think it would be very helpful to learn as much as possible about the responsibilities involved in this role and, if possible, gain hands-on experience through opportunities such as a research lab internship. This can help you determine whether the role is a good fit for you. Euniwoo Baek (TL): Developing and manufacturing a semiconductor product requires close collaboration across many different teams. This means that the roles in the semiconductor industry are highly specialized. I recommend taking the time to explore various career paths not just device engineering. If you decide to pursue device engineering, make sure you have a clear understanding of why that particular role interests you.
