David Strickland
Professional Summary
Staff Equipment Engineer | Photolithography
Staff Equipment Engineer specializing in Photolithography Systems. Improving quality and mitigating excursions by developing tool automation with SECS/GEM integration and FDC connectivity. Decreasing operational expenses by developing internal technician capabilities to replace vendor services, eliminating unnecessary external dependencies. Extensive experience in 300mm semiconductor fab equipment, with expertise in GEM300 and SECS/GEM E5, E30, E40, E84, E87, E90, E94, E116 SEMI standards development and integration.
Manage complete equipment lifecycle--purchase, installation, factory integration, qualification, maintenance, upgrades and improvements, decommissioning and removal.
Lead high-performing technical teams. Develop and implement training programs, PM scheduling, and detailed engineering documentation (BKMs, procedures, work instructions). Evaluate emerging technologies, qualifying new components, and implement scalable solutions across photolithography area including spin tracks and aligners. Focus on Safety, Quality, Cost, Speed, and Operational Efficiency.
Proficient full-stack and C#/.net software developer with semiconductor equipment machine software development expertise. TwinCAT PLC programming for equipment control systems, alongside modern web app development (React, JavaScript, HTML5/CSS3, Cloudflare infrastructure).
Core Competencies
Software Development
- C#/.NET, C++, TwinCAT PLC
- HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Next.js
- Tailwind CSS, SVG Graphics, Responsive Design
- SECS/GEM -- GEM300, SEMI E5, E30 E39, E40, E87, E90, E94, E116 & MES/FDC Integration and Support
- Git/Bash Version Control, Node.js, npm
- AI Assisted Development
Backend & Infrastructure
- Cloudflare Pages, Workers & D1 Database (SQLite)
- Cloudflare R2 Object Storage & Turnstile CAPTCHA
- Twilio SMS API - Two-Factor Authentication
- Wrangler CLI - Cloudflare Deployment
- Cloudflare GitHub Integration
- Windows (Expert), Linux OS (Intermediate)
Semiconductor Equipment
- Electromechanical Troubleshooting
- Project Management (Installations, Mods, Upgrades, Decommissioning)
Leadership
- Team Management
- Leadership & Training
- Vendor Relations & Contract Management
- Inventory Management & Cost Reduction
- Technical Documentation & Best Practices
Current Experience
- SECS / GEM E5, E30, E40, E87, E90, E94, E116 implementation and integration for photolithography systems. MES/FDC connectivity and data collection.
- Manage complete equipment lifecycle -- purchase, install, factory integration, qualification, maintenance, upgrades and improvements, decommissioning and removal.
- Deliver technical presentations to internal stakeholders and external customers regarding system capabilities, architecture, and performance.
- Own, design, retrofit and optimize photolithography semiconductor tools, improving uptime and reliability.
- Design and implement mechanical, electrical, and software enhancements using C#/.NET, TwinCAT PLC and EtherCAT fieldbus.
- Deliver technical presentations to internal stakeholders and external customers regarding system capabilities, architecture, and performance.
- Lead peer code reviews and approve source code changes, ensuring compliance with SEMI standards and internal engineering practices.
- Lead cross-functional projects including tool installations, large modification projects, retrofits, and vendor part qualifications.
- Develop and lead cost reduction projects reducing operational expenses.
- Develop PM documents and schedules and train technicians, fostering a lean, high-performing team.
- Renegotiate contracts and manage vendor scheduled repairs and PM under contract.
- Manage inventory and EOL'd parts.
- Proactive safety and quality advocate, preventing safety and quality events. Projects:
- Engineered and implemented a factory-wide automated solvent flow monitoring system utilizing Beckhoff PLC and EtherCAT fieldbus architecture with SECS/GEM integration and MES/FDC automation. Prevents solvent flow excursions, preventing product reworks and reducing scraps.
Previous Experience
- Debugged machine software in C#/.NET and simulated environments to improve MTBF.
- Supported TwinCAT/EtherCAT hardware setup and SECS/GEM automation integration.
- Automated machine tasks and analyzed log files to accelerate troubleshooting and Acceptance signoff.
- Served as North American corporate field service trainer, enhancing team capabilities.
- Developed MFC-based tools in Visual Basic and C++ to streamline tool setup and diagnostics.
- Led escalated support efforts and factory automation integration for global customers.
- Authored technical bulletins, BKMs, and release notes to standardize support practices.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
GPA: 3.6/4.0
Dean's List