Blackwatch International Corporation (Blackwatch), founded in 2010, is an agile small business dedicated to supporting Federal Government and national security objectives. Headquartered in McLean, VA with offices in Sacramento, CA, Blackwatch invests in innovation and quality, holding corporate-level ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001, and ISO/IEC 20000-1 certifications, and is appraised at CMMI® Maturity Level 3 for services and supplier management. We specialize in large and complex projects and offer a dynamic working environment with multiple opportunities for advancement.
Work environment: This role supports a Federal R&D cleanroom/fab setting, Defense Microelectronics Activty (DMEA) and is customer-facing, requiring adherence to facility policies, cleanroom protocols, and safety standards.
Position Title: Foundry Project Optimization Specialist
Position Location: Sacramento, CA (possibility of remote)
Position type: Regular Full Time
Years of experience: 10+
Security Clearance: Secret or ability to obtain – SECRET
US Citizenship Required: Yes
Classification: Exempt
Telecommute: Telework may be possible for this position.
Role SummaryBlackwatch is seeking a Foundry Project Optimization Specialist to enhance program execution, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation for semiconductor fabrication initiatives for the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA). This role provides focused support to the Program Manager by coordinating closely with tool vendors, semiconductor technical personnel, and key stakeholders to optimize installation, facilitization, and qualification activities. The specialist will help minimize idle time and ensure schedule alignment by proactively managing vendor relationships and aligning timelines. Additionally, this role will drive process improvements, cost-saving initiatives, and budget management strategies, embedding industry best practices and continuous improvement methodologies to maximize productivity and efficiency while maintaining financial integrity.
Key ResponsibilitiesCoordinate with tool vendors and technical teams to ensure smooth equipment installation and facility readiness.Develop and maintain project schedules to align installation and qualification activities with program milestones.Monitor facility readiness and resource allocation to minimize idle time and optimize workflow.Drive process improvement initiatives across operations, applying industry best practices and continuous improvement methodologies.Manage project budgets and financial processes to ensure cost realism, track expenditures, and align with funding requirements.Identify and implement cost-saving measures to improve operational efficiency and reduce risk of overruns.Provide real-time oversight of vendor performance and project execution to ensure timely delivery and quality standards.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues quickly and maintain alignment with overall program objectives.Support achievement of program milestones through proactive planning, risk mitigation, and optimization strategies.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, Finance, or related technical discipline.10+ years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing and laboratory enviornments, equipment installation, or project coordination.Strong understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes, facility readiness, and financial management principles.Proven ability to manage vendor relationships, schedules, budgets, and resource allocation effectively.Excellent communication and organizational skills with experience in cross-functional collaboration.U.S. Citizenship and active or ability to obtain Secret clearance (firm requirement).Preferred QualificationsExperience with semiconductor tool installation and qualification processes.Background in program optimization, risk management, and cost control methodologies.Familiarity with Federal R&D environments and compliance requirements.Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent experience.Work Model & Benefits* On-site role at McClellan Park / Sacramento, CA; standard day shift; relocation assistance available; no regular travel, with possibility of remote work and some regular travel.
* Competitive benefits package (details available upon request).
Equal Opportunity EmployerBlackwatch International Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics. Blackwatch participates in E-Verify.
Read LessBlackwatch International Corporation (Blackwatch), a small business founded in 2010, is dedicated to supporting Federal government and national security objectives. Based in McLean, VA, with offices in Sacramento, CA, Blackwatch invests in innovation and quality for our customers and staff, holding corporate-level ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 quality certifications, as well as an appraisal at CMMI Maturity Level 3 for services and supplier management. We are a leading provider of information technology (IT) infrastructure, cybersecurity, DevSecOps, data exploitation, and engineering services, specializing in large and complex projects. Blackwatch is dedicated to growth and offers a dynamic working environment with multiple opportunities for advancement.
Position Title: Senior Foundry Process Engineer – Technical Lead
Position Location: Sacramento, CA
Position type: Regular Full Time
Years of experience: 10+
Security Clearance: Secret or ability to obtain – SECRET
US Citizenship Required: Yes
Classification: Exempt
Telecommute: Telework is not available for this position.
Role SummaryStep into a career-defining role as a Senior Foundry Process Engineer – Technical Lead at Blackwatch. Join a team building a brand-new cleanroom fabrication capability for the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA), designing from the ground up how this next-generation foundry will operate. You’ll work with state-of-the-art equipment to enable advanced power microelectronics for critical mission profiles. From equipment strategy and vendor engagement to installation, qualification, and transfer to production, you’ll drive innovation in a low-volume, high-complexity environment. As a technical authority, you’ll lead cross-module integration and ensure facility readiness across process areas such as Epitaxy (Epi), CMP, Thin Films (PVD/CVD/ALD), Wet cleans/etch, Diffusion/Anneal, and Ion Implant—with depth in at least one and breadth across others. This role supports a Federal R&D cleanroom/fab setting at the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) and is customer-facing, requiring adherence to facility policies, cleanroom protocols, and safety standards.
Key ResponsibilitiesLead the design and buildout of a new cleanroom fabrication capability, influencing facility layout and operational readiness.Drive Foundry expansion projects: interpret equipment requirements, coordinate vendor selection, and manage installation of cutting-edge semiconductor tools.Oversee qualification and acceptance testing; ensure documentation and seamless transfer of equipment to production.Collaborate across engineering, facilities, and operations to bring a visionary manufacturing capability to life.Lifecycle equipment ownership: author specifications, lead vendor selection, oversee factory/site acceptance (FAT/SAT), installation/start-up, qualification (PQ), and handoff to operations.Design & analyze DOEs; interpret device/parametric data; apply SPC and statistical methods for root cause analysis and corrective actions.Recommend and implement process/equipment modifications to improve throughput, cost, and quality; partner with suppliers to develop enabling technologies.Develop forward-looking process roadmaps and stay current on industry trends to guide module strategy and capability investments.Provide technical leadership: mentor engineers and technicians; lead cross-functional teams; model operational excellence and continuous improvement.Ensure operational readiness: author procedures, acceptance criteria, SPC plans, and safety documentation; align with EHS for chemical handling and cleanroom compliance.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related STEM discipline.10+ years of semiconductor process engineering experience with depth in at least one module (Epi, CMP, Thin Films, Wet, Diffusion, Implant,, Metrology, Test & Measurement, clean room facilities) and breadth across multiple modules.Proven leadership in technology development → production transfer, DOE creation/analysis, and yield improvement.Hands-on experience specifying, installing, qualifying, and releasing semiconductor process equipment to production.Strong communication and mentoring skills; ability to lead complex programs to closure.Comfortable working in cleanroom environments with safe handling of process chemicals (acids/solvents).U.S. Citizenship and active or ability to obtain Secret clearance (firm requirement).Preferred QualificationsMS/PhD in a relevant engineering or science field.Experience in foundry or lab customer engineering/NPI, technology transfers, and integration troubleshooting.Demonstrated leadership as a principal engineer/domain expert influencing technical direction and mentoring teams.Prior experience supporting Federal R&D facilities with formal safety/compliance protocols.Work Model & BenefitsOn-site role at McClellan Park / Sacramento, CA; standard day shift; relocation assistance available; no regular travel.
Competitive benefits package (details available upon request).
Equal Opportunity EmployerBlackwatch International Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics. Blackwatch participates in E-Verify.
Blackwatch International is an agile, mission-focused small business committed to supporting Federal Government objectives through high-impact services. Our clients include the Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and members of the Intelligence and Law Enforcement communities. Headquartered in McLean, VA, with offices in Sacramento, CA, Blackwatch prioritizes quality and innovation, holding industry-leading certifications including ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018, and CMMI Level 3. Blackwatch offers a dynamic work environment, professional growth opportunities, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
Position Title: Solder Technician (Junior–Mid Level)
Position Location: Sacramento, CA
Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Years of Experience: 2-7 years
Security Requirements: Secret
Citizenship Required: Yes
Summary/Objective
Blackwatch International is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented solder technician with mechanical and technical aptitude to the semiconductor facility support industry. This is an opportunity for someone with strong organizational skills, a professional demeanor and the desire to build a strong foundation in the semiconductor industry. In this hands-on role, you'll play a critical part in supporting a wide range of mission critical, legacy, and leading-edge semiconductor wafer and microchip manufacturing.
Responsibilities
Perform work assignments ranging from complex assembly of electronic and mechanical devices, solder/de-solder rework, connector repair, SMT, thru-hole components and BGA support. Perform work assignments according to assembly instructions, specifications, and diagrams.Perform printed circuit boards (PCB), power supplies, and cable harnesses troubleshooting.Meet all established requirements as defined by Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), IPC, J and ISO standards. Testing and verification of electronic and electro-mechanical assemblies and sub-assemblies.Perform routine data entry into the production Work Request System or equivalent project-tracking system.Prepare accurate, document-controlled quality records and documentation related to work in progress, ensuring timely and complete submission.Assist equipment engineers and technicians with routine laboratory equipment services.Provide minor lab support including but not including but not limited to inventory management tasks, raw materials support, preventative equipment/tool maintenance support, lab infrastructure, escorting tool vendors, and other general laboratory upkeep.Perform other tasks as assigned by management.Basic Qualifications:
2 to 7 years of progressive soldering experience and techniques.Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and specifications.Current or previous J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 certifications preferred. Candidates without active certifications must obtain them within 6 months of employment.Experience using bench top, calipers, hand tools, micrometers, microscopes, power tools, soldering iron, wire strippers, volt meters, and other testing equipment.Strong manual dexterity, excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.Ability to replace components such as transistors, resistors, relays, and capacitors.Self-motivated and ability to work independently with minimal direction or supervision. Flexible with change and willingness to learn new skills.Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and critical thinking skills.Basic mathematics, chemistry, and electronics component knowledge.Basic computer skills utilizing Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word.Desired Qualifications (not required, but a plus):
Active or previous secret security clearance.Associates degree or 2-year technical certificate or bachelor’s in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics (STEM) or equivalent military training/experience or discipline in electronics, electrical, mechanical, mechatronics, etc. (2+) or more years of experience with Microelectronics component/enclosure/circuit board manufacturing/assembly, both surface mount assembly and hand soldering operations. Experience utilizing reflow ovens and using conformal coaters.Printed Circuit Board Assemble (PCBA) and cable wire harness assembly experience.Semiconductor packaging experience.Desired Certifications (not required, but a plus):
IPC/WHMA-A-620 IPC-7711/7721