R. JAMES GIBSON
Gardnerville, NV
Profile: Practical, creative, and budget-conscious experience developing and managing thin film manufacturing technologies ranging from hybrid thin film through advanced wafer scale microwave
MCM. Lead role in the development and introduction of two cutting edge technologies. In depth understanding of all fabrication processes and tool sets, from deposition and electroplating through lithography, assembly and test. Lead role in the design and equipping of 8
fabs. Experienced in low volume through high volume automated processing methodologies. Secondary experience in several related manufacturing technologies including mask making, thick film hybrid, and soft board. Widespread industry contacts at all business levels, strong understanding of offensive and defensive use of patent protection, patent writing, technology licensing and the ability to seek out and establish strong, and mutually beneficial strategic partnerships. Well connected in the used and remanufactured equipment markets. Computer literate, excellent writing and presentation skills, and enjoy problem solving and customer interface.
1993 - 1998
GTI Process and Technology Management
Founder and President
Gilbert, AZ
Independent consulting practice focusing on technology development, new technology introduction, capital equipment design, strategic partnerships, licensing agreements, patent protection, and process development while building a strong network of over 1300 personal contacts at over 150 OEM and end user companies. Unique accomplishments include:
Thin
Film Process Support and Advanced process development for several thin film
manufacturers
- Market support for emerging technologies including 2 new deposition processes (metal and dielectric)
- Equipment locator service (combined with process recommendations) to minimize capital costs
- JV with Benzing Technologies to develop the AutoClean Thermal NF3 in situ LPCVD cleaning system
- Initiated relationship between new LPCVD OEM and Sematech to gain process validation Sales / marketing support of new equipment management and MES software
- Acting product manager for the Aspect Systems' QuickClean in situ NF3 cleaning system.
- Managed 3 month Marathon test at Sematech, Austin TX (excellent results)
- Placed initial 6 in situ LPCVD Cleaning systems at major semiconductor fabs, Licensed to major OEM
- Won cover of Solid State Technology magazine & Semiconductor International Best New Product award
- Two NF3 cleaning technology patents granted, four others initiated
1984-1992
M/A-COM Inc.
Sr. Principal Engineer, Corporate R&D
GMIC Fab Operations Manager
Chandler, AZ / Lowell, MA
Senior technologist in a group chartered to develop a cost effective, ultra high performance microwave MCM manufacturing technology required to produce the next generation of highly integrated military sub-systems. The resulting technology proved to be so reliable and cost effective it has become the mainstay microwave manufacturing methodology for both commercial and military products. Direct responsibilities included process concept, definition, characterization, and ongoing management of manufacturing.
- Collaborated in initial materials study resulting in the use of a glass-silicon laminated microwave substrate system enabling the creation of GMIC, Glass Microwave Integrated Circuit technology
- Developed a fault tolerant, 8 mask, 14 layer metal and dielectric manufacturing sequence that integrated resistors, MIM capacitors, conductors and airbridge interconnects onto an 8 mil layer of low loss glass laminated to a silicon base
- Equipment and processes setup included RF/DC sputtering, PECVD nitride, high definition AU pattern plating, glass-silicon laminating technology, wet etch, plasma etch, advanced MIC assembly / packaging methods, and fully automated testing systems
- Managed all ongoing fab operations in Tempe and Chandler AZ
- Designed and oversaw construction of 4 GMIC fabs
- Invented low cost glass frit manufacturing methodology
- This highly successful program is now a proprietary mainstream manufacturing technology used for both military and commercial products
- Three published papers, one technology conference co-presenter
- One patent granted, one pending
1982 - 1984
Diablo Industries, Inc.
VP General Manager
San Jose, CA
Responsibilities included managing and improving manufacturing operations, improving sales, reducing defect rate, and improving company image. Foundry processing including sputtering of 13 metals, photolithography, wet etch, Au/Cu & Ni Plating, Dice, and minor Hybrid Assembly.
- Redesigned fab and equipment layout to improve work flow
- Increased sales by 18%
- Decreased field failures by 26%
- Improved internal manufacturing yields by 20%, significantly improving profitability
- Acquired 15 major new accounts
- Developed in house AU plating system and installed high volume sputtering capability
- Improved operator safety by implementing safety procedures and equipment modifications
- Developed new manufacturing methodologies for Cascade Microwave, Amdahl Computers and Hughes Aircraft.
1980 - 1982
Hybrid Microcircuits, Inc.
Co-Founder, VP Manufacturing
Mountain View, CA
Responsibilities included plan writing, facility selection, build out, equipment selection / set-up, process definition, and management of all manufacturing operations for this Thin Film Hybrid Foundry.
- Ground zero start up that included responsibility for all equipment and processes to produce hybrid MIC circuits on a foundry basis
- Processes included wet and dry etch, positive and negative photoresist processes, mask alignment, AU and CU electroplating, diamond dicing / scribing, and minor hybrid assembly. Phase 2 expansion added volume in all areas plus high volume RF/DC sputtering, advanced hybrid packaging, and extended design services
- Completed qualification to MIL-883
- Under facilities and equipment budget by 15%
- Exceeded sales goals by 25%
- Developed unique manufacturing capabilities for Ford Aerospace
- Manufactured 80% of the circuits used in the IntelSat 4 program
- Routinely did technical sales, establishing high customer loyalty
- Major accounts included Hughes Aircraft, Ford Aerospace, Magnum Microwave, M/A-Com Omni Spectra, Varian Associates, Amdahl Computers, and Hewlett Packard.
1969 - 1980
Harris Semiconductor - Farinon Division
Technician through Hybrid Operations Manager
San Carlos, CA
Started as a technician in the newly created thin film fab, and steadily advanced to the position of fab manager over 100 employees producing high volume, high performance microwave subsystems for internal consumption.
- Installed, started, characterized, and supported all processes required to manufacture advanced MIC circuits including: Temescal electron beam evaporation, 3 MRC RF/DC sputtering systems, 1 high capacity CPA sputtering system, auto and manual photoresist application and process systems, plasma etch and de-scum systems, diamond dicing and scribing systems, AU field and pattern plating systems, wet and dry etch of all common metal systems, manual and automated ball and wedge bond, epoxy and eutectic die attach, hard and soft solder assembly methodologies, manual and automated epoxy systems, seamweld and epoxy package sealing systems, and hermiticity test;
- Developed many unique custom manufacturing methods and equipment sets as required
- Oversaw all fab and assembly operations including RF test, a dedicated stock room, and a 3 person prototype assembly area
- Designed and oversaw construction of a dedicated 14,000 foot facility with 7000 feet of class 100 cleanroom.
- Responsible for meeting and maintaining MIL 883 qualification
- Products included over 150 designs ranging from single stage base band and 70 MHz amplifiers to 12 GHz low noise and power amplifiers.
Miscellaneous:
- Lead role in the design of 8 fabs in 3 states
- Developed many enabling processes and manufacturing methodologies
- Excellent interpersonal skills, strong relationship builder
- Computer literate, several published papers, enjoy technical reading and writing
- Five personal patents pending unrelated to semiconductor technology
- Member of IEEE, SMTA, IANE, and IMAPS
- Past President of the Phoenix chapter of ISHM