# Sy Vu

> Process Integration Enginrer

Location: San Jose, California, United States
Profile: https://flows.cv/syvu

An accomplished hand-on Process Development Engineer with 20 years of experience in developing thin-film deposition processes for HDD magnetic recording media. 
●	Skilled in thin film vacuum deposition technologies of Physical Vapor Deposition, RF/DC sputtering and Plasma Enhanced CVD. ICP-RIE and Chemical Assisted Ion Beam etch.
●	Knowledge of thin-film physics, material properties, target materials, and material compatibility.
●	Proficient in material characterization: SEM, AFM, XRD, Ellipsometry, VSM and Magnetic
        recording test.
●	Proficient in Microsoft Office products and JMP. Training in JMP, Python and LabView 
       programming.
●	Experienced with launching new products with overseas manufacturers.

## Work Experience
### Process Integration Engineer @ KYOCERA SLD Laser
Jan 2017 – Present | Fremont, California, United States
●	Work with Sr. scientist to develop Metal etching processes on a new Oxford IBE tool.
●	Collaboration with the Lithography team to achieve designed Photoresist angle for optimum SiO2   and GaN Facet etching, lead to yield improvement from low 10% to high 80%.
●	Metrology structure analysis using Park system AFM FX200, Hitachi S4700 SEM and KeyenceVK-X3000 Series 3D Surface Profiler.  Training Fab technicians.
●	Design automation templates for AFM automatic scanning and data analysis.

### Principal Engineer, Product Design @ Western Digital
Jan 2007 – Jan 2016 | San Jose, California, United States
Researched and developed advanced alloys for magnetic recording media deposition. Produced documentation for inventions and trade secrets. Worked closely with Drive and Firmware group to enhance product launching.  Provided technical training to Pilot line and Manufacturing Engineers.  Lead development projects to develop new processes for future technological requirements.  
●	Successfully designed and launched several high areal density mobile media using Anelva 3050 and Anelva 3060 sputter system.
●	Successfully designed new processes that increase through-put by 20% on Anelva 3040
●	Co-Author of three patents regarding new alloys and processes for magnetic thin film.
●	Performed detailed tests/analysis to achieve customers' qualification.  
●	Collaborated with the equipment team to improve system downtime and upgrade.
●	Traveled to manufacturing site in Penang Malaysia to start-up and qualify new product line. Qualified new systems.

### Sr. Principal Engineer, Sputter Process R&D @ Komag
Jan 1997 – Jan 2007 | San Jose, California, United States
●	Assisted Senior Technologist in developing advanced alloys and processes for recording media. 
●	Worked with Equipment engineers to qualify new system and equipment.
●	Transferred new products to the NPI team in US.  Assisted manufacturing site in Penang, Maylasia with new product launching and product qualification issue.
●	Traveled to Japan to qualify new systems before installing in US site.
●	Supported multidepartment effort that developed, qualified and transferred to production a PMR media sputtering process for the Ulvac inline sputter systems, allowing these systems to be upgraded instead of replaced.


## Education
### Bachelor of Science - BS in Engineering Physics/Applied Physics
University of California, Santa Cruz

### Certificate in Computer Programming
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute


## Contact & Social
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sy-vu-21170956

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Source: https://flows.cv/syvu
JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/syvu/resume.json
Last updated: 2026-04-13