Apply a structured RCA workflow: define the defect signature, preserve paired defect/control samples, separate optical/chemical/mechanical origin, localize to a layer or interface, confirm chemistry and process physics, validate cure/molecular state, reproduce on a controlled trial, and lock the fix into SPC. Lead all surface analysis and imaging work for the team, owning method selection and technical sign-off across stereo, optical cross-section, and polarized light microscopy, SEM/SEM-EDS, AFM, 3D optical profilometry/confocal microscopy, white-light interferometry, XPS, and ToF-SIMS.