Pathfinding Nanofabrication Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Pathfinding Nanofabrication Engineer. Location: California, USA

Responsibilities:

• Develop routines and processes to fabricate next-generation silicon-based chips, including ion implantation, photo- and electron-beam lithography, wet and plasma processing, material deposition, wafer thinning, dicing, and packaging.
• Lead pathfinding efforts to mature new process capabilities from early experimentation to reliable implementation.
• Coordinate technical work with external partners and ensure successful execution of experimental plans;
• Oversee day-to-day technical operations, including tracking samples, prioritizing work, and maintaining schedules.
• Hire, mentor, and technically lead a small team of technicians and junior engineers while remaining hands-on in fabrication and experimentation.
• Collaborate with device engineers, scientists, and nanofabrication teams across multiple locations.
• Perform in-line metrology and data analysis to evaluate process performance and reproducibility.
• Maintain detailed process documentation, experimental records, and operating procedures;
• Communicate results, risks, and recommendations clearly to cross-functional teams.
• Contribute to solving complex fabrication and integration challenges and expand Photonic’s intellectual property portfolio.

Qualifications:

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in engineering, applied physics, materials science, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong hands-on experience in semiconductor device fabrication demonstrated by a portfolio of fabricated devices.
• Experience across multiple process modules and integrating complex fabrication flows;
• Experience with optical and electron lithography tools and semiconductor characterization/metrology techniques.
• Proficiency in data analysis software such as MATLAB or Python.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple technical workstreams, and lead through execution.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with silicon photonics or advanced silicon devices.
• Background in research or R&D environments involving rapid process iteration;
• Demonstrated experience running organized technical operations for a team, including work tracking, prioritization, and schedule discipline in a fabrication R&D environment;
• Prior experience helping establish or grow new fabrication capabilities.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary range from $126,200 to $173,500 USD annually.
• Eligibility for equity and benefits.
• Relocation assistance for global talent;
• Comprehensive benefits including extended health, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, employee assistance program, parental leave top-ups, and flexible spending account;
• Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative company culture with social events and team activities.

Other information:

• Include a cover letter with your resume (in one file) describing how you would be a great fit at Photonic and the attributes you could bring to the team.
• Photonic values equity, diversity, and inclusion; accommodations can be requested during the hiring process.
• Artificial intelligence tools may assist in reviewing applications but hiring decisions are made by humans.