Photonics Fabrication Engineer

Job Description

Job Location: Remote (Multiple states, USA)

As part of the Fabrication Process Engineering team, you will collaborate with internal and external partners to improve process reliability, yield, & device performance; while advancing the state of photonics fabrication.

Duties:

• Develop and optimize fabrication process modules for integrated photonic devices using thin film lithium niobate and other electro-optic materials.
• Manage and direct wafer lots processed at foundry partners.
• Design and execute experiments for process improvement and optimization.
• Define and conduct metrology and failure analysis to identify causes of defects and assess improvements;
• Work closely with photonics design engineers and process integration teams to align design and fabrication goals.
• Stay informed on advances in photonics fabrication and apply new findings to improve performance and scalability.
• Coordinate with external foundries, vendors, and R&D partners to ensure process quality and consistency;
• Maintain up to 20% travel availability for meetings, site visits, and coordination with partners.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with integrated photonics or semiconductor fabrication process development.
• Skilled in etching waveguides and structures using crystalline electro-optic materials such as lithium niobate;
• Familiarity with metrology and failure analysis tools such as SEM, TEM, AFM, ellipsometry, XRR/XRD, SIMS, Raman spectroscopy, or photoluminescence.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or JMP for data analysis.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills;
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in teams.

Preferred:

• At least 5 years of experience in integrated photonics fabrication and process development using electro-optic materials.
• Proven record of achieving low optical losses through process improvements.
• Experience in foundry environments or fabless semiconductor companies;
• Background in photonic quantum computing hardware development.
• Experience with full product lifecycle, from R&D to volume production;
• Ability to coordinate with and manage relationships with external partners.
• Proficiency in Mandarin is a plus.

Benefits and Instructions:

• This is a full-time remote role available across multiple U.S. states.
• Xanadu offers a collaborative and inclusive culture with a focus on innovation, learning, and equality;
• Employees enjoy a supportive, barrier-free workplace that encourages creativity and personal growth.
• Candidates requiring accommodations during the hiring process can contact recruiting@xanadu.ai