Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) Researcher — Senior Engineer

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About The Role

You will lead the development of ALD processes for multiple critical layers in the perovskite solar cell stack: ultra-thin barrier layers for moisture and oxygen protection, conformal charge transport layers, and interface passivation coatings. You will own precursor chemistry selection, process recipe development, conformality optimization, and integration with adjacent process steps.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize ALD processes for barrier layers, charge transport layers, and passivation interlayers
• Select and qualify ALD precursor chemistries compatible with perovskite device stacks
• Optimize ALD process parameters (pulse times, purge sequences, substrate temperature, plasma vs. thermal) for film quality, conformality, and throughput
• Characterize thin film properties: thickness, density, composition, barrier performance (WVTR), electrical properties, and optical properties
• Design and execute experiments to understand nucleation on perovskite and organic surfaces
• Integrate layers into full device stacks without damaging temperature-sensitive perovskite layers
• Mentor and direct the work of associate researchers
• Collaborate with the packaging engineer on thin-film encapsulation strategies
• Develop process documentation, equipment maintenance schedules, and precursor management protocols

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in ALD or CVD process development for semiconductor, photovoltaic, or barrier applications
• Expert knowledge of ALD reaction mechanisms, surface chemistry, and growth kinetics for metal oxides
• Demonstrated experience with thermal, plasma-enhanced ALD, or CVD processes
• Hands-on experience with ALD or CVD reactor operation, maintenance, and precursor delivery systems
• Proficiency with thin film characterization (ellipsometry, XRD, XRR, SEM, TEM, XPS, WVTR testing)
• Track record of integrating ALD films into multi-layer device structures

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience depositing ALD films on perovskite or organic semiconductor surfaces, including SnO2 and Al2O3
• Experience with low-temperature ALD processes (
• Knowledge of spatial ALD or roll-to-roll ALD for high-throughput applications
• Experience with ALD-based thin-film encapsulation for OLED or flexible electronics