Senior Scientist - Semiconductor & Optoelectronic Process

About the role

The Senior Scientist - Semiconductor & Optoelectronic Process will lead the design, development, and integration of semiconductor devices, advanced MEMS, and optical components for optoelectronic, photonic, and connectivity applications. They will translate device concepts into rapid proof-of-concept (PoC) prototypes, execute testing, and demonstrate core functionality through internal and external process capabilities. They will also translate PoC test results into system-level requirements and mature manufacturable products and processes for transfer to new or existing business development teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Device & Component Design

• Design MEMS devices and optical components, including waveguides, couplers, micro-optics, and sensors
• Partner with mechanical and optical modeling teams to define device architecture and optimize performance
• Utilize layout design tools such as Mentor Graphics, L-Edit, KLayout, or SolidWorks to create mask layouts for device fabrication
• Apply strong knowledge of semiconductor device physics and MOS transistor test methodologies

• Process Development & Integration

• Develop and integrate semiconductor and MEMS processes, including thin- and thick-film organic or inorganic deposition, photolithography, wet and dry etching, metallization, and bonding for silicon, glass, and fused silica wafers and substrates
• Lead end-to-end process integration for rapid PoC development through internal and external process capabilities
• Own and optimize critical process modules, including process window definition and control strategy development

• Optical Performance & Testing

• Partner with modeling teams to define and evaluate key optical performance metrics, including insertion loss and coupling efficiency
• Lead optical testing efforts and drive data-based optimization of device designs

• External Collaboration & Execution

• Coordinate with external vendors and foundries to support fabrication, assembly, and testing
• Translate designs into specifications and manage iterative design, fabrication, and test learning cycles

• Technical Leadership

• Provide technical leadership across cross-functional R&D and business teams through deep subject-matter expertise and clear communication
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to technical strategy, prioritization, and roadmap execution

Experiences/Education - Required

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline; or a Master’s degree in a related field with 2-3 years of relevant industrial R&D experience

• Hands-on experience in semiconductor processing and cleanroom fabrication, particularly in MEMS-related development
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following:
• MEMS design and fabrication
• Optical/photonics component design
• Thin-film materials and microfabrication processes

Experiences/Education - Desired

• Experience in co-packaged optics, photonic integration, or advanced packaging
• Familiarity with non-silicon platforms, including glass-based or heterogeneous integration approaches
• Experience working with external fabrication partners and managing multi-site development cycles
• Experience transitioning technologies from R&D into pilot-scale or manufacturing environments

Pay

The range for this position is $89,757.00 - $123,416.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.