Wet Etch Process Engineer

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials, and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard work through a competitive compensation program.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize wet etch processes for VCSELs, photodiodes, and edge-emitting lasers on GaAs and InP substrates.
• Define and control etch chemistry, etch rate, isotropic vs. anisotropic etching, selectivity, and undercut management to meet stringent device performance criteria.
• Utilize metrology tools such as AFM, SEM, ellipsometry, profilometry, XPS, XRD, and optical interferometry for process characterization and defect analysis.
• Troubleshoot etch process deviations, material compatibility issues, and surface roughness effects, implementing corrective actions to ensure high device yield and process stability.
• Work closely with device engineers and integration teams to integrate wet etch processes into the overall semiconductor fabrication flow.
• Establish and maintain SPC methodologies for process monitoring and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate and qualify new wet etch chemistries, process automation techniques, and etch equipment to enhance process capabilities.
• Develop and document etch process recipes, SOPs, failure analysis reports, and best practices for knowledge sharing and training.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in wet etch process development for optoelectronic applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in semiconductor wet etch process development, particularly for GaAs and InP-based optoelectronic devices.
• Strong expertise in wet etch chemistry, selectivity optimization, surface roughness control, and etch stop layers.
• Hands-on experience with metrology techniques such as SEM, AFM, ellipsometry, profilometry, XPS, and XRD for process verification and defect analysis.
• Deep understanding of etching challenges for VCSELs, photodiodes, and EMLs, including precise mesa formation, sidewall passivation, and optical performance impact.
• Proficiency in SPC, DOE, and data-driven process optimization.
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including device engineers, production teams, and R&D groups.

Skills

• Experience in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing or advanced R&D prototyping for optoelectronic devices.
• Familiarity with chemical safety, fume hood operations, and waste disposal protocols for semiconductor wet etch processing.
• Familiarity with automation (SECS/GEM), scripting, or AI-driven process control, including FDC and APC.
• Demonstrated leadership in technical project management, process transfers, and mentoring junior engineers.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to areas where hand tools and power tools are being operated.
• Exposure to areas where hazardous chemicals or gases are stored.
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment per semiconductor protocol/requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Work in a class 100/1000 clean room for extended periods.
• Wear full cleanroom attire (smock, mask, etc.).
• Work with and/or around chemicals (such as solids and acids).
• Stand for up to 4 hours at a time.
• Lift up to 16-30 pounds.
• Push/Pull up to 16-30 pounds.
• Sit for up to 4 hours at a time.