Senior Process Scientist/Engineer, Photonic Integrated Circuits - Santa Barbara, CA
Job Description
QPICs, the company
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QPICs Inc. is driving the new frontier of photonic devices and systems: smaller, lighter, and more power efficient. We are tapping into the transformation of opto-electronics, where compact devices and photonic sub-systems will show up in quantum computers and sensors, communication and computing devices, LIDAR, and AR/VR displays. QPICs is solving the problem of speed to develop these photonics devices; to deliver unique prototypes through mid-scale production; and to link our processes to high volume foundries.
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Description of Position
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QPICs Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Integrated Photonics Process Scientist/Engineer to lead the development and implementation of new fast-turn fabrication processes for cutting-edge photonic integrated circuits (PICs). This senior role is well suited for someone who can translate ambitious device requirements into robust, manufacturable process flows. In addition to a core SOI and silicon nitride platforms, this role will help advance platforms for materials with high nonlinear and electro-optical coefficients, including thin-film lithium niobate and barium titanate oxide.
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Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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· Lead development and optimization of fast-turn fabrication processes for photonic integrated circuits, with a clear path to repeatability, yield improvement, and transfer to higher-volume manufacturing.
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· Own process integration strategy across lithography, deposition, etch, bonding, and thermal steps, identifying key tradeoffs and establishing process windows.
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· Define qualification plans, process monitors, and critical-to-quality metrics, and use data to drive root-cause analysis and continuous improvement.
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· Select, qualify, and help commission process, metrology, and inspection tools required to support PIC platform development.
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· Partner closely with designers, customers, and internal stakeholders to translate device requirements into manufacturable flows and actionable development roadmaps.
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· Contribute to development of PDKs by characterizing process performance, variability, and device-impacting parameters such as propagation loss, insertion loss, and power handling.
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· Mentor engineers and scientists, document best practices, and help build a disciplined, scalable process development culture.
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Relevant Experiences & Qualifications
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· Ph.D. or M.S. in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related field, with 10 or more years of relevant industry or advanced research experience.
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· Deep hands-on experience in nanofabrication for photonic devices, including lithography, etching, deposition, metrology, process integration and control. Thorough knowledge of factors driving loss in photonic waveguides is highly valued.
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· Demonstrated track record of leading complex process development efforts and delivering technical results in fast-paced R&D, pilot-line, or manufacturing environments.
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· Experience with heterogeneous integration or wafer/chip bonding is valued.
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· Experience in photonic device design, simulation, or PDK development is highly valued.
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· Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and technical communication skills, with the ability to guide cross-functional decisions.
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· Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and provide mentorship in a collaborative startup environment.
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Join this entrepreneurial project on the ground floor! Please submit a resume and a cover letter indicating your enthusiasm for the role, your understanding of the challenges, and how your experiences contribute success in this role.
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Salary Range: $160,000 - $200,000, plus equity incentives.
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Location: We are hiring for our location in Santa Barbara, CA. Upon opening of our fabrication facility in Arvada, Colorado, there will be an option to transfer to Colorado.
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Immigration Status: Must be a US Citizen or US Permanent Resident.
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Website: www.qpics.com
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Contact for this position:
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Chris Myatt, CEO
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(303) 359-5527
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