Job Title: Development & Process Step Engineer
Location: High Tech Factory, University of Twente Campus, Netherlands
Job Type: Full-Time
About Aluvia Photonics
Aluvia Photonics is a leading pure-play foundry specializing in Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃)-based photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Our mission is to drive innovation in optical communication, sensing, and quantum applications by delivering high-performance photonic solutions. As we expand our capabilities, we are seeking a Development & Process Step Engineer to develop and optimize new fabrication processes, with a strong focus on sputter deposition for optical layers.
Job Overview
As a Development & Process Step Engineer, you will be responsible for the research, development, and optimization of new semiconductor fabrication processes. A key aspect of this role is developing and refining sputter deposition recipes for high-quality optical AlOx layers. You will collaborate closely with integration, process, and characterization teams to ensure that new processes meet performance, yield, and manufacturability requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Process Development: Design, develop, and optimize new semiconductor fabrication processes for photonic integrated circuits.
Sputter Deposition Recipe Development: Develop and refine sputter deposition recipes to achieve high-quality optical thin film layers with precise thickness, refractive index control, and minimal loss.
Materials & Optical Layer Engineering: Evaluate and optimize material properties for optical layer performance in photonic devices.
Process Characterization & Optimization: Utilize metrology tools such as ellipsometry, spectrophotometry, SEM, and AFM to assess deposition quality and refine process parameters.
Process Integration: Work with integration engineers to ensure compatibility of new processes with existing workflows and overall fabrication processes.
Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement: Diagnose process issues, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvements in sputtering and other deposition processes.
Documentation & Standardization: Maintain detailed records of process development, create standard operating procedures (SOPs), and support knowledge transfer.
Collaboration & Communication: Work with multidisciplinary teams to align new process developments with production and R&D goals.
Qualifications & Skills
Required
Master’s or PhD in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Nanotechnology, or a related field.
Hands-on experience in thin-film deposition processes, particularly sputter deposition.
Strong understanding of optical coatings, materials engineering, and photonic device fabrication.
Experience with process development in a semiconductor or photonics cleanroom environment.
Proficiency in using characterization tools such as ellipsometry, AFM, SEM, and spectrophotometry.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured approach to process optimization.
Excellent documentation and reporting skills to ensure reproducibility and standardization.
Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional and fast-paced environment.
Preferred
Experience developing and scaling up deposition processes from R&D to production.
Familiarity with high-precision optical layer deposition for photonic applications.
Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and design of experiments (DOE).
Experience with automation and scripting for process monitoring and optimization.
What We Offer
An opportunity to work at the forefront of photonic integrated circuit technology.
Access to state-of-the-art deposition and characterization equipment.
A collaborative and dynamic work environment that fosters innovation.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Career development opportunities in a rapidly expanding company.
If you are passionate about process development and thin-film deposition for next-generation photonic technologies, we encourage you to apply!
How to Apply
Send your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and motivation to info@aluviaphotonics.com with the subject line: Application – Development & Process Step Engineer.