GaN Process Development and Sustaining Engineer – GaN Laser Diodes

The GaN Process Development and Sustaining Engineer will be responsible for developing GaN processes for BluGlass’s proprietary next-generation GaN-based UV/VIS laser technology to address multiple markets, such as Industrial, Electronics, Scientific, Biotech, AR/VR, and Automotive. Candidates must have hands-on experience proposing and developing novel GaN processing concepts and solutions to relevant, complex technical problems, ideally within Commercial as well as Defense and Government-funded industries. Candidates must demonstrate expert analytical, problem-solving, and practical wafer-fab-based experience, preferably in multiple optoelectronic technologies, especially semiconductor laser diodes.

Hands-on process development in many or all of the necessary steps to support our next-generation GaN Diode Lasers that leverage the advantages of BluGlass proprietary Remote Plasma CVD (RPCVD) deposition technology and corresponding fabrication process. The ideal candidate will have end-to-end experience developing Fabry-Perot semiconductor laser diodes.

80% GaN Wafer Fab Process Development:

 Drive hands-on wafer processing, optimization, and support for all aspects of laser diode fabrication, including:

• Photolithography
• Wet chemical processing and etch
• Dry etch (RIE, ICP)
• Thin film deposition (electron-beam evaporation, sputter, PECVD, ALD)
• Wafer thinning by grind and polish
• Wafer scribe, facet cleave, laser bar coating

Utilize SPC and out-of-control response by way of parameter tracking, on-wafer testing, and characterization methods such as SEM, FIB, EDS, AFM, and others.

Implement design of experiment (DOE) analysis for robust and stable processes.

15%   Technical Program Leadership:

• Remain knowledgeable of state-of-the-art principles for advancing performance in front-end processing, identifying and qualifying the equipment necessary to support our product development roadmaps.
• Establish, monitor, analyze, and report key performance metrics to project teams and management.
• Lead or support out-of-control responses (8D, DMAIC).
• Coordinate with equipment engineering supporting OEE standards (TPM).

5%    Custom Laser Development support:

• Administrative support of management.
• Guidance and oversight of process technicians during normal operations and in support of process development.
• Support response to proposals (Commercial and Government/R&D solicitations) for new GaN-based Laser Diode opportunities.
• Participate in process design reviews with internal and external customers.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or similar with 2-5 years of experience in an industrial environment, or PhD with equivalent experience in laser diode development.
• Experience in semiconductor processing and development, along with a basic understanding of epitaxy, downstream fabrication, and testing, is required. Direct experience with Gallium Nitride is preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership and the capacity to direct and influence colleagues across multiple departments and geographies are essential. Candidate must be a team player.
• A good candidate will have strong engineering fundamentals and can methodically adapt to problems using statistics, linear algebra, and numerical methods with software or hardware implementations.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software such as JMP, R, Python, etc.
• Development and execution of technical research projects.
• Ability to “wear many hats” on a small team in a dynamic start-up environment.
• High-quality communication skills (both oral and written) are required.

The BluGlass GaN Process Development and Sustaining Engineer position is based out of our wafer fab located in Fremont, CA. On-site, hands-on work is required, with occasional off-site work. This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements; therefore, a “US Person” as defined by 22C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “US Person” includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and the asylee is preferred.

BluGlass Limited, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX: BLG), is a global leader in breakthrough technologies such as Distributed Feedback (DFB) GaN Lasers and Remote Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition (RPCVD).  Advances in quantum sensing, quantum computing, electronic materials processing, medical, biotech, and many defense and aerospace applications drive demand for next-generation near UV and Visible DFB and Fabry Perot laser diodes. RPCVD is our patented technology used to grow advanced materials such as gallium nitride (GaN) and indium gallium nitride (InGaN), crucial to producing high-efficiency UV and Visible laser diodes.