Process Engineer

This position supports all aspects in the development, fabrication, and characterization of semiconductor supermirrors and related devices produced at Thorlabs Crystalline Solutions (TCS) in Santa Barbara, CA. Primary responsibilities include the production of and continued technical advancement of our substrate-transferred crystalline coatings and direct-bonded optical components. A key focus will be to carry out microfabrication processes required for the manufacturing of these devices. Additional responsibilities will involve operation, maintenance, and continued improvement of our in-house microscopy-based inspection capabilities for optical characterization of production- and research-grade mirrors; realizing improved production processes by designing, executing, and interpreting quantitative test procedures in the cleanroom and in post-process inspection; and compiling test reports and quality control data produced along the way for presentation to the wider group. This position involves working with a small multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers including mechanical and materials engineers, process technicians, and physicists.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Perform various microfabrication processes covering solvent-based cleaning, optical lithography, wet and dry etching, plasma activation, wafer bonding, back-grinding and dicing, plus dielectric and metal deposition, etc.
• Carry out sample preparation and characterization including but not limited to optical, scanning-electron, and atomic-force microscopy, spectrophotometry, scatterometry, etc.
• Develop tooling and processes for manufacturing improvement and evaluate efficacy of process changes for high-yield commercial production
• Operate and maintain in-house metrology tools for the inspection of precision optics and optical materials, including various imaging modalities and interferometric systems in the visible and infrared spectral regions
• Perform optical inspection of materials, including optical substrates and epitaxial material
• Assist with departmental functions such as shipping and receiving, inventory control, data and documentation maintenance, as well as laboratory organization

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Salary for this position ranges between 84K - 110K

Requirements

Qualifications

Experience:

3 years of experience in microfabrication techniques and familiarity with common tools in the field.

Education:

Associate degree, BA / BSc. or higher in Experimental or Applied Physics, or related field such as Chemical / Electrical / Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Science

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge and familiarity with microfabrication techniques and tooling
• Strong ability to work well in a group atmosphere and comply with high quality standards
• Capability to shift from one task to another to address changing priorities

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Benefits

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.