Senior Research Engineer – Nitride Thin-Film Materials (Photonics Application) // Job-ID: 232-1

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL); Villach; Vor Ort; EUR 80 000 - 100 000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research facility in Austria is seeking a Senior Research Engineer specializing in Nitride Thin-Film Materials for Photonics Applications. This role involves developing and optimizing thin films, collaborating with various teams, and contributing to scientific publications. Ideal candidates should hold a PhD, have hands-on experience with deposition techniques, and possess strong analytical skills. This full-time position offers a competitive minimum gross salary of €61,000 annually, along with excellent relocation support for non-European candidates.

Leistungen

Meal allowance

Public transport subsidy

Training opportunities

Family-friendly policies

Health and wellness programs

Qualifikationen

• PhD in a relevant field, preferably materials science, physics or similar.
• Hands-on experience with thin-film deposition techniques like sputtering and CVD.
• Experience with materials used in Photonic Integrated Circuits.

Aufgaben

• Develop thin films for photonics applications.
• Collaborate with teams for process optimization and material development.
• Contribute to publications and project management efforts.

Kenntnisse

Thin-film deposition

Data analysis

Optical characterization

Collaboration

Documentation skills

Multicultural teamwork

Optical properties tuning

Scientific communication

Ausbildung

PhD in materials science or related discipline

Tools

Ellipsometry

AFM

XRD

SEM

Origin

Jobbeschreibung

Senior Research Engineer – Nitride Thin-Film Materials (Photonics Application)

Join to apply for the Senior Research Engineer – Nitride Thin-Film Materials (Photonics Application) role at Silicon Austria Labs (SAL).

Responsibilities

• Development of thin films for integrated photonics applications.
• Design and execute experiments to optimize photonic materials, guided by device specifications and performance feedback.
• Collaboration with design, fabrication, characterization, and process engineer teams to optimize full process flow and device performance.
• Definition of strategies for material optimization and pursuing scientifically relevant investigations.
• Development of strategies to address novel material properties and novel fields of application.
• Contributing to the standardization of procedures and workflows within the Unit.
• Filing IP disclosures whenever possible and appropriate.
• Contribution to scientific dissemination (publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, presentations at conferences).
• Contribution to Unit workflows, project acquisition and project management.
• Position is offered within the Chips JU Pilot Lines.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g. materials science, physics or related discipline).
• Hands‑on experience with thin‑film deposition (especially sputtering, CVD) for photonic applications.
• Experience with materials for Photonic Integrated Circuits (e.g. AlN, SiN, LiNbO3).
• Ability to tune optical properties of thin‑film materials.
• Hands‑on experience with optical and structural characterizations (thickness, refractive index, loss, roughness) using relevant tools including ellipsometry, reflectometry, AFM, XRD, SEM.
• Experience working on 200 mm wafers is an advantage.
• Ability to run experiments, analyze data, and optimize material quality.
• Strong documentation and reporting discipline.
• High interest in applied research on photonic thin‑film materials.
• Good collaboration record with internal teams and industrial partners.
• Cleanroom experience, and willingness to work in cleanroom for at least 50% of the time.
• Experience with successful funding applications is an advantage.
• Solid skills in standard office tools and data analysis software (e.g. Origin).
• Very good command of English; German is an asset.
• Experience working in multicultural and multinational teams; respectful, empathetic team player with strong communication and presentation skills.
• Willingness to relocate to Villach, Austria.

Important Facts About SAL

• Diverse research activities with many technical challenges.
• State‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Location in the heart of Europe in Austria – relocation support for non‑European nationalities.
• Internal and external training opportunities for career development.
• Family & children friendly – actively shaping the compatibility of family and career.
• “Vital4SAL” to promote a healthy workplace (e.g. SAL coaching pool, trainings on mental health, physical activities, healthy snacks, 24/7 accident insurance).
• € 4 per day meal allowance in restaurants or € 2 per working day in supermarkets.
• Public transport initiative (subsidy for the “Klimaticket”).
• Our values: open door policy, flexibility in working hours, casual dress code, diverse teams, working with people of different nationalities, informal communication, lifelong learning, sustainability, personal growth, and collective advancement.

Location: Villach, Austria.
Employment type: Full‑time.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level.
Salary: Minimum gross salary of € 61,000 annual (All‑in contract).