Microfabrication and Prototyping Engineer (Postdoc)

Sonus Microsystems; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonus Microsystems and the AdaMist (Adaptive Microsystems) research group at UBC are collaborating to develop a new class of ultrasound transducers using polymer MEMS technology. The research focuses on fabrication, characterization, and iterative device development in a hands-on laboratory setting at UBC/SFU facilities and Sonus labs.

The role emphasizes rapid prototyping, device testing, and collaboration with MEMS designers, process engineers, and scientists to advance early-stage technology

Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience in microfabrication and cleanroom environments.
• Working knowledge of MEMS fabrication principles and device behaviors.
• Experience building prototypes and performing laboratory measurements.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and follow structured experimental workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and execute fabrication steps for polymer MEMS devices and new transducer structures.
• Perform lithography, thin-film deposition, etching, photoresist processing, and wafer dicing.
• Operate cleanroom tools and maintain detailed process records.
• Build and iterate physical prototypes using cleanroom tools and rapid-prototyping methods.
• Conduct electrical and acoustic measurements and analyze data with MATLAB or Python and document results.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

Collaborative mindset

Documentation

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Engineering/Physics/Materials Science

Tools

MEMS fabrication tools

Cleanroom equipment

Lithography systems

MATLAB/Python data analysis

Job description

Main Supervisor

Dr. Edmond Cretu, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, UBC

Position Duration

2 years

Who We Are

Sonus Microsystems and the AdaMist (Adaptive Microsystems) research group at UBC, led by Dr. Edmond Cretu, are jointly leveraging state-of-the-art and patented polymer MEMS technology to develop an affordable imaging diagnostic device aimed at transforming clinical screening and remote patient monitoring. Our proprietary technology involves fabrication of polymer-based Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasound Transducers (polyCMUTs), which have unique characteristics that enable the use of ultrasound in applications not previously possible. Our technology has applications in various markets, including healthcare, non-destructive testing, and consumer electronics products.

We are expanding our R&D team through the MITACS Accelerate program and are seeking a highly skilled researcher to help us develop a new class of ultrasound transducers.

Who You Are

We are looking for a hands-on microfabrication and prototyping engineer or scientist (postdoc or graduate-level) with strong experience in cleanroom processes, MEMS fundamentals, rapid prototyping, and laboratory testing. You will work directly on the fabrication and characterization of advanced polymer MEMS transducers, contributing to process development, device iteration, and experimental validation.

Microfabrication and Cleanroom Work

• Develop, optimize, and execute fabrication steps for polymer MEMS devices and new transducer structures.
• Perform lithography, thin-film deposition (e-beam evaporation or sputtering), etching, photoresist processing, and wafer dicing.
• Operate cleanroom tools and maintain detailed process records

Prototyping and Assembly

• Build and iterate physical prototypes using cleanroom tools, benchtop equipment, and rapid-prototyping methods
• Perform wire bonding, alignment, packaging, and device assembly
• Produce small-batch fabrication runs for experimental evaluation.

Device characterization

• Conduct electrical measurements using impedance analyzers, network analyzers, and related tools
• Perform acoustic measurements using hydrophones and laser Doppler vibrometers
• Analyze signals and datasets using MATLAB or Python
• Document results and propose next-step design or process improvements

Research and Documentation

• Collaborate with Sonus engineers and scientists on design iterations, process troubleshooting, and experimental planning
• Review literature and patents to support innovation and identify improvements
• Contribute to the development of manufacturing protocols and technology scale-up

Qualifications

Required

• PhD in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field
• Strong hands-on experience in microfabrication and cleanroom environments, demonstrated by prior projects or publications
• Working knowledge of MEMS fabrication principles and device behaviors
• Experience building prototypes and performing laboratory measurements
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and follow structured experimental workflows
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset

Preferred (Asset But Not Required)

• Experience with polymer MEMS fabrication or soft materials processing
• Familiarity with CMUTs or ultrasound technologies
• FEM simulation experience (COMSOL or ANSYS)
• Experience with hydrophone-based acoustic testing or optical metrology
• Knowledge of mask design tools (L-Edit, KLayout, CleWin)
• Experience with PCB design, assembly and electronics prototyping

Working Environment

• Hands-on microfabrication work will be performed at UBC's and SFU cleanroom facilities as well as Sonus' R&D labs
• The role involves interdisciplinary collaboration with MEMS designers, process engineers, material scientists, and system engineers
• The role is ideal for individuals who enjoy experimental problem-solving, rapid iteration, and working on transformative early-stage technology

We Encourage Diverse Perspectives

We believe that varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives help us solve complex problems, and recognize that expertise and potential are not always captured by a job description, so if you can help drive our mission forward, we encourage you to apply!

Please note that we are not able to provide immigration sponsorship at this time