Production Operator (Semiconductor Manufacturing)

InPho; Halifax; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Equity package

Flexible work environment

Job summary

Inpho in Halifax is seeking a Production Operator to join our fast‑growing photonics team. You will operate semiconductor production equipment, follow detailed process instructions, and perform in‑process inspections to ensure quality and safety.

This hands‑on role requires reliability, precision, and the ability to work in cleanroom environments, with opportunities to contribute to high‑volume production and learn from industry‑leading tools.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certificate or associate degree preferred.
• 1–3+ years of experience in semiconductor, electronics, photonics, or precision manufacturing environments.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain high attention to detail.
• Comfortable working with microscopes, measurement tools, and computer-based production systems.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Willingness to work in cleanroom conditions and follow strict safety and contamination control procedures.
• Reliable, detail oriented, and comfortable working with precision tools, cleanroom protocols, and in fast paced production workflows.

Responsibilities

• Operate semiconductor production equipment such as wafer handling tools, automated test and inspection tools, bonding machines, or photonics assembly stations.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and safety guidelines with strict adherence to process controls.
• Perform manual and automated assembly tasks including loading/unloading materials, aligning components, and executing defined process steps.
• Conduct visual inspections using microscopes, magnifiers, or AOI systems to identify defects or irregularities.
• Record production data, inspection results, and equipment parameters accurately in logs or digital systems.
• Escalate quality issues promptly and support root cause investigations when needed.
• Maintain equipment cleanliness, perform basic preventive maintenance, and report abnormalities to engineering or maintenance teams.
• Handle wafers, substrates, optical components, or sensitive materials using proper cleanroom techniques to prevent contamination.
• Work in controlled environments (ISO class cleanrooms) while following gowning, ESD, and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with technicians, engineers, and supervisors to meet daily production targets.
• Assist with material movement, inventory checks, and workstation organization.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) builds by following updated instructions and providing feedback on process clarity.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team player

Communication skills

Follow instructions

Precision tools

Education

High school diploma

Technical certificate

Tools

Microscopes

Measurement tools

Production software

Job description

About Inpho

Inpho is a fast-growing scale-up, focused on developing cutting-edge optoelectronic solutions for next-generation communications, and photonic systems. Our multidisciplinary team is pushing the boundaries of innovation in integrated photonics and semiconductor packaging.

Inpho’s new class of electro-photonic chips is poised to revolutionize and disrupt the optical interconnect market. Utilizing this new class of chips enables existing optical interconnect systems to be built at much lower cost; new architectures to be deployed that provide significantly higher price/performance; and a whole new generation of higher speed interconnect to be built that to date have been impossible.

About The Role

The Production Operator supports daily manufacturing activities in a semiconductor fabrication or assembly environment. This role is responsible for operating production equipment, following detailed process instructions, performing in process inspections, and ensuring products meet quality and safety standards. The ideal candidate is reliable, detail oriented, and comfortable working with precision tools, cleanroom protocols, and fast paced production workflows.

The Production Operator is a hands‑on role at the heart of semiconductor manufacturing, that will contribute directly to the production of advanced technologies and provide the opportunity to gain experience with industry leading tools, cleanroom operations, and precision processes.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations

• Operate semiconductor production equipment such as wafer handling tools, automated test and inspection tools, bonding machines, or photonics assembly stations.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and safety guidelines with strict adherence to process controls.
• Perform manual and automated assembly tasks including loading/unloading materials, aligning components, and executing defined process steps.

Quality & Inspection

• Conduct visual inspections using microscopes, magnifiers, or automated optical inspection (AOI) systems to identify defects or irregularities.
• Record production data, inspection results, and equipment parameters accurately in logs or digital systems.
• Escalate quality issues promptly and support root cause investigations when needed.

Equipment & Cleanroom Handling

• Maintain equipment cleanliness, perform basic preventive maintenance, and report any abnormalities to engineering or maintenance teams.
• Handle wafers, substrates, optical components, or sensitive materials using proper cleanroom techniques to prevent contamination.
• Work in controlled environments (ISO class cleanrooms) while following gowning, ESD, and safety protocols.

Production Support

• Collaborate with technicians, engineers, and supervisors to meet daily production targets.
• Assist with material movement, inventory checks, and workstation organization.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) builds by following updated instructions and providing feedback on process clarity.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certificate or associate degree preferred.
• 1–3+ years of experience in semiconductor, electronics, photonics, or precision manufacturing environments.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain high attention to detail.
• Comfortable working with microscopes, measurement tools, and computer-based production systems.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Willingness to work in cleanroom conditions and follow strict safety and contamination control procedures.
• Reliable, detail oriented, and comfortable working with precision tools, cleanroom protocols, and in fast paced production workflows.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience operating semiconductor or photonics manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with SPC, basic metrology, or quality control practices.
• Knowledge of ESD handling, wafer processing, or optical component assembly.
• Experience working in shift based or high-volume production environments.

Why Join Inpho?

• Be part of a mission-driven startup shaping the future of photonics.
• Competitive salary, full health benefits and equity packages, flexible work environment, and career growth opportunities.

Come work with a dynamic, high-talent team to build and commercialize the highest-performance photonics chips in the world!

Additional Information

Inpho is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Inpho Human Resources at [e-mail]

We thank all candidates for their interest in Inpho. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.