Cleanroom Fabrication Engineer at the Quantum Device Lab

ETH Zurich; Zürich; On-site; CHF 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exposure to quantum tech

Collaborative R&D environment

Access to cleanroom facilities

Job summary

ETH Zurich's Quantum Device Lab in the Department of Physics is seeking a Cleanroom Fabrication Engineer to advance quantum processor devices, ranging from tens to hundreds of qubits. You will scale microfabricated chips, develop TSVs, and enable high-quality superconducting films to improve device size and signal routing.

You will work across premier cleanrooms at ETH Hönggerberg, IBM Rüschlikon, and PSI Villigen in a multidisciplinary team, emphasizing documentation, process development, and

Qualifications

• Hands-on cleanroom experience with semiconductor or superconducting processing techniques.
• Proven ability in surface characterization and metrology.
• Ability to communicate findings to collaborators in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Master's degree or equivalent in micro- and nanofabrication, material science, physics, electrical engineering or a related field; PhD helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Device fabrication: perform and refine micro- and nano-fabrication runs.
• Process development: optimize fabrication processes for scalable architectures.
• Yield improvement: apply metrology to improve yield.
• High-coherence compatibility: collaborate with researchers to assess process impact on qubit coherence.
• Documentation: maintain run logs and process metrics.

Skills

Hands-on cleanroom

Process control

Specialized equipment

Research experience

Education

Master's degree in micro/nanofabrication

PhD helpful

Tools

Electron beam lithography

Photolithography

Dry etching

Wet etching

Thin film deposition

Vacuum technology

Job description

At the Quantum Device Lab, led by Prof. Andreas Wallraff at the Department of Physics of ETH Zurich, we fabricate quantum devices using micro- and nanofabrication techniques. We use the devices to conduct state-of-the-art experimental research in quantum information science and technology. In particular, we work on scaling the developed technologies to build large-scale error-corrected quantum computers. We operate across various cleanrooms in the Zurich area, and develop new technology and approaches which benefit from a coherent, farsighted vision. We collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners within the quantum community.

Project background

We are looking for a Cleanroom Fabrication Engineer to join our interdisciplinary team doing research and development at the forefront of quantum technologies. You will play a crucial role in the development of quantum processor chips, working on devices that incorporate tens to hundreds of qubits. A primary goal of work will be the scaling of micro-fabricated chips, including the development of Through-Silicon-Vias (TSVs), connecting the front to back surface of the chips with high-quality superconducting films. These will reduce the impact of parasitic box modes, and enable alternative signal routing paths, enabling the scaling up in device size.

Job description

Your responsibilities will include:

• Device fabrication: Execution and refinement of micro and nano-fabrication runs using existing fabrication processes.
• Process development: Development and optimization of novel fabrication processes for scalable architectures (such as high-aspect-ratio TSVs deep reactive-ion etching and conformal coating).
• Yield improvement: Systematicmetrology inspection to continuously improve fabrication yield.
• High-coherence compatibility: Collaborationwith other fabrication engineers of the lab and the measurement researchers to evaluate impact of processes on qubit coherence metrics, and guarantee high-quality device outputs.
• Documentation: Preparation of technical and scientific documentation of your work. Tracking of run logs and process metrics shared with scientists from the Quantum Device Lab who have the lead in characterizing and operating the fabricated devices.

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated fabrication engineer to lead the fabrication and process development of devices that advance our capabilities in large-scale quantum computing.

Candidates must have experience in an academic and/or industrial setting in a number of the following areas:

• Hands-on cleanroom experience: Proven record with semi- or superconductor processing techniques, such as electron beam lithography, photolithography, dry and wet etching, thin film deposition
• Process control: surface characterization, metrology (optical-, scanning-electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy), material science, statistical process control, yield improvement, failure analysis.
• Specialized equipment: practical technical knowledge of vacuum technology, (pumps, UHV systems, ...), leak detection, or cryogenic systems.
• Research experience: ability to demonstrate high-quality reporting examples.

Further Requirements:

• You are expected to be skilled in communicating your findings to collaborators in a multidisciplinary environment. You should have high attention to details, structured work habits, and the ability to handle complex workflows.
• You must hold a Master degree or equivalent in micro- and nanofabrication, material science, physics, electrical engineering or a related field. A PhD degree can be helpful but is not required.
• You must possess excellent English communication skills; knowledge of German is a plus.

We offer

• In depth exposure the rapidly developing field of quantum technology, and opportunity to tackle a wide range of fabrication challenges, combined with ample learning opportunities.
• A collaborative, interdisciplinary R&D environment. A rewarding, inspiring working environment with a flat hierarchy and open culture in a diverse and international team.
• Access to state-of-the-art cleanroom fabrication facilities located at ETH Hönggerberg (FIRST), at IBM Rüschlikon (BRNC) and at PSI Villigen (PICO).

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising inscience and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledgeinto society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find ouruniversity to be a place that promotes independent thinking and anenvironment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,yet forging connections all over the world, we work together todevelop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.