Cleanroom Process Engineer – Thin-Film Lithium Niobate / Tantalate Photonics

Luxtelligence Sa; Vaud; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Luxtelligence SA, Lausanne, Switzerland, is seeking a Cleanroom Process Engineer to support MPW/DPW production for thin-film LiNbO3 and LiTaO3 photonic ICs. You will execute runs, maintain documentation, and resolve in‑line issues, with opportunities to grow into PDK development and process engineering roles.

The role emphasizes hands-on cleanroom work, data analysis, and collaboration with senior engineers to optimize fabrication processes and ensure design-to-fabrication compatibility.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in physics, materials science, microengineering, electrical engineering or a related field.
• 1–3 years of hands-on cleanroom experience (counts if gained during master's thesis or PhD).
• Working knowledge of core cleanroom processes: photolithography, dry and wet etching, thin-film deposition, metallization and lift-off, cleaning.
• Ability to follow a run card rigorously, with strong attention to detail.
• Basic data analysis skills (Excel, Python or MATLAB).

Responsibilities

• Execute MPW/DPW runs in the cleanroom by following the run card and customer design: lithography, etching, deposition, metallization, cladding, cleaning and back-end steps.
• Operate cleanroom equipment autonomously, respecting safety and contamination-control rules.
• Troubleshoot process and tool problems independently: identify root cause, propose and apply a solution, and escalate when needed.
• Document each run thoroughly: process parameters, deviations, inspection results and corrective actions.
• Perform design checks and verify design-to-fabrication compatibility.
• Support the optimization of the process flow for LNOI400 and LTOI300 stacks, including the upgrade to double metallization and RF termination.
• Contribute to the development of PDK building blocks and their integration in a scalable fabrication process.
• Take part in R&D on new nanofabrication processes and PDK components, under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Perform in-line and end-of-line metrology on MPW wafers (SEM, AFM, profilometry, ellipsometry, optical inspection).
• Carry out device testing and data analysis for quality control of MPW runs.
• Support the statistical analysis of metrology and PDK measurement data (process control monitors, wafer uniformity, yield).
• Keep process records, travelers and measurement data complete and traceable.
• Support the PDK in EDA software in collaboration with the design team.
• Provide technical support to customers, project management and grants.

Skills

Cleanroom experience

Data analysis

Education

BSc or MSc in physics, materials science, microengineering, electrical engineering or a related field

Tools

Excel

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Location: Lausanne, Switzerland

Contract: Permanent, 100%

Start date: ASAP

About us

LUXTELLIGENCE SA is a young, privately held, and rapidly growing Swiss high-tech startup company, founded in 2022 by researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne (EPFL). We are developing next generation photonic integrated circuits based on electro-optical materials, in particular thin-film Lithium Niobate and Lithium Tantalate, that can revolutionize next generation optical interconnects for AI data centers and High-Performance Computing.

About the role

We are looking for a Cleanroom Process Engineer to support our foundry services on thin-film lithium niobate (LNOI400) and lithium tantalate (LTOI300) photonic integrated circuits. This is a key operational role within our Foundry services team. You will be responsible for executing process runs in accordance with the run card, resolving technical issues in the cleanroom as they arise, and maintaining accurate and complete process documentation. You will work closely with our senior process engineers, with the opportunity to grow into process development and the implementation of new PDK components.

Key responsibilities

MPW/DPW production

• Execute MPW/DPW runs in the cleanroom by following the run card and the customer design: lithography, etching, deposition, metallization, cladding, cleaning and back-end steps.


• Operate cleanroom equipment autonomously, respecting safety and contamination-control rules.


• Troubleshoot process and tool problems independently: identify the root cause, propose and apply a solution, and escalat when needed.


• Document each run thoroughly: process parameters, deviations, inspection results and corrective actions.


• Perform design checks and verify design-to-fabrication compatibility.

R&D and PDK support

• Support the optimization of the process flow for LNOI400 and LTOI300 stacks, including the upgrade to double metallization and RF termination.


• Contribute to the development of PDK building blocks and their integration in a scalable fabrication process.


• Take part in R&D on new nanofabrication processes and PDK components, under the guidance of senior engineers.

Metrology, testing and data analysis

• Perform in-line and end-of-line metrology on MPW wafers (SEM, AFM, profilometry, ellipsometry, optical inspection).


• Carry out device testing and data analysis for quality control of MPW runs.


• Support the statistical analysis of metrology and PDK measurement data (process control monitors, wafer uniformity, yield).


• Keep process records, travelers and measurement data complete and traceable.

Design and EDA support

• Support the PDK in EDA software in collaboration with the design team.

Customers, projects and business

• Provide technical support to customers, project management and grants.

Profile We Are Looking For

Required

• BSc or MSc in physics, materials science, microengineering, electrical engineering or a related field.


• [1–3] years of hands‑on cleanroom experience (cleanroom work during a master's thesis or PhD counts). Experience at CMi (Center for MicroNanotechnology) is highly appreciated.


• Working knowledge of core cleanroom processes: photolithography, dry and wet etching, thin-film deposition, metallization and lift‑off, cleaning.


• Ability to follow a run card rigorously, with strong attention to detail.


• Basic data analysis skills (Excel, Python or MATLAB).

Nice to have

• Experience with thin-film lithium niobate or other difficult‑to‑etch materials.


• Experience with metrology tools such as SEM, AFM, profilometry and ellipsometry.


• Basic knowledge of integrated photonics (waveguides, modulators, optical or RF measurements).


• Familiarity with layout and DRC tools (e.g. KLayout).


• Experience in a foundry or MPW environment.

Qualities

• Methodical, rigorous and reliable


• Autonomous, but asks for help at the right moment


• Team player with good communication skills


• Troubleshooting mindset: you diagnose process and tool issues on your own and propose solutions.


• Habit of documenting everything clearly (run‑cards, logbooks, travelers, deviation reports).


• Good working English.

Why Join Luxtelligence?

• A key role in a growing deep‑tech company at the center of the European thin-film lithium niobate/tantalate ecosystem.


• Direct impact on products used by customers worldwide.


• Collaboration with leading academic and industrial partners.


• Join a young, diverse, flexible and highly motivated team


• An inspiring working environment, in Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva.