Junior Nanofabrication Process Engineer

Edwatec Sa; Lausanne; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

EDWATEC SA, a Lausanne-based photonics startup, seeks a Junior Nanofabrication Process Engineer to drive cleanroom process development and wafer-level fabrication of photonic integrated circuits. You will work in EPFL-aligned facilities and collaborate with design and product teams to enhance device performance.

The role emphasizes hands-on lithography, etching, deposition, metrology, and documentation, with English proficiency essential for cross-border collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in photonics, electrical engineering, physics, microengineering, materials science, nanotechnology, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience in nanofabrication of photonic integrated circuits, semiconductor, or MEMS.
• Practical experience with cleanroom processes such as lithography, etching, deposition, wafer cleaning, and metrology.
• Excellent proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

• Execute end-to-end process flows, including lithography, dry/wet etching, thin-film deposition, wafer cleaning, annealing, and metrology.
• Develop, optimize, and document nanofabrication processes for photonic IC technologies.
• Fabricate silicon nitride-based photonic ICs in cleanroom facilities.
• Carry out wafer-level and device-level inspection and quality control.
• Contribute to mask layout, process design, and fabrication-ready documentation.
• Work closely with design, characterization, and product teams to improve device performance and reliability.

Skills

Nanofabrication

Cleanroom Operations

Lithography

Wafer-level Inspection

Metrology

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in photonics, electrical engineering, physics, microengineering, materials science, nanotechnology

Job description

EDWATEC SA is a high-tech startup and a spin-off from EPFL. We develop advanced photonic integrated circuits for on-chip optical amplification and lasing, enabling compact, high-performance, and scalable solutions for optical communications, AI datacenters, space applications, quantum technologies, sensing, and metrology.

We are looking for a highly motivated and hands-on Junior Nanofabrication Process Engineer to join our team and contribute to the development and fabrication of next-generation photonic integrated circuits. The candidate will play a key role in cleanroom process development, wafer-level fabrication, quality control, and the transfer of EDWATEC's PIC technologies toward scalable production.

Your tasks:

• Execute end-to-end process flows, including lithography, dry/wet etching, thin-film deposition, wafer cleaning, annealing, and metrology
• Develop, optimize, and document nanofabrication processes for EDWATEC's photonic integrated circuit technologies
• Fabricate silicon nitride-based photonic integrated circuits in cleanroom facilities
• Carry out wafer-level and device-level inspection and quality control
• Contribute to mask layout, process design, and fabrication-ready documentation
• Work closely with the design, characterization, and product teams to improve device performance and process reliability

Your profile:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in photonics, electrical engineering, physics, microengineering, materials science, nanotechnology, or a related field
• Strong hands-on experience in nanofabrication of photonic integrated circuits, semiconductor, and MEMS
• Practical experience with cleanroom processes such as lithography, etching, deposition, wafer cleaning, and metrology
• Experience with silicon nitride, silicon photonics or other integrated photonics platforms is a plus
• Previous training and access at EPFL CMi is a plus
• Excellent proficiency in English

We offer:

• The opportunity to contribute to a fast-moving high-tech startup advancing integrated photonics
• Direct involvement in cleanroom fabrication and process development for next-generation PIC technologies
• Access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities at EPFL
• A collaborative, creative, and international team environment
• An inspiring workplace in Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva
• Activity rate: 100%
• Start date: As soon as possible