Senior Research Engineer – Technology development and process integration for MEMS-based applic[...]

Your Future Responsibilities

As part of the European Chips Act, Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is driving innovation in quantum and semiconductor technologies through its Quantum Pilot Lines. Join our interdisciplinary teams at the interface of design and fabrication and enjoy Villach’s exceptional quality of life in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Be part of something bigger. Be part of Silicon Austria Labs.

This opportunity is a temporary position with an expected duration of around 3 years, aligned with the timeframe of the pilot line project. Continuation in a permanent role may be considered thereafter, depending on the overall project situation and future funding opportunities.

The Responsibilities For This Role Include

• Technology development for MEMS-based devices in various fields such as optics, acoustic, inertial sensors from concept to prototype.
• Development and implementation of DOE to improve device performance.
• Microfabrication and prototyping in cleanroom facility by using 200 mm wafer level technology.
• Advanced testing of developed MEMS devices (electrical, mechanical, acoustic, …).
• Scientific communication / reporting of research results.

Your profile

• Master + 5 years of relevant working experience / PhD + 2 years of relevant working experience in relevant fields (education in MEMS, microtechnology or similar fields).
• Microfabrication experience in cleanroom, preferably for MEMS-based devices.
• Experience in lab environment characterization for MEMS devices is a plus.
• Proficiency in English, German is an asset.
• A team player with good communication skills.
• Willingness to relocate to Austria/Villach.

Important Facts About SAL

• Diverse research activities with many technical challenges.
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Location in the heart of Europe in Austria – relocation support for non-European nationalities.
• Internal and external training opportunities for career development.
• Home office in Austria (max. 40%) and work from anywhere in the European Union possible.
• Family & children friendly - actively shaping the compatibility of family and career.
• “Vital4SAL” to promote a healthy workplace (e.g., SAL coaching pool, trainings on mental health, physical activities, healthy snacks, 24/7 accident insurance).
• € 4 per day meal allowance in restaurants or € 2 per working day in supermarkets.
• Public transport initiative (subsidy for the “Klimaticket”).
• Our values: Open door policy, flexibility in working hours, casual dress code, diverse teams, working with people of different nationalities, informal communication, lifelong learning, compatibility of family and career, sustainability, personal growth, and collective advancement.

This is a unique chance to accelerate your career at the forefront of Europe’s quantum and semiconductor research.

• The application window opens early July, with reviews continuing through mid-August.
• 1st Interviews begin in August/September, followed by a short technical task (max. two weeks deadline) for shortlisted candidates.
• After positive assessment, final candidates will be invited to a second round to present their solution in October.
• Final decisions are expected by late October or November, with most positions starting around January/February 2026.

If you're looking for a place to grow, collaborate, and make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

This position is subject to the Collective Agreement for employees in non-university research (Research CA) starting in occupational group E (E1 salary = EUR 3.963, paid 14 times a year) based on 38.5 hours per week). For this position, we offer competitive salaries and additional benefits based on your experience and qualifications, starting with a minimum gross salary of EUR 61,000 (annual, based on an All-in contract).

Become part of Silicon Austria Labs

Over the last years, SAL has established a 300 m² ISO-5 R&D cleanroom facility at the High Tech Campus in Villach: a contamination-free environment with controlled temperature, humidity, and pressure, furnished with state-of-the-art equipment to carry out microfabrication and prototyping of micro(opto)electromechanical systems (M(O)EMS), and advanced wafer level packaging.

In July 2022, a new building was inaugurated, hosting an additional 1,100 m² of cleanroom space, making the SAL MicroFab the largest research cleanroom complex in Austria with a total area of 1,400 m².

The new facility will be equipped with batch processing tools that will enable industrial R&D and small series prototyping, thus positioning SAL MicroFab at the junction between research development and high-volume manufacturing.

About Us

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a top research center for Electronics and Software Based Systems (ESBS). At three locations (Graz, Villach, Linz), SAL conducts research along the entire ESBS value chain in areas such as sensor systems, power electronics, intelligent wireless systems, microsystems, and embedded systems to develop future-oriented solutions for industrial production, health, energy, mobility, safety, and more. SAL brings together key industry, science, and research players, conducting cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. Cooperative projects are co-financed by SAL, enabling a fast and unbureaucratic project start. SAL is shaping Austria and Europe's high-tech landscape and developing the future.

Innovation is our top priority and so are our employees. We are a family-friendly company supporting work-family balance. We have been awarded the Work and Family Certificate until 2026 and continually work on measures to create an environment where employees feel good, healthy, and motivated.

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