Research & Development Engineer — Quantum Sensing & Diamond and NV Centre Fabrication

TECNALIA; Derio; Presencial; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A leading research and technology organization in Spain is seeking an R&D Engineer to join their Quantum Sensing Laboratory. The ideal candidate will focus on the creation and optimization of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centres using CVD and FIB technologies. Responsibilities include experimental work, process improvement, and collaboration with experts in the field. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to revolutionary technology in quantum sensing.

Formación

• Experience with Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) reactors, particularly for diamond growth.
• Experience with Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems for ion implantation applications.

Responsabilidades

• Fabrication of NV centres via focused ion beam implantation: execution, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Development of surface termination strategies to improve NV charge stability.
• Leading continuous process improvement by analyzing process steps.

Conocimientos

Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) reactors

Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems

Descripción del empleo

Overview

At TECNALIA we are looking to incorporate a researcher in the new QUANTUM SENSING laboratory with knowledge and experience in the use of CVD (chemical vapour deposition) reactors, ideally for diamond growth. Also, with knowledge and experience in the use of Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems for ion implantation.

If you are a proactive, responsible, and solution-oriented person with the ability to adapt to new projects and you enjoy teamwork. If you are interested in applied research and transferring the technology you develop to companies... Keep reading!

We are at the edge of the second quantum revolution, the moment of transition from research on fundamental quantum principles to real-life applications. NV centers in diamond are among the most promising quantum systems for quantum computing and, above all, for quantum sensing. These technologies leverage the ability to control the spin associated with the NV center to build qubits that operate at room temperature and to perform measurements of electric fields, magnetic fields, and other properties with unprecedented sensitivity—several orders of magnitude better than current technologies.

The inherent properties of diamond make it an ideal material for a wide variety of technologies, particularly quantum technologies. It is especially suitable for hosting spin defects that can be externally manipulated. The growth conditions of diamond that hosts NV centers are essential for their quantum properties. Likewise, the different methods of introducing nitrogen—whether through growth or implantation—also impact the quality of the diamond, which in turn affects the quantum properties of NV centers. Moreover, the demands and constraints on the requirements of diamond and NV centers depend on the specific application. For example, both coherence time and charge stability are highly relevant. However, these properties are interdependent and difficult to optimize during the growth process and subsequent creation.

At Tecnalia, we aim to systematically and specifically investigate the conditions for creating these color centers in diamond for different applications and projects in quantum sensing. To this end, TECNALIA established a quantum technologies laboratory dedicated to research into the fabrication, engineering, and characterization processes of diamond crystals with NV centers. In addition, we participate in cutting-edge research projects at the forefront of quantum technologies. This represents a pioneering scientific infrastructure in this field, conducting collaborative research with universities and other national and international research centers.

The Quantum Research & Innovation Lab at Tecnalia is equipped with microwave plasma-assisted CVD, a FIB for nitrogen implantation, an AFM for diamond surface analysis, also a lab dedicated to the optical and quantum characterization of the NV centers.

The most extensively explored and useful property of NV centers is their photoluminescence, which allows observers to read their spin state. The spin of electrons associated with the NV center can be modified by external factors such as magnetic or electric fields, microwave radiation, or light, resulting in strong resonances in photoluminescence intensity. These resonances can be explained in terms of phenomena related to electron spin, light–spin interaction, and coherence time.

This technology will revolutionize multiple fields of application, from neuroscience and biotechnology, to materials science, security, and anti-counterfeiting.

What we do

At Tecnalia’s Quantum Sensing Laboratory, we focus on developing novel devices based on nitrogen vacancy (NV) centres in diamonds. Our work spans from diamond growth using microwave plasma-assisted CVD, nitrogen doping and NV centres creation through ion implantation, to the characterization of the material properties and quantum behaviour of NV centres. We are committed to translating cutting-edge research into robust sensing technologies, improving manufacturing and material processing by exploring new engineering strategies.

Role Overview

We are looking for a skilled and motivated R&D Engineer to join our team. The candidate will be involved in the creation, optimization, and characterization of NV centres, especially via Focused Ion Beam implantation, as well as developing diamond surface termination strategies to stabilize the NV centres properties, and leading continuous process improvement to enhance their yield, reproducibility, and performance. The role includes experimental work, collaboration with diamond growth experts and quantum physicists to contribute to the development of quantum sensors.

We are seeking a motivated and skilled individual to join our cutting-edge quantum sensing lab. The ideal candidate will have experience with:

What you will need

• Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) reactors, preferably with a focus on diamond growth,
• Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems, particularly for ion implantation applications.

Responsibilities

• Fabrication of NV centres via focused ion beam implantation: execution, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Development of surface termination strategies to improve NV charge stability, coherence times, and photoluminescence.
• Leading continuous process improvement: analysing process steps, identifying sources of defects or variability, implementing improvements or new protocols.
• Record keeping, documentation of experimental results, standard operating procedures; collaborating in writing reports, publications.
• Collaborate with other team members (material growth, photonics, quantum measurement) and possibly supervise junior staff or students