Senior Photonics Process Engineer

Finchetto; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Finchetto in Cardiff is seeking a Senior Photonics Process Engineer to lead the development of cleanroom nanofabrication processes for integrated photonics components. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in semiconductor manufacturing, optical testing, and cleanroom protocols. Responsibilities include operating cleanroom equipment, characterizing materials, and collaborating with the R&D team. This role provides access to advanced cleanroom facilities, making it essential for those looking to push boundaries in photonic systems.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working in a cleanroom facility.
• Proven experience in manufacturing semiconductor optical structures.
• Strong background in integrated photonics on Silicon, III-V materials, or TFLN.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of cleanroom processes for TFLN wafers.
• Operate cleanroom equipment to manufacture optical nanostructures.
• Collaborate with the R&D team to define manufacturable designs.
• Characterize TFLN wafer properties before fabrication.
• Analyze characterization results and communicate findings.

Skills

Manufacturing and characterizing optical nanostructures

Analysing and interpreting characterization data

Hands-on experience in optical testing

Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Education

Strong background in integrated photonics

Job description

AtFinchetto,we'repioneering the next generation of photonic systems for networking, and high-performance computing. Our mission is to push the boundaries of integrated photonics to solve complex challenges with speed, precision, and elegance. Backed by leading investors and a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and innovators,we’rebuilding scalable, real-world solutions using light.

The role

We are looking for a Senior Photonics Process Engineer to lead the development of cleanroom nanofabrication processes for manufacturing integrated photonics components on Thin Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) platform. This is an opportunity to play a key role in the development and manufacturing of next-generation photonics components, which will be at the heart of thenext generationofFinchettonetwork switch solutions.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in:

• Manufacturing and characterizing optical nanostructures
• Analysing and interpreting characterization data of optical semiconductor structures.

This role is based atFinchetto’sbranch officelocatedat the Institute for Compound Semiconductors at Cardiff University, where you will have access toa state-of-the-artcleanroom nanofabrication facility. The facility features some of the most advanced equipment in the field, including e-Beam lithography, ICP-reactive ion etching and dielectric deposition systems.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development of cleanroom processes for patterning TFLN wafers. This includes:eBeamlithography, ICP-RIE,eBeamevaporator, PECVD and common cleanroom tooling and equipment for sample cleaning, lithography resist deposition, metal lift-off, resistdevelopmentand wafer dicing.
• Operate cleanroom equipment to manufacture optical nanostructures on TFLN wafers or dies.
• Provide leadership and coordination to a junior engineer supporting manufacturing and characterization activities.
• Collaborate with theFinchettocore R&D team to define manufacturable lithium niobate photonic designs that meet performance requirements.
• Characterize TFLN wafer properties before fabrication.
• Create e-Beam pattern files for direct writing lithography. Define cleanroom recipes for etching and deposition processes.
• Characterize patterned nanostructures and validate them against the original design. Recommend design variations and implement process changes to close the gap between design and fabrication.
• Conduct literature searches and supplier engagements to identify feasible steps and solutions for process development.
• Develop a singulation process (scribe-and-break or deep-etching) to enable optical coupling through the sidewalls.
• Build a set-up for poling TFLN optical waveguides. Design electrode layout compatible with eBeamlithography and the other cleanroom equipment for manufacturability.
• Merge the poling electrode fabrication with the optical waveguide fabrication process.
• Build an optical setup to characterize non-poled and poled waveguides. Assess the optical performance and quality of manufactured structures.
• Identify possible paths towards repeatable and robust fabrication process that can scale up to large volume. Iterate and optimize fabrication processes accordingly.
• Analyze characterization results, communicate findings to Finchetto leadership team and report on incremental improvement and process development changes.
• Adhere to cleanroom safety protocols, material handling, and contamination control as set by the Institute for Compound Semiconductors policy.

Qualification

• Proven experience working in a cleanroom facility.
• Proven experience in manufacturing semiconductor optical structures.
• Hands-on experience in optical testing. Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong background in integrated photonics on Silicon, or III-V materials, or TFLN or similar material platforms.
• Proficient in experimental data analysis and interpretation.
• Skilled in presenting technical findings and explaining complex challenges to stakeholders to drive informed decision-making.
• Commitment to adhering to company safety policies, including cleanroom protocols, material handling procedures, and contamination control measures.

Nice to have

• Experience in manufacturing and testing TFLN integrated photonics structures.
• Experience in poling dielectric or semiconductor structures.
• Experience in managing or mentoring junior engineers, researchers or technicians.
• Experience in optical fiber alignment for fiber-to-chip characterisation.