Defectivity Engineer

smartphotonics.nl; Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

SMART Photonics is ramping up production and seeks a Defectivity Engineer to own detection, classification and reduction of defects across the full InP process flow. You will translate inspection data into priorities and lead RCA initiatives with cross-functional teams to improve yield and cost.

You will work with PCM, Device Integration and Statistics to connect inline defects to end-of-line performance, shaping our defectivity strategy and manufacturing maturity.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in physics, materials science, electrical engineering or related field.
• Hands-on cleanroom experience with semiconductor processing and inspection (AOI tools a big plus).
• Strong data preparation, visualization and analysis skills (Python, SQL, JMP).
• Structured problem-solver, familiar with SPC and root-cause analysis.
• Background in InP, III-V or photonics, and defectivity or yield is a plus.
• Senior level: track record of leading defect reduction programs and customer escalations.
• Proactive, clear English communication in writing and visuals.
• Ability to translate complex subjects into simple, actionable terms.

Responsibilities

• Own defect detection, classification, monitoring and reduction across full process flow.
• Lead root-cause investigations and containment for defect excursions and customer complaints.
• Prepare and integrate defect data with process, PCM and test data; build line-health dashboards.
• Drive defect reduction with process and equipment engineers via Pareto analyses and 8D reports.
• Maintain defect library, create clear work instructions, and train operators.

Skills

Cleanroom experience

Data analysis (Python, SQL)

SPC & root-cause analysis

Defectivity/yield knowledge

Education

Master’s or PhD in physics, materials science, or electrical engineering

Tools

AOI tools

SEM/EDX

Job description

SMART Photonics is an abitious and rapidly growing Indium Phospide (InP) photonics foundry. Our Process and Integration Engineering (PIE) team is responsible for end-to-end control and maturation of the production line, connecting in-line process control and end-of-line device performance through data-driven analysis.

As we are ramping up production, defects are a key lever for yield, cycle time and costs. This is where our new Defectivity Engineer comes in!

You will take ownership of defect detection, classification, monitoring and reduction across the full process flow, from incoming substrates and epitaxial growth to final metallization. You will translate inspection data into clear priorities, identify patterns and lead the response to defect excursions and customer complaints. Working closely with process, equipment and device integration teams, you will drive root-cause investigations and implement improvements that prevent defects at their source.

Together with our PCM Engineer, Device Integration Engineers and Statistician, you will connect in-line defect patterns to end-of-line device performance and yield. This will help us focus engineering efforts on the defects with the greatest impact on product quality, manufacturing efficiency and cost.

We welcome both Medior and Senior candidates and will tailor the level of technical ownership, project leadership and strategic responsibility to your experience. Whether you are ready to grow into broader ownership or bring the experience to shape and lead our defectivity strategy, you will play a key role in improving the performance and maturity of our InP manufacturing platform.

Key Responsibilities:

Inspection Strategy & Tooling:

• Own the in-line inspection strategy (inspection steps, sampling plans and defect specs) for current and new processes and products, balancing detection capability against cycle time and cost.

• Work closely with Metrology, who own the inspection tools, on setting up inspection opcodes and recipes, and drive the move from manual to automated inspection where it adds value.

• Translate the needs of the foundry into requests for new inspection tools or upgrades of existing ones.

Monitoring & Excursion Control:

• Set up and maintain defect SPC and OCAPs, including particle qualification criteria for process tools together with Equipment Engineering.

• Act as first responder for defect excursions: review defect images, disposition affected lots, identify the source tool or process step, and drive containment.

Data & Analytics:

• Prepare and combine defect data from our 24/7 production with process, PCM and test data, and build dashboards that show line health at a glance.

• Correlate in-line defects with end-of-line PCM and device test results, together with Device Integration Engineers and our Statistician, to find what limits yield.

Defect Reduction & Ownership:

• Drive defect reduction with process and equipment engineers through defect Paretos, regular defect reviews and root-cause analysis (SEM, EDX, cross-sections).

• Own 8Ds for defect-related incidents and customer complaints, providing root cause and corrective actions together with Quality.

• Be the go-to expert for defectivity: maintain the defect library and clear, visual work instructions, and train operators in defect classification.

Our ideal candidate:

• Master’s degree or PhD in physics, materials science, electrical engineering or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience;

• Strong hands‑on cleanroom experience with semiconductor processing and inspection (optical microscopy, SEM/EDX; experience with Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) tools is a big plus;

• Strong data preparation, visualization and analysis skills (e.g. Python, SQL, JMP);

• Structured problem‑solver, familiar with SPC and root cause analysis;

• Background in InP, III‑V or photonics, and industry experience in defectivity or yield, are strong pluses;

• For the Senior level: a track record of leading defect reduction programs and customer escalations;

• Proactive, takes ownership, and communicates clearly in English, both in writing and with visuals.

• Being able to translate complex subjects into simple, actionable terms.

What do we offer?

• An essential key position within our organisation

• To develop with us SMART Photonics into a market leader in an entrepreneurial, dynamic environment.

• A challenging position with plenty of room for own initiatives and professional development and personal growth.

• A talented group of passionate people working in an open, informal culture in multidisciplinary teams.

How we create a safe work environment together.

Security is a shared responsibility. At SMART Photonics, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace, where everyone is treated fairly. Together, we protect our people, information, technology, and operations. Every employee is expected to work responsibly by following approved procedures, using our systems and information with care, and speak up when something doesn't seem right. By applying, you agree to uphold our security principles and Code of Conduct.