Senior Operator - InP Photonics Pilot Line

TNO; Eindhoven; Hybrid; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% holiday pay

13th month bonus (8.33%)

Flex budget (5.58% + €180)

Job summary

TNO is building a state-of-the-art InP photonic chip pilot line at High Tech Campus in Eindhoven. As a Senior Operator, you will independently run and optimize advanced semiconductor production equipment, ensuring stable, high-quality manufacturing of integrated photonic chips.

You will train through a SMART Photonics program for approximately six months and then join the pilot line. The role involves future transition to a 5-shift schedule, close collaboration with engineers, technicians, and

Qualifications

• Experience operating complex production equipment in semiconductor/photonics manufacturing.
• Experience in cleanroom environments with strict quality and safety procedures.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and process-related issues independently.
• Experience supporting process optimization initiatives and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Independently operate advanced production equipment across lithography, etching, metrology and related clusters.
• Execute standard production runs and complex process flows, including non-standard wafers.
• Perform visual inspections, identify deviations, and assess rework possibilities.
• Monitor process performance and document production data; report deviations.
• Work with cleanroom procedures, safety regulations, and quality standards.
• Contribute to SPC, FMEA, and root cause analyses; support process improvements.
• Troubleshoot first-line equipment issues; assist engineers during investigations.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance and assist with equipment qualification.
• Run test runs and experimental processes for process engineers.
• Evaluate and improve operational procedures for stability and efficiency.
• Coach and mentor junior operators; support onboarding; act as technical contact.
• Collaborate with process/equipment engineers and shift leads for reliable production.

Skills

Troubleshooting equipment

Independent operator

Strong communication

Coaching/training colleagues

Process optimization

Quality improvement methods (SPC/FMEA/

Education

Technical vocational (MBO) / VAPRO A/B/C or Bachelor’s in technical discipline

Job description

TNO is building a state-of-the-art InP photonic chip pilot line at High Tech Campus in Eindhoven. As a Senior Operator, you will independently run and optimize advanced semiconductor production equipment, ensuring stable, high-quality manufacturing of integrated photonic chips.

You will train through a SMART Photonics program for approximately six months and then join the pilot line. The role involves future transition to a 5-shift schedule, close collaboration with engineers, technicians, and