Senior Plasma Process Engineer for InP Photonics

TNO; Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 78,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package for international候

Excellent pension scheme

Flexible working hours / part-time (32

Job summary

TNO in Eindhoven is seeking a Senior Process Engineer Plasma to develop, optimize, and manage plasma processes for wafer-scale photonic chips. You will drive deposition and etching of SiO2/SiN and dry etching of III/V materials, enabling robust 6-inch InP wafer manufacturing.

You will lead cross-functional teams, apply SPC/DoE methods, and mentor junior engineers while shaping Europe’s photonics manufacturing capabilities. This role combines research impact with industrial-scale execution.

Qualifications

• A PhD, MSc, or BSc degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in semiconductor process engineering, preferably in industrial wafer fabs.
• Strong expertise in dry etching of III/V semiconductor materials such as InP, GaAs, or GaN.
• Proven experience in process development, optimization, troubleshooting, and yield improvement.
• Familiarity with statistical tools (SPC, FMEA, DoE) and process characterization methods.
• Leadership experience as a cluster lead or acting cluster lead.
• Coaching and mentoring skills, with the ability to support junior colleagues and guide larger projects.
• A strategic and analytical mindset, with excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Developing, qualifying, and improving plasma processes (e.g. PECVD, ICP, RIE) for 6-inch InP wafers.
• Analyzing process data, performing root cause analyses, and applying statistical methods (SPC, FMEA, DoE).
• Supporting operators and technicians with process-related issues, ensuring smooth continuation of wafer manufacturing.
• Troubleshooting disruptions and ensuring process stability and quality.
• Leading improvement projects and the introduction of new plasma tools and processes.
• Collaborating in cross-functional teams (R&D, Equipment, QA) and reporting progress to management.
• Creating and maintaining process documentation, work instructions, and best practices.
• Conducting audits and quality checks to ensure compliance and reliability.
• Mentoring junior engineers, acting as a sparring partner for cluster leads, and representing process engineering in the absence of the team leader.

Skills

Plasma etching

Statistical methods

Leadership

Wafer fabrication

Process optimization

Education

PhD/MSc/BSc in physics, chemistry, materials science, or electrical engineering

Tools

PECVD

ICP

RIE

Job description

TNO in Eindhoven is seeking a Senior Process Engineer Plasma to develop, optimize, and manage plasma processes for wafer-scale photonic chips. You will drive deposition and etching of SiO2/SiN and dry etching of III/V materials, enabling robust 6-inch InP wafer manufacturing.

You will lead cross-functional teams, apply SPC/DoE methods, and mentor junior engineers while shaping Europe’s photonics manufacturing capabilities. This role combines research impact with industrial-scale execution.