Senior Semiconductor Foundry Engineer

EFFECT Photonics B.V.

Eindhoven

Hybrid

EUR 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR)

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Job summary

EFFECT Photonics is seeking a Senior Semiconductor Foundry Process Development Engineer to bridge design requirements with wafer foundry partners at our Eindhoven location. You will drive FEOL process development for compound semiconductors and silicon photonics, including epitaxy, lithography, etching, deposition, and metallization, while meeting deadlines and maintaining high quality.

Responsibilities include RCA-driven problem solving, DFM optimization, supplier coordination, and reliability

Qualifications

Minimum 5 years hands-on experience in laser/optoelectronics, or PhD with 3 years industry.
Disciplines: Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or Materials Science.
FEOL wafer fabrication knowledge for compound semiconductors or silicon photonics (epitaxy, lithography, etching, deposition, metallization).
InP or GaAs processing, laser structures, and integration of active optical components on‑wafer.
Strong English written and verbal communication; ability to lead supplier alignment meetings.

Responsibilities

Wafer probe analysis and RCA for failed tests to identify root causes.
In-line data correlation of defect density and electrical performance.
Incoming wafer inspections for quality and packaging conformance.
Lead 8D RCA investigations with CAPA and supplier coordination.
Reliability testing support (HTOL/HAST) to uncover process-related failures.
Participate in DFM reviews to optimize layout patterns and yield.

Education

PhD in integrated photonics / semiconductor lasers

Bachelor's degree in Photonics / Electrical Engineering / Applied Physics / Materials Science

FEOL / wafer fabrication knowledge

Epitaxy, lithography, dry/wet etching, thin‑film deposition, metallization

InP or GaAs processing and laser structures

Optical & electrical measurement methods (LIV, spectrum, profiling)

English technical communication

Tools

SPC

8D problem solving

DFM coordination with foundry

Job description

Your role as a Senior Semiconductor Foundry Engineer

EFFECT Photonics is a technology scale-up founded in Eindhoven. We develop highly sophisticated optical sub-assemblies (OSAs), including, among others, high-performance lasers for the data- and telecommunications market.

We are seeking a highly proactive and solution-oriented Semiconductor Foundry Process Development Engineer to bridge the gap between our design requirements and wafer foundry partners. The ideal candidate must not only possess deep technical expertise in photonics GaAs/InP processes but also demonstrate strong ownership in driving projects to completion, meeting strict deadlines, and maintaining uncompromising quality standards.

In this role you will drive the development and continuous improvement of process platforms by collaborating with PIC designers and suppliers, ensuring robust qualification and release standards. You will strengthen product reliability and delivery performance through rigorous root cause analysis, supplier oversight, and proactive risk management across the supply chain. Furthermore, you will optimize quality and yield using data-driven insights, resolving production issues, and implementing corrective actions to consistently achieve high process capability.

Requirements

Education & Experience

Experience: Minimum 5 years of hands‑on experience in the laser/optoelectronics industry, OR a Ph.D. degree with a research focus in integrated photonics or semiconductor lasers with 3 years of industry experience.
Preferred Disciplines: Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or Materials Science.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

Semiconductor Fabrication Processes: Deep understanding of front-end-of-line (FEOL) wafer fabrication processes specific to compound semiconductors or silicon photonics (e.g., epitaxy, lithography, dry/wet etching, thin-film deposition, and metallization).
Laser Technology: Solid grasp of InP (Indium Phosphide) or GaAs processing, laser physics (DFB, FP, or VCSEL structures), and the unique challenges of integrating active optical components on‑wafer.
Optical & Electrical Measurement (Plus): Familiarity with optical characterization techniques (e.g., spectrum analysis, laser light‑current‑voltage (LIV) testing, near‑field/far‑field profiling, and optical wafer‑level probing).

Language & Communication

Professional English Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be fully capable of writing technical 8D reports, reviewing foundry process flows, and leading alignment meetings with international fabrication supplier

Core Competencies (How You Work)

Proactive Project Driving: Take full responsibility for the production wafer sign‑off, and qualification timelines.
Cross‑Functional Support: Support PIC design team, Validation team with an open mindset. Value feedback from the pouring deck as much as data from a VI, lesson learnt from past process issue.
Constructive Problem Solving: Approach manufacturing disagreements or unexpected casting defects with curiosity and a focus on root causes, avoiding blame.
Data‑Driven Decision Making: Rely on empirical data, mechanical testing, and statistical process control (SPC) rather than "gut feeling" or traditional folklore when modifying process condition or design changes

Responsibilities

Wafer Probe Analysis: Analyze wafer sort/probe electrical test data to identify yield fallout, trend shifts, and perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for failed parametric or functional tests.
In‑Line & Inspection Data Correlation: Review fabrication in‑line defect density data, parametric monitor data, and visual inspection reports to correlate fab‑level anomalies with final electrical performance.
Incoming Quality Control: Perform visual and physical inspections of incoming wafers to ensure compliance with quality and packaging specifications.
8D Problem Solving: Lead formal Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations for process and yield failures using the structured 8D report format, driving corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with the fabrication supplier.
Reliability Support: Partner with Reliability Testing teams to investigate qualification or lifetime failures (e.g., HTOL, HAST) and determine process‑related root causes.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Participate in chip design reviews and drive DFM activities to optimize layout patterns, minimize lithography hotspots, and ensure high yield stability before tape‑out.

Yield & Data Analysis (Yield Engineering)

Wafer Probe Analysis: Analyze wafer sort/probe electrical test data to identify yield fallout, trend shifts, and perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for failed parametric or functional tests.
In‑Line & Inspection Data Correlation: Review fabrication in‑line defect density data, parametric monitor data, and visual inspection reports to correlate fab‑level anomalies with final electrical performance.
Incoming Quality Control: Perform visual and physical inspections of incoming wafers to ensure compliance with quality and packaging specifications.

Failure Analysis & Continuous Improvement (FA / QA)

8D Problem Solving: Lead formal Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations for process and yield failures using the structured 8D report format, driving corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with the fabrication supplier.
Reliability Support: Partner with Reliability Testing teams to investigate qualification or lifetime failures (e.g., HTOL, HAST) and determine process‑related root causes.

Design‑Technology Co‑Optimization (DFM)

Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Participate in chip design reviews and drive DFM activities to optimize layout patterns, minimize lithography hotspots, and ensure high yield stability before tape‑out.

Foundry Management & Supply Chain Follow‑up

WIP & Progress Tracking: Closely monitor foundry Work‑in‑Progress (WIP), wafer fabrication cycle times, and log progress to ensure on‑time delivery of engineering samples and production lots.
Supplier Interface: Serve as the technical point of contact to follow up on wafer fabrication process flows, process changes (PCNs), and manufacturing deviations with the external semiconductor foundry

We are a collaborative technology company, and we’re building a truly dynamic and rewarding place to work.

Benefits are a critical component to consider when taking on a new challenge. Here’s what you can expect from us:

An exciting working culture where everyone’s point of view has real value
An environment that embraces collaboration
A competitive salary that reflects our ambition
Paid time off (vacation days) plus statutory annual holidays
Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR – stock program)
Unlimited on‑demand learning with Udemy Business

Effect Photonics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Effect Photonics complies with all applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment.

EFFECT Photonics is a TU Eindhoven spin‑off that grew into a production‑ready European photonics company. We design and manufacture the smallest tunable lasers on the market, and we ship them in volume to customers across Europe, North America, and Asia‑Pacific. The team is small enough to know each other, the work is hard, and the impact is measurable in shipped units. If you want to do real engineering, see it ship, and grow with a company that is industrializing integrated photonics for the next decade, this is the place.

Impression

What your workplace will look like

We’re in it together

What can you expect from us?

We prioritize skills and passion over titles and backgrounds. Our focus is on your ability to deliver, your enthusiasm for the work, and how well you collaborate with the team. Successful individuals here tend to possess certain qualities.

Genuine engineering in a live environment.
A tight‑knit team with true accountability.
An enduring platform, not just a temporary project.

What you can look forward to

We focus on your capabilities and enthusiasm rather than your job title or educational background. Our goal is to find individuals who can perform the tasks, are eager to contribute, and can seamlessly integrate into a collaborative team. Those who thrive here typically exhibit specific characteristics.