Senior Wet Etch Engineer

smartphotonics.nl; Eindhoven; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Impactful work

Career growth

Global team

Job summary

SMART Photonics is expanding its Process Engineering team and seeks a Senior Wet Etch Engineer to own and optimize chemical wet etch processes for photonics wafers. You will lead process releases, mentor peers, and contribute to safety and yield improvements across the fab.

You will collaborate with Equipment, Operations, Integration and R&D teams to ensure reliable, cost-effective production. A master’s in Physical Chemistry plus 6+ years in wet etch is required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physical Chemistry or a similar field.
• At least 6 years of post-graduation experience with chemical wet etch processes in a wafer fab.
• Strong understanding of safety guidelines for semiconductor IC fabrication.
• Proven drive for operational excellence aligned with company vision.
• Experience with process improvement and statistical tools (FMEA, SPC, DoE).

Responsibilities

• Own the wet etch process: ensure all wet etch processes and tools are released on time, correctly qualified and in line with safety guidelines.
• Improve continuously: analyze existing processes and control systems to raise efficiency, yield and reduce costs.
• Be the technical reference: bring in-depth knowledge of chemical wet etch processes in a wafer fab and support the team.
• Coach and grow the team: guide juniors to take ownership and strengthen skills.
• Represent the department: contribute depth and perspective in management meetings with cross-functional colleagues.

Skills

Operational excellence

Process optimization

Statistical analysis

Education

Master’s degree in Physical Chemistry

Tools

FMEA

SPC

DoE

Job description

Be the go-to wet etch expert in a fast-growing photonics foundry.

SMART Photonics aims to be the trusted, leading Tier 1 foundry and development partner in integrated photonics. We work closely with our customers to create innovative products that improve people’s lives. To support our growth towards high-volume production, we are expanding our Process Engineering team and are looking for a Senior Wet Etch Engineer.

Your role

Together with your colleagues, you develop, optimize and sustain the fabrication processes behind photonic devices such as lasers, optical amplifiers and photonic integrated circuits. Your goal is to make our processes efficient, cost-effective and stable, so that every wafer meets our customers’ specifications.

As Senior Wet Etch Engineer you report to the Cluster Lead. You will:

• Own the wet etch process: make sure all wet etch processes and tools are released on time, correctly qualified and in line with our safety guidelines.

• Improve continuously: analyze existing processes and control systems (e.g. SPC, Cp/CpK) and turn the findings into higher efficiency, better yield and lower costs.

• Be the technical reference: bring in-depth knowledge of chemical wet etch processes in a wafer fab, support the process experts in the team and step in where needed.

• Coach and grow the team: guide junior colleagues in taking ownership and strengthening their skills.

• Represent your department: contribute technical depth and strategic perspective in management meetings and presentations, and work closely with colleagues from Equipment, Operations, Integration and R&D.

We are looking for someone who has/is

• A master’s degree in Physical Chemistry or a similar field.

• At least 6 years of post-graduation experience with chemical wet etch processes in a wafer fab.

• A good understanding of various processes and the strict safety guidelines used in the fabrication of semiconductor integrated circuits.

• A proven drive for operational excellence, aligned with the company vision.

• Experience with process improvement and statistical tools such as FMEA, SPC and DoE.

• A natural drive to take ownership, get the job done, stay focused and be proactive.

We offer

• The chance to start something great: add real value and have a significant impact.

• Excellent growth and career opportunities: we invest in you through a tailor-made career plan with courses, training and senior guidance to help you reach your future career goals.

• A global, committed team: our colleagues come from more than 40 nationalities, supported by a dedicated team and management. Our team rated Teamwork 8.8/10 in 2025.

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.