Contamination Control Engineer

IPG Photonics

Oxford (MA)

On-site

USD 112,436 - 148,978

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation time

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

A leading laser technology company is seeking an experienced engineer specialized in contamination control for DUV laser systems. The role requires strong expertise in photochemistry and surface chemistry, addressing performance and lifetime challenges. Candidates should possess an advanced degree in Chemistry or related fields and hands-on experience in contamination-sensitive environments. This position offers a competitive salary range of $112,436–$148,978, along with comprehensive benefits including medical insurance, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

Extensive hands-on experience with DUV systems at 266 nm or shorter wavelengths.
Deep understanding of photochemistry, surface chemistry, and molecular contamination.
Strong analytical mindset with the ability to connect mechanisms to system-level behavior.

Responsibilities

Own and advance contamination control strategy for DUV laser manufacturing.
Analyze and mitigate photochemical degradation mechanisms.
Model and experimentally validate contamination transport in DUV environments.

Skills

Photochemistry

Surface chemistry

Contamination control

Analytical mindset

Experience with contamination diagnostics

Education

Advanced degree in Chemistry

Chemical Engineering

Materials Science

Tools

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS)

Job description

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in more than 30 locations around the world. We aspire to work together with our employees and customers to apply light in ways that improve life.

Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions to make the world a better place. To accomplish this mission, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent and an engaged and thriving workforce that drives a sustainable future for our company and society.

Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and working hand-in-hand with skilled teams of software and hardware engineers.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced engineer with a strong chemistry foundation to lead manufacturing and contamination control for deep‑ultraviolet (DUV) laser systems operating at 266 nm and shorter wavelengths. This role requires deep understanding of photochemistry, surface chemistry, and contamination mechanisms that limit performance and lifetime in DUV optical systems. The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience diagnosing and mitigating chemically driven degradation in high‑energy UV environments.

This is a technically deep role with significant influence on materials selection, process definition, and long‑term system reliability.

Key Responsibilities

Own and advance contamination control strategy for DUV laser manufacturing (≤266 nm)
Analyze and mitigate photochemical and surface‑driven degradation mechanisms affecting optics, coatings, crystals, and surrounding materials
Evaluate and select materials (polymers, metals, adhesives, coatings, solvents, cleaners) for compatibility with deep‑UV exposure
Develop and qualify cleaning, passivation, and handling processes based on chemical and surface‑science principles
Lead root cause analysis of DUV‑induced failures
Model and experimentally validate contamination transport, adsorption, and photo‑induced reactions in DUV environments
Work closely with R&D to translate laboratory‑scale DUV solutions into robust manufacturing processes
Define contamination‑related specifications, cleanliness requirements, and acceptance criteria
Support supplier engagement and audits focused on chemical cleanliness and material compatibility
Mentor junior engineers and act as a subject‑matter expert in DUV contamination and chemistry

Requirements

Advanced degree in Chemistry (strongly preferred), Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science
Extensive hands‑on experience with DUV systems at 266 nm or shorter wavelengths in manufacturing, process engineering, or applied research
Deep understanding of photochemistry, surface chemistry, and molecular contamination under deep‑UV irradiation
Proven experience identifying and resolving contamination‑driven performance or lifetime limitations
Knowledge of organic and inorganic contamination sources, outgassing, adsorption/desorption, and UV‑induced chemical reactions
Experience working in contamination‑sensitive environments (cleanrooms, precision optics manufacturing)
Strong analytical mindset with the ability to connect chemical mechanisms to system‑level behavior
Experience with surface analysis or contamination diagnostics including XPS, GC‑MS, ICP‑MS, TOF‑SIMS, residual gas analysis preferred
Background in reliability engineering for UV optical systems preferred
Experience defining cleanliness standards for high‑energy UV or photolithography‑related applications preferred

Location(s)

50 Old Webster Road, Oxford, Massachusetts 01540, United States

Employment Type

Exempt

Wage Information

MA: $112,436–$148,978

US Benefits Information

Pay Range

The pay range on this posting applies to the role in the primary location specified. If the candidate would ultimately work outside of the primary location posted, the applicable range could differ. Actual starting pay is determined by a number of factors including relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.

Other Compensation