Chief Scientist/Engineer, Photonic Integrated Circuit Process Development

QPICs, Inc.; Arvada (CO); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A photonics technology company in Arvada, Colorado is seeking an Integrated Photonics Process Scientist/Engineer to lead the development of cutting-edge fabrication processes for photonic integrated circuits. You will collaborate with various teams, optimize processes for high-volume manufacturing, and support R&D initiatives. Ideal candidates have an advanced degree and deep experience in microfabrication and process integration. Initial travel and remote work are expected in the first year.

Qualifications

• Deep experience in process integration and materials properties is valued.
• Experience with lithography and etching is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize fast-turn fabrication processes for PICs.
• Collaborate with designers and engineers to translate designs into manufacturable processes.
• Support development of fabrication platforms for additional materials.

Skills

Microfabrication for photonics

Photonic simulation tools

Process characterization techniques

Team collaboration

Education

Advanced degree in physics, electrical engineering, or chemistry

Tools

SEM

AFM

Spectral analysis

Ellipsometry

Job description

Overview

QPICs, Inc. is driving the new frontier of photonic devices and systems: smaller, lighter, and more power efficient. The company focuses on rapid R&D and development to deliver high-fidelity photonic integrated circuit (PIC) devices with fast delivery times, enabling developers to prototype and scale. The initiatives cover platforms with silicon nitride, thin-film lithium niobate, and other materials to support nonlinear and electro-optical properties, with applications across quantum computing, sensors, communications, LIDAR, and AR/VR displays.

This is a ground-floor opportunity to shape the direction of the company including fabrication processes, intellectual property, market sectors, and customer engagements.

Description of Position

QPICs, Inc. seeks a highly motivated Integrated Photonics Process Scientist/Engineer to lead the development and implementation of fast-turn fabrication processes for cutting-edge PICs. The role includes the design, implementation, and qualification of PIC fabrication processes, plus selection and qualification of the tools needed to deliver these processes. A key challenge is to develop processes and design a path toward higher-scale foundries. The candidate will work with multiple photonic platforms and help advance process development, materials integration, and transitions to larger-scale manufacturing.

Location: Quantum Commons campus, Arvada, Colorado. The first year will involve travel and remote work to support startup-phase operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize fast-turn fabrication processes for PICs and establish a path to high-volume manufacturing.
• Develop process characterization, optimization, and troubleshooting methods; create process monitors and test structures for critical quality parameters.
• Develop metrology and inspection procedures (wafer-level and in-process tests) and establish correlations with device performance data.
• Establish and maintain process documentation, including flow descriptions, quality specifications, control charts, and yield reports.
• Collaborate with photonic and electronic designers, system engineers, and packaging teams to translate designs into manufacturable processes.
• Develop elements of the process design kit (PDK), characterize process variability, and drive improvements in parameters such as transmission and insertion losses and power handling.
• Coordinate with internal fab assets and partner facilities to ensure process compatibility and efficient production flow.
• Support development of fabrication platforms for additional materials and devices, including MEMS and electronics integration as needed.
• Contribute to process characterization and metrology using techniques such as SEM, AFM, spectral analysis, and ellipsometry.
• Track record of delivering unique devices and systems in fast-paced R&D environments.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in physics, electrical engineering, chemistry, or related fields.
• Deep experience in microfabrication for photonics, process integration, materials properties, and management of heterogeneous bonding between wafers and chips is valued.
• Experience with lithography, etching, deposition, and related processing; device design experience is valued.
• Experience with photonics simulation tools for test structure design and customer design interfacing.
• Experience with process characterization and metrology techniques (SEM, AFM, spectral analysis, ellipsometry).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Location

Quantum Commons campus, Arvada, Colorado. Initial travel and remote work required in the first year to support startup operations.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a cover letter indicating your enthusiasm for the role, understanding of the challenges, and how your experience aligns with the duties of this position.

Website: www.qpics.com

Contact: Chris Myatt, QPICs, Inc.

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]