Detector Process Engineer

SAAZ Micro Inc.; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SAAZ Micro Inc. seeks a Process Engineer to join the detector team for infrared focal plane arrays fabrication. You will handle wafer-level processes from epi wafer to diced arrays at UCSB Nanofab and partner facilities in CA, contributing to ISO cleanroom production and rigorous documentation.

Ideal candidates have hands-on semiconductor fabrication experience, strong communication, and strict adherence to safety and quality guidelines, with US work eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant science or engineering discipline, or 10 years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on processing of semiconductor devices in cleanrooms including photolithography, dry etch, wet etch, evaporation, sputtering, dicing, and lift-off.
• At least 3 years of hands-on semiconductor fabrication experience.
• General ISO 5/6 cleanroom practices and following laboratory rules.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on wafer and/or component fabrication in ISO 5/6 cleanrooms.
• Set up and operate lab equipment to manufacture infrared focal plane arrays and sensors.
• Refine fabrication processes; troubleshoot and resolve problems.
• Inspect product at critical steps using microscope, SEM, ellipsometer and profilometer.
• Collaborate with senior staff to perform experiments and document findings.
• Follow schedules, written instructions, and document results.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and PPE; manage hazardous materials safely.

Skills

Hands-on fabrication experience

ISO 5/6 cleanroom practices

Documentation & communication

Time management & organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant science or engineering

Tools

Microscope

SEM

Ellipsometer

Profilometer

Job description

SAAZ is advancing sensor solutions, from design and development to production and delivery of space-qualified hardware. Our expertise spans UV, visible, NIR, and IR sensors, including scanners, starers, event-based sensors, and LiDAR, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like tiled 3D IC packaging and cryo cooling architectures.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Process Engineer to join our detector team building advanced infrared photodetector array products. This role is essential in fabrication of infrared focal plane arrays, especially infrared avalanche photodiode arrays and focal plane arrays. You will be responsible for fabrication of the focal plane arrays from epi wafer to diced arrays at the UCSB Nanofab in Santa Barbara, CA and at our partner company in Camarillo, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Hands-on wafer and/or component fabrication in an ISO 5 and 6 cleanrooms
• Set up and operate laboratory equipment to manufacture infrared focal plane arrays and sensors with production schedules and quality standards
• Perform and refine fabrication processes; troubleshoot and resolve process problems
• Inspect product at critical steps including microscope, SEM, ellipsometer and profilometer analysis
• Work closely with senior technical staff to perform experiments and document experimental findings
• Read, understand and follow schedules; follow written instructions and document results
• Strong team member, able to work well with others
• Follow all safety guidelines and procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment and the handling of hazardous materials
• Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant science or engineering discipline, or 10 years of relevant experience
• Experience with hands-on processing of semiconductor devices in cleanrooms including photolithography, dry etch, wet etch, evaporation, sputtering, dicing, and lift-off
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience of semiconductor fabrication processes
• General laboratory and ISO 5/6 cleanroom practices, responsible to follow all laboratory rules and regulations
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills with attention to detail, and excellent documentation capability
• Citizen or permanent resident of the United States required

Success Metrics

• Consistently meet assigned deliverables and deadlines
• Proactively identify and address process issues without requiring repeated direction
• Maintain high standard of accuracy, accountability and documentation
• Communicate issues, risks, and progress in a timely and professional manner
• Demonstrate ownership of assigned processes and outcomes
• Consistently perform all quality tasks and meet all quality requirements per the AS9100 standard and SAAZ procedures and work instructions