Device Engineer

Vertical Semiconductor; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertical Semiconductor, a venture-backed MIT spin‑out, is leading the development of vertical GaN power devices and building the essential power layer for the next generation of compute and AI. The role involves architecture, process integration, modeling, characterization and reliability, with hands‑on work across device modeling, on‑wafer tests, and failure analysis.

Based in Somerville, MA, join a startup that values initiative and strong collaboration.

Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience with GaN, SiC, or other wide‑bandgap semiconductors for power devices.
• Hands‑on experience in at least one: device characterization, process integration, or device modeling and simulation.
• Comfortable working with data analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Support device architecture, process integration, and technology development for our vertical GaN power devices.
• Run device modeling and simulation to inform design and process decisions.
• Perform on‑wafer and discrete device characterization, including DC, CV, and dynamic testing.
• Support failure analysis and reliability investigations for wide‑bandgap power devices.
• Develop and review GDS layouts and test structures to support device learning and validation.
• Collaborate with epitaxy, process, packaging, and reliability teams on cross‑functional device work.
• Build and run application evaluation boards to connect device behavior to system‑level performance.
• Keep clear records of experiments, test data, and process learnings.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Communication

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Ph.D. in a related field

Tools

GaN

SiC

Job description

Company Description

Vertical Semiconductor, a venture-backed MIT spin‑out, is leading the development of vertical gallium nitride (GaN) power electronics to build the foundational power layer for the next generation of compute and AI.

Role Overview

Vertical Semi's engineering team works across the full lifecycle of our vertical GaN power devices, from architecture and process integration through modeling, characterization, and reliability. This posting is for engineers with a background in wide‑bandgap (WBG) power semiconductors, including GaN, SiC, or related technologies, at any career stage.

Where you spend most of your time will depend on your background and where the team needs help most. This could mean device modeling and simulation, on‑wafer characterization, process integration, or failure analysis and reliability work.

If you have hands‑on experience with wide‑bandgap power devices and want to build a new device technology from the ground up, we want to hear from you.

Potential Responsibilities

• Support device architecture, process integration, and technology development for our vertical GaN power devices
• Run device modeling and simulation to inform design and process decisions
• Perform on‑wafer and discrete device characterization, including DC, CV, and dynamic testing
• Support failure analysis and reliability investigations for wide‑bandgap power devices
• Develop and review GDS layouts and test structures to support device learning and validation
• Collaborate with epitaxy, process, packaging, and reliability teams on cross‑functional device work
• Build and run application evaluation boards to connect device behavior to system‑level performance
• Keep clear records of experiments, test data, and process learnings

Required Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field
• Experience with GaN, SiC, or other wide‑bandgap semiconductors, ideally in power device applications
• Hands‑on experience in at least one of: device characterization, process integration, or device modeling and simulation
• Comfortable working with data analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work across disciplines

Location, Schedule & Working Conditions

Vertical Semiconductor's team is based on‑site at our office at Greentown Labs in Somerville, MA.

Values & Culture Fit

Vertical Semiconductor is seeking an engineer who is not only capable of accelerating the technical vision of the company but is also willing to get involved in the day‑to‑day execution of a startup. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys tackling complex engineering challenges, is comfortable with a hands‑on approach in a collaborative arena, and thrives in a startup environment where they can make an immediate impact. We value integrity, initiative, problem‑solving, creativity, and a passion for creating transformative technology that can change industries and improve the world.

Title and Compensation

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package with participation in our stock option program that is commensurate with candidates' experience and impact. Titles will also reflect candidates' experience.