Microfabrication Engineer I/II

Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid holidays and PTO

Job summary

Hawthorn Photonics (US), Inc. is seeking a Microfabrication Engineer in Bozeman, MT to join the Processing Group. You will pattern wafers, perform measurements, metrology, and data collection across microfabrication steps. The role includes SOP development and interfacing with the Microfabrication Team.

The position emphasizes hands-on process development, continuous improvement, and safe operation of fabrication equipment in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics or related field is required.
• 5+ years hands-on microfabrication experience is acceptable in lieu of a degree.
• Ability to troubleshoot processes independently based on results.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate micron-sized features using PVD, lithography, electroplating, and wet chemistry.
• Advance microfabrication process development and optimization.
• Operate and maintain fabrication equipment and document parameters.

Skills

Autonomy in work

Problem solving

Data collection

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/physics or related field

Tools

Python

Job description

About Hawthorn Photonics (US)

Hawthorn Photonics (US), Inc. designs and manufactures advanced electro-optic and non-linear photonics components for high-performance commercial and government applications. Our work spans research and development through production, requiring close collaboration across disciplines. As part of the Hawthorn Photonics Group, which also includes Hawthorn Photonics (UK) (Southampton, UK) and Hawthorn Photonics (Spain) (Barcelona, Spain), Hawthorn Photonics (US) benefits from shared expertise and a broad technology portfolio across the photonics industry.

Company

Hawthorn Photonics (US), Inc.

Company

Full Time

Location

Bozeman, MT

About Hawthorn Photonics (US)

Hawthorn Photonics (US), Inc. designs and manufactures advanced electro-optic and non-linear photonics components for high-performance commercial and government applications. Our work spans research and development through production, requiring close collaboration across disciplines. As part of the Hawthorn Photonics Group, which also includes Hawthorn Photonics (UK) (Southampton, UK) and Hawthorn Photonics (Spain) (Barcelona, Spain), Hawthorn Photonics (US) benefits from shared expertise and a broad technology portfolio across the photonics industry.

Position Summary

The Processing Group is responsible for turning raw materials into waveguides through a variety of microfabrication processes, wet chemistry, and precision machining. Within this Processing Group, there are two teams: Microfabrication and Fabrication. The Microfabrication Engineer operates within the Microfabrication Team, whose primary responsibility is performing the steps required to pattern wafers and performing measurements, metrology, and data collection throughout the process.

Key Responsibilities

• Fabrication of micron-sized features through processes such as physical vapor deposition, -photolithography, electroplating, and/or wet chemistry
• Microfabrication process development, optimization, and implementation
• As part of continuous improvement efforts, identify microfabrication issues and present and implement solutions
• Performing measurements and metrology
• Preparation of samples for advanced patterning
• Electric field poling
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for key processes
• Develop and maintain software developed internally (e.g. Python)
• Operate and maintain fabrication and processing equipment
• Follow proper chemical safety rules and protocols
• Maintain detailed documentation of processing parameters and work flow
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as business needs evolve, consistent with the scope of the role

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics or related field or 5+ years of hands-on experience working in a microfabrication environment
• Ability to independently troubleshoot processes based on experimental results
• Ability to occasionally move equipment weighing up to 40 pounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands on experience with lithography/patterning of optical waveguide structures.
• Demonstrated capability developing recipes for PVD, lithography, and/or etching processes
• Lean manufacturing experience

Level II Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Exhibit a high level of proficiency balancing a variety of microfabrication tasks.
• Perform microfabrication tasks with minimal oversight, autonomously generating consistent and trustworthy results.
• Provide feedback and training to Level I Engineers.
• Demonstrate the ability to take on less well defined, more complex tasks
• Apply judgement to adjust processes within normal standards.

Benefits

Hawthorn Photonics (US) offers flexible schedules; subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement contributions; and paid holidays and PTO.