MOCVD Engineer (Entry-Level)

APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS INC; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Immigration sponsorships

Generous PTO

401(k) matching

Job summary

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. in Sugar Land, TX is seeking an entry-level MOCVD Engineer to support operation and optimization of MOCVD equipment used in compound semiconductor fabrication.

This role offers hands-on experience in epitaxial growth, process characterization, and collaboration with experienced engineers to drive yield and quality improvements. Recent graduates with related coursework and internship experience are encouraged to apply; on-site position with relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of relevant experience in semiconductor manufacturing, research, internships, co-ops or university lab work.
• Fresh graduates with relevant coursework and hands-on lab or research experience are encouraged to apply.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with commercial MOCVD equipment for semiconductor epitaxial growth.
• Coursework or lab experience in semiconductor materials and devices, compound semiconductors, thin-film deposition, epitaxy, crystal growth, or semiconductor fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the operation of MOCVD systems for epitaxial growth of compound semiconductor materials.
• Monitor growth runs and collect process and characterization data.
• Document growth parameters, characterization results, and production records.
• Support quality control activities, yield monitoring, and data analysis.
• Assist in troubleshooting basic process and equipment issues under guidance of senior engineers.
• Support routine maintenance and preventive maintenance on MOCVD equipment.
• Follow SOPs and MOCVD safety protocols, including handling of hazardous materials and gases.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process consistency, quality, and equipment performance.
• Prepare technical reports and maintain engineering documentation.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, process engineering, and quality teams to support production objectives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Learning agility

Education

Physics degree

Materials Science degree

Chemical Engineering degree

Electrical Engineering degree

Semiconductor Engineering degree

Job description

AOI is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly.

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. is currently seeking a highly motivated entry‑level MOCVD Engineer to support the operation and optimization of Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) equipment used in fabrication of compound semiconductor materials. This position provides an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or early‑career engineers to develop expertise in epitaxial growth, semiconductor manufacturing, process characterization, and production support while working alongside experienced engineering professionals.

Job Duties

Assist with the operation of MOCVD systems for epitaxial growth of compound semiconductor materials.

Monitor growth runs and collect process and characterization data.

Document growth parameters, characterization results, and production records.

Support quality control activities, yield monitoring, and process data analysis.

Assist in troubleshooting basic process and equipment issues under the guidance of senior engineers.

Support routine maintenance and preventive maintenance activities on MOCVD equipment.

Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and MOCVD safety protocols, including safe handling of hazardous materials and gases.

Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process consistency, quality, and equipment performance.

Prepare technical reports and maintain accurate engineering documentation.

Collaborate with manufacturing, process engineering, and quality teams to support production objectives.

Job Requirements

0–2 years of relevant experience in semiconductor manufacturing, research, internships, co‑ops, or university laboratory work.

Recent graduates with relevant coursework and hands‑on laboratory or research experience are encouraged to apply.

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, or a related field.

Experience with commercial MOCVD equipment for semiconductor epitaxial growth.

Coursework or laboratory experience in one or more of the following:

• Semiconductor materials and devices
• Compound semiconductors
• Thin‑film deposition
• Epitaxy
• Crystal growth
• Semiconductor fabrication

Basic understanding of compound semiconductor materials such as InP or GaAs.

Familiarity with MOCVD, CVD, or related deposition processes through coursework, research, or laboratory experience is preferred.

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.

Ability to learn new processes and work effectively in a manufacturing environment.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Location

This position will be on‑site based in Sugar Land, Texas.

WHY AOI?

In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
• Relocation package available within US
• Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)