MOCVD Engineer (Entry-Level)

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible health plans

401(k) employer matching

Generous PTO

Relocation package

Immigration sponsorship

Job summary

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

This role offers hands-on experience working with senior engineers and exposure to process characterization and production support. Ideal candidates are recent graduates with coursework and lab experience in semiconductor materials and epitaxy, and possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of relevant experience in semiconductor manufacturing, research, internships, co-ops, or university lab work.
• Recent 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 a 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.
• Basic understanding of compound semiconductors such as InP or GaAs.
• Familiarity with deposition processes (MOCVD, CVD) through coursework or lab experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn new processes and work effectively in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

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 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 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.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Learning ability

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering

Tools

MOCVD equipment

Job description

Build a Brighter Future with AOI: Join Our Team of Visionaries

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 the 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 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 the US
• Immigration sponsorship (must be currently authorized to work in the US)